Rats and mice do not like smelling these(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

List of four scents that keep rats and mice at bay - and they're likely already at home

Rats and mice have notoriously poor eyesight, which means they rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate their surroundings

by · NottinghamshireLive

Rats and mice, notorious for their poor eyesight, depend on a sharp sense of smell to survive. To keep these pests at bay, strong scents can be used to "overpower" their sensitive noses.

Experts from Eliminate LTD have revealed several smells that are repellent to rats and mice, ensuring they "stay away". Lavender is one scent particularly disliked by rodents.

Simply using a lavender-scented spray or growing a lavender plant can naturally deter them from your home. For those who prefer a homemade solution, mix a quarter to a half cup of lavender flowers with one-quarter cup of water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where rodents frequent until the surface is moist but not drenched.

This mixture should be refreshed every month to keep its rodent-repelling strength. Another aroma loathed by rats and mice is citrus oil, which contains limonenea compound found in lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.

Limonene gives off the zesty scent often associated with many household cleaners, including soaps, detergents, and disinfectants, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Rodents hate the smell of lavender(Image: (Image: Getty))

Citrus oils, such as lemon and orange, are also "very effective at keeping rats and mice away" from specific areas or items. The experts recommend using these oils sparingly or diluting them with water due to their potency when treating a space or object.

Peppermint oil is touted as being "effective" in repelling rats and mice due to their dislike of menthol's scent. Rodents "associate it with danger and fear", which prompts them to "avoid areas" where the oil is present or try to "stay away from it" as much as possible.

Commonly used in homemade mouse repellent recipes, peppermint oil's strong smell acts as a powerful deterrent. Just place a few drops on cotton balls and put them in places where rodents like to hide.

Chilli powder is also a top choice for making home rat repellents because it's "inexpensive and easy to obtain at most grocery stores".

Citrus is great but should be used sparingly(Image: (Image: Getty))

To use chilli powder, mix about two tablespoons per litre of water before adding it to your spray bottle or hand sanitiser container. The experts noted: "This is an effective home remedy for getting rid of mice because it smells terrible to them and they won't stay around long enough for their sense of smell to get used to it."

Just sprinkle some chilli powder in areas where mice are likely to visit, such as behind cupboards or under furniture.