Deter rats and mice with natural 29p household item - as they 'can't stand sharp scent'

A cleaning expert has shared an easy an cost-effective home hack to help deter rodents from taking over homes, which is important because they can be harmful and spread diseases to humans

Rats and mice are universally unwanted in homes, and they can cause a headache in homes and gardens especially if they start to grow in numbers. The most obvious signs of rodents include droppings around the home in corners of cupboards and drawers and in unsealed food packaging. You may also spot shredded paper and fabric or holes in odd places around the house in walls and floors or other small crevices in your home.

Sometimes the rodents can leave behind smells which caused by rodent urine and faeces. Rodents can carry various diseases, including ones that affect humans, like Weil's disease, listeria and Hantavirus. This is why it’s important to keep areas clean and to get rid of rodents.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Carlos Garcia, son of the founders of Total Clean, spoke about how to keep rodents away from homes - including a 'natural' repellent using two items you likely already have in your home. Carlos recommended using "natural repellents" like peppermint oil and vinegar. Aldi's Bramwells Distilled Vinegar is inexpensive at 29p for 568ml, Tesco's Distilled Vinegar also costs 29p. Rodents and pests are unable to stand sharp smells according to Pest experts at FoxPest. The hack should be used to clean areas where have made themselves at home it will remove their scent.

Carlos also recommends getting rid of any food sources they might be interested in. He explained: "To deter rodents like rats and mice, I highly recommend getting rid of potential food sources by sealing food in airtight containers and keeping your living space clean." He also suggested sealing any entry points that could be used by pests to enter homes. He added: "If you're using traps, think about setting them strategically and consider using natural repellents like peppermint oil or placing cotton balls soaked in vinegar near their entry points."

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