Having an unwanted guest at home, like rodents, can pose serious damage to property and health. The traces of urine, as well as feces, left by these creatures, comprise bacteria and viruses, which can lead to the spread of serious illnesses. However, restricting mice infestation can be done with the use of some simple natural repellents. Here are some of the best home remedies and tips that can help control a rodent infestation.

Grab a bottle of essential oils
This is the best home remedy to control mice invading your house. This natural repellent can be made with just essential oils; the powerful odor of clove and peppermint oil is known to fight off mice. You just need to soak these oils in cotton balls and place them at locations from where the rats tend to make an entry. The strong odor, however, won’t be completely effective in getting rid of the animal, but when this trick is adopted with other popular rat repelling products, it tends to work perfectly.

Eliminate food sources
To prevent mice from inhabiting your house, it is crucial to eliminate the left-over food items away from their reach. You should also secure dry food items, as well as grains, in glass or metal cans as these materials are difficult to be chewed by the mice. Additionally, it is important to secure all garbage in tamper-proof bins so that mice don’t get attracted to it. Furthermore, keeping pet foods in the open for longer periods also needs to be avoided as these creatures will find their way to this spot. Remember, it is essential to clean all spills and messes immediately so that any chance of infestation is deterred.

Spray a mixture of water and hot pepper
Among the natural products available to repel mice, this solution is the most preferred for home use as it is safe for pets as well as children. Spray hot pepper solution onto the spots where you may have spotted the mice coming from or hiding, like under the stove or cabinets. Although the mixture is not poisonous for humans and animals, it is important to exercise caution while using it, as it can irritate the eye and mouth.

Choose a cat as a pet
Another way to keep away mice is to raise a cat in your home. Your pet will take care of the problem as rats are their natural enemies. In case keeping a cat is not possible, you can bring some kitty litter from a neighbor or friend having a feline and place it at the entrance of the home. The odor of their urine prevents mice from entering your place and wards off the existing ones.

Grab a bottle of pure ammonia
Pure ammonia is an effective agent that can be used against rats, as its odor is known to match the smell of urine of its predator. You can fill small cups of ammonia and place them along the places where there are mice infestation. Furthermore, you can even dip cotton balls in ammonia and place them in the pantry or under the cabinet from where the rats may have been entering frequently. However, it is important to place it at a location where pets and children don’t reach.

Secure all entry points
To stop the infestation of mice, close all entry points like small holes or cracks present in the walls, as mice can enter through even tiny holes.

Apart from these home remedies, you can also find mice repellents from several brands in the market. These popular products have either chemical or natural contents. You can choose from options like Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray, Critter Out™ All Natural Repellent for Squirrels, Mice, and More, and Stay Away® Rodent Repellent.