While winter is an opportunity for gardeners to take a step back from jobs in the backyard, new challenges may emerge in the form of rodents.
The presence of mice and rats in the garden can prove problematic for several reasons, mainly because they eventually enter our homes.
According to Pest UK: “The cold weather can make our homes an inviting destination for rats and mice.”
The organisation continued: “People are also more likely to feed birds in the cold weather which can attract rats and mice to this delicious extra source of protein, which can then next nearby.”
Rodents have a very sensitive sense of smell
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Fortunately, there are ways to deter the rodents and ensure they don’t return, with TikTok user Madame Sweat sharing a natural method she claims “sends mice running”.
“If you don’t want to set traps, you just want the mice to stay away, you want to use peppermint essential oil,” the social media user shared.
“Here’s the trick, don’t put the peppermint oil on cotton balls, people recommend that but it’ll just evaporate.
“Wool holds the smell of the essential oils much longer. Think of your wool coat when it picks up the fragrance that you’re wearing and it stays on your coat.
“Wool is the best fabric to hold essential oils, you can even use them to scent your closets.”
Some viewers noted that they could support the hack, given that they’ve previously had luck using similar deterrents.
“Peppermint keeps mice out of our camper,” wrote one commentator. “Going to try putting on the wool.”
According to Pest Control Expert Robert Collins, eucalyptus and citronella essential oils are also among some of the safest repellents around.
The expert previously told GB News: “There are several essential oils that can be used to deter rats from your garden. This is one of the safest and most effective natural ways to get rid of rats.
“Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Citronella are great examples of essential oils that are brilliant at deterring rats.”
These methods are deemed effective because mice and rats rank highly in terms of olfactory abilities, meaning they have a sensitive sense of smell.
Because scents like Eucalyptus and Peppermint have powerful botanical compounds, they are quick to perturb the olfactory senses.