Woman says she's found simple way to keep rats and mice away by using 'irritating' scent

As cooler weather rolls in, uninvited furry guests might be scurrying to make your warm abode their own winter retreat. Before you know it, a few scavenging rodents searching for sustenance can turn into an unwelcome infestation thanks to their rapid breeding.

But fret not; household expert and Adventures of Mel founder Mel Lockcuff says there's a simple yet effective natural trick to keep these animal critters at bay.

Mel revealed her own struggle with these pests on her platform: "There were lots of little crevices, and they could get in the tiniest of holes, it seems like so and they would get in our cabinets, they would get in and just wreak havoc."

• Rats and mice will ‘stay away’ from your home for good with 1 natural item they ‘fear’
• Keep rats and mice away from your home naturally with one item they find 'overwhelming'

She continued expressing her frustration until she stumbled upon a minty solution: "So we finally got fed up, and I started looking at remedies, and that's when I discovered peppermint oil."

Peppermint oil is not only refreshing it's a potent rodent repellent. Its intense aroma is offensive to the sensitive schnozzes of mice and rats, effectively acting as a barrier, reports the Express .

The mint oil's power lies not just in its pungent odor but also in its ability to interfere with the rodents' communication, says Mel: "Peppermint oil is a great deterrent, and I have read that what it does is it actually masks their pheromone trails so that other mice aren't attracted to that area."

It even gets under their skin or rather, in their nostrils: "And then I've also read that it irritates their nasal passages. They don't like it. And it actually it worked. It worked for us in a couple of different old, really old houses that we lived in."

Peppermint oil is a fantastic natural deterrent for rodents, as it not only masks food odours in your home but also reduces the motivation for rats and mice to explore and nest.

Wondering how to use peppermint oil to keep these pesky creatures at bay?

Here's how:.

Cotton Ball Method.

This method is incredibly straightforward. All you need is a packet of cotton balls and a bottle of pure peppermint oil, which can be purchased from pharmacies or health food stores.

Mel advises: "You can put probably at least five to six drops on a cotton ball, and then put those cotton balls in different areas where you think the mice might be coming in, or where you're finding evidence of mice."

"Place them around your cabinets, baseboards, and even outside entrances like your garage door."

Don't forget to place these peppermint-infused cotton balls under sinks as well, as rodents often enter homes through gaps around plumbing pipes. Also, ensure they are near windows, doors, or any place you suspect the rodents are using to enter your home.

Homemade Spray.

Another highly effective way to use peppermint oil is by turning it into a homemade solution. Simply mix it with water and spray it around your home.

Mel shared her pest control secret, saying: "Another thing I did, I took it one step further, and I used a spray bottle, and I mixed up water with lots of peppermint oil, you want to make sure that it's potent enough so that it will smell, so it'll smell strong enough to deter them."

"A lot of people recommend a one-to-one mixture. I didn't go that strong. That was way too strong because it will fill your house with minty fresh smell. You could use, like 25 drops for eight ounces, or you could use two teaspoons of peppermint oil for eight ounces for maybe a cup of water."

"Just make sure that when you spray it, you can smell it really well. It's really strong, and you'll have to keep replenishing your cotton balls and your spray every couple of weeks. Just to keep it strong."

You can spritz this DIY deterrent anywhere in your home, even outdoors around gardens or sheds, though remember to reapply it after rain or weekly.

Utilizing peppermint oil is an effective, budget-friendly tactic to fend off mice or rats during the chillier months, ensuring you can snuggle up at home without fretting over rodent troubles.