Mice and rats are more likely to enter your property once the cold weather begins as they will be looking for somewhere warm with plenty of food to nest in before winter.

However, rather than using chemical pellets or cruel traps there is an incredibly simple way to keep these pests away using only natural items that have a strong fragrant smell.

Janet Kintz-Early, an expert from Earth Kind has shared that rodents have very sensitive noses and will be easily frightened by unfamiliar scents.

She said: “Mice dislike strong, fresh odours. They tend to overwhelm rodents and their sense of smell, which scares them off. They avoid danger by relying on their keen sense of smell, which makes up for their weak eyesight.”

“They rely on this sense to find food, detect danger, and follow scent trails as a way of navigation.”

What smells keep rodents away from your home and garden?

Lavender

Lavender is one of the best natural repellants for keeping both mice and rats away as it contains essential oils that produce a very strong scent that smells amazing to humans but irritating to rodents.

Janet said: “Mice can find the strong floral scent of lavender overwhelming and unpleasant.”

You can buy a lavender houseplant to keep in your kitchen or plant these beautiful flowers in your garden, or you can buy dried lavender sachets to place around your home.

It is best to keep your lavender near any food sources in your home as it can mask the scent of food so rodents are less likely to stay in the area to scavenge.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil can be highly effective at keeping rodents at bay as they also dislike the smell. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Janet said: “The potent aroma of peppermint oil and similar essential oils can irritate a rodent’s sensitive nose.”

All you have to do is soak cotton balls or tissues in peppermint oil and scatter the infused items near entry points in your home such as windows or doors.

Vinegar

Vinegar is always useful to have in your kitchen as it is a natural cleaning solution that can get rid of stains but it is also great at keeping rodents away as well.

Janet said: “The sharp, acrid smell of vinegar solutions can cause pests to avoid areas where it is used.”

You can make a homemade solution by mixing together vinegar and water in an empty spray bottle and spraying it in areas where you suspect rodents are lurking.

Cinnamon

As autumn arrives, most candles you find in stores will likely be cinnamon-scented, and this comforting smell is also powerful enough to stop rats coming into your home or garden.

Janet said: “The strong, spicy scent of cinnamon can overwhelm a rodent’s strong sense of smell.”

Place cinnamon candles or sticks around your property or soak cotton balls with cinnamon oil to help keep rodents away and also make your home smell incredible.