14 January 2024 , 07:18
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Brits are being advised of seven clever ways to stop rats invading homes following a spike in cases.
Pest controllers claim to have been inundated with callouts believed to be due to delays in bin collections and more rubbish for the rodents to feast on due to the festive period. At the same time rats are more commonly found in homes during the winter months as they seek shelter from the cold.
And the dangers of them invading homes are clear from carrying diseases through to chewing wires and causing general damage to the property. Even if the rats are not spotted signs that they may be in houses can be found from droppings, grease marks as well as foul smells.
But there are a number of ways to ward off rats before they get into homes in the first place and become a greater problem. These include oils and garlic which rats don’t like.
“The last thing anybody wants to do is wake up in the morning and spot a long-tailed rat scurrying across the floor. January and early February is when prime rodent season is in full effect, which is why we wanted to offer eight effective, yet harm-free ways to prevent their presence," said Nic Shacklock, from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk.
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“Staple household items like garlic and peppermint are some of the ways to prevent the four-legged rodents. Sealing entry points and keeping all sugary items tightly sealed is also effective in deterring them from entering the home.”
Here’s are seven ways to prevent rats and mice from entering the house:
1. Peppermint oil
Rats and mice hate the smell of fresh peppermint. Dab peppermint oil on a cotton pad and wipe it across any entry points from doors to windows to deter them from entering.
2. Cinnamon oil
Cinnamon is another scent that the rodents can stand to be around. Use the same method with the cotton pad or spray the fragrance around any possible entry points.
3. Sealing entry points
A small hole in the wall can become much greater very quickly if a rodent is lurking nearby. It’s advised to seal them up with steel wool to prevent them from climbing through.
4. Garlic
The strong garlic smell will help to repel rats and mice. It’s worth placing garlic cloves around entryways if you’re worried about an infestation.
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5. Clearing any crumbs
Keep on top of tying up bin bags and hoovering the floors to prevent the rodents from going after food crumbs. The more crumbs, the more likely they are to appear.
6. Keep all sugary items sealed
Rats love sugary foods and will be instantly attracted to any sweet items lying around the house. Make sure sugar pots are firmly sealed and no sugary food is left to fester.
7. Call in the professionals
If you’re noticing signs of an infestation it’s worth calling in the professionals to deal with the problem to safely remove the rodents from the home.
Meanwhile, Glasgow's rat problem has been labelled a 'public health crisis' by a union, with refuse workers in the city reportedly dealing with it daily.
The GMB Union, representing the city's cleansing workers, said last November that the issue is negatively affecting the mental health of workers due to the health risks posed by vermin. Chris Mitchell from GMB Union expressed his concern: "I've been raising this issue for a number of years now. Telling the council that it's a daily occurrence. It's having a detrimental effect on our members mental health and wellbeing. It's becoming extremely dangerous."
He added: "Two years ago, we had two members that were hospitalised because of rat bites and scratches. And you look at leptospirosis, Weil's disease. It's a new risk assessment, it can kill you." Mitchell concluded: "So, this is becoming a public health crisis right across Glasgow."