Rats have a heightened sense of smell, so many scents that seem mild to humans can be potent to them. There are three kinds of odors that rats dislike: chemical smells, predator smells, and natural smells. Here are some smells that rats hate:
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Peppermint oil: The scent of peppermint smells nice in a home, but this pleasant odor is something that rats dislike.
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Ammonia: The smell of ammonia is too strong for a rat’s respiratory system to handle, making it an effective repellent.
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Clove oil: Rats dislike the smell of clove oil.
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Citrus: Rats dislike any strong citrus smells and tastes. This includes the refreshing smell of lemons, grapefruit, and oranges in an essential oil form.
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Sage: Rats hate sage, but this herb might not be effective as a repellent, even though rats generally avoid it.
It is important to note that while these smells can be used in areas around the home where rats are likely to nest, they can only help keep them away for some time. Rats are adaptable creatures and can easily get used to the smell. Therefore, these deterrents should be accompanied by more effective preventive measures, such as keeping the house clean, sealing gaps in the walls, storing food in sealed containers, and trapping rats where they are seen.
