Rodents are considered as true parasites because they are responsible for many damages in our houses and gardens. In addition, they transmit many pathogens to humans and animals. Among the most common rodents, who invest our homes especially in winter, we find rats and mice. But then, how to get rid of it?
How to differentiate a rat from a mouse?
Rats proliferate in urban areas, peri-urban areas and agricultural areas. The black rat and the brown rat can be distinguished and generally their weight does not exceed 500 grams and often reside in attics, cellars or around dwellings.
While the mice are smaller in size, gray or brown in color, they are found in isolated and comfortable places in the house.
Why do they find refuge in our homes?
In cold weather, rodents invade our homes in groups, in search of food and hot places to shelter. Their developed sense of smell allows them to detect all kinds of foods that are usually found in our homes and kitchens. These rodents feed on foods such as bread, flour, wheat, sweets or pet food.
They build their lodgings with paper or plastic bags by making ball nests 15 to 20 cm in diameter and take refuge most often behind a refrigerator, under the sofa, under the radiator or under the bed.
How to get rid of rodents and prevent their colonization?
Some parts of our houses, hidden and comfortable, become refuges for small rodents. Also, it is important to target their favorite places before it is too late and they do not colonize our homes especially since they can have 4 to 8 litters each year. Also, the use of chemicals to fight against these rodents, remains dangerous for the human health as well as for that of our pets. The best is to use alternative methods and tips to get rid of them.
Inspection of the house
It is therefore a question of inspecting the place and the best moment will be at dusk when everything is calm and quiet. Use a flashlight to inspect holes and potential entrances for rodent marks, such as feces or small pieces of paper.
Deep cleaning
Once the traces of the rodents discovered, it would be necessary to carry out a complete cleaning by eliminating any trace of food which is in the entries particularly solicited by the mice.
Clogging holes
Plug any holes you find in your home using either steel wool, metal, concrete or aluminum foil. The latter drives away rodents and acts as a devil in person for our rodents. Also, avoid using materials such as wood or rubber that are easily degraded by mice and rats.
Peppermint oil
The excessive smell of peppermint repels our rodents and drives them away. Also it would be wise to dip cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around the strategic entrances. These balls will at the same time maintain a certain freshness in your home.
Baking soda
Sprinkle baking soda in areas where mouse droppings or other mouse signs are present. Once ingested, this ingredient prevents the gas produced inside the animal from being released, thereby causing its death. If you have a pet, put the baking soda in a container with a hole, so that it can not get hold of it.
Bars of soap
Producing the same effect as peppermint, scented soaps help keep rodents away and act as a perfect repellent. Just place them around doors, windows and all possible openings.
Other tips
- Clean up yards and gardens by removing lumps and old tires that can be real nests for rodents.
- If you have animals such as rabbits, chickens or horses, put them in a rodent-protected enclosure by regularly cleaning their shelters.
- Do not let food hang around.
- Raise the bins from the ground to more than 30 centimeters.
- Grow plants that are repugnant to rodents, such as the imperial crown, eucalyptus or peppermint, in your gardens.
- Having a cat at home is a great help in getting rid of rodents, since they are true predators who often find pleasure in exterminating them to play with, without eating them. However, a risk of poisoning the cat can quickly occur if the mouse has ingested a toxic product.
