As the weather turns cooler and wetter, many Britons may have noticed more rodents around their properties.
Unfortunately, Britons’ warm homes filled with food and water are particularly enticing to mice and rats at this time of year which means you’re more likely to spot them scurrying under a sofa or hiding in a cupboard.
Telltale signs of mice include droppings, gnaw marks, nests, scratching sounds, damaged food and the strong scent of urine.
One person who is struggling with a mouse problem this autumn is Helen Bressington. She posted on the Facebook group, ‘Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips’: “Mice! Despite having two cats, I think we might have a mouse problem.
“Specifically living under or inside a big corner sofa. There’s evidence of stuffing being pulled out underneath. What do I do?”
Helen’s post was inundated with responses but the most suggested method was to deter the pests using peppermint oil.
Doreen Tromans commented: “Peppermint oil spray. Brilliant for mice and rats, spray and humane.”
Paige Wood replied: “Amazon do peppermint essential oil. I put droplets on cotton wool in my kitchen. Not spotted one since.
“You will need to top up the drops as the smell fades. Be careful if you have other animals. It can be toxic.”
Mo Hutchison said: “Any strong-smelling oil will do. Eucalyptus oil and Olbas Oil are also effective. Either dilute in a spray or soak cotton wool pads in the oil. Replace frequently.”
Becky Craighan agreed and posted: “Peppermint spray they hate the smell of it.”
To use peppermint oil to deter mice, dip cotton wool balls in the essential oil and place them in areas of the home where mice enter. Replace the balls every few days so the scent remains strong.
Alternatively, homeowners can make a spray by mixing two teaspoons of peppermint essential oil with one cup of water. Spray the solution in areas where you have seen mice.
Peppermint oil can be bought online and from health food stores. Holland & Barrett peppermint oil costs £7.29 and Peppermint Essential Oil costs £2.97 from Amazon.
Alternatively, some experts have suggested other natural methods to deter mice such as vinegar, lavender and cinnamon.
Mice also dislike the scent of these highly pungent substances.
