How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home, Humanely

Even the most staunch animal lover does not want rodents infesting their home. There is a very simple way to humanely keep rodents out of your house. Compared to expensive poisons, this is a cheap and effective method.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cotton Balls
• Peppermint Oil

1. 
    

   Examine the inside of your house and look for any possible location that a rodent could get through. Please remember that rodents can fit into very small openings. If you see an unusual hole, that could mean a potential rodent entrance point.

2. Purchase peppermint oil (not mint extract). Go to your local health food store or even some larger supermarket chains that carry the peppermint oil. If you can't locate it locally, it can be purchased online. Based on your observations around the house and where you believe the rodents may be coming in, determine the number of cotton balls you will need. Put approximately six to eight drops of the oil on each cotton ball (be careful to not get the oil on your skin as it can be an irritant).

3. 
    

   Place cotton balls by the predetermined openings. Repeat these steps once per week when you believe there are rodents in your home. If possible, remove old cotton balls and discard. Not guaranteed for Tasmanian Devil removal.

Tips & Warnings

• For the first 12-24 hours, your home may smell like mint. Some people enjoy the smell and others don't. It's known as a natural relaxer.
• Try not to get the peppermint oil on your hands. If you have sensitive skin, it can be an irritant.
• Even after washing your hands, remnants of the oil can still be on your skin. Do not touch your eyes.