Natural Rat Repellents: 9 That Actually Work for a Pest-Free Home

As much as we would like to think otherwise, rodents are incredibly common. In 2021, more than 14 million households in the United States reported seeing a mouse or rat in their home within the past year. Whether you’ve dealt with one yourself or are hoping to avoid interaction altogether, there are plenty of ways to help you keep your space rodent-free.

Although highly effective, conventional pest-repellent methods are full of harmful chemicals that put you and your family, especially curious children and pets, at risk. We consulted with experts to determine which natural rat repellents are worth trying. Consider implementing the following measures to prevent unwanted guests from entering your home.

Prevention Is Key

One of the easiest ways to repel rats is to make them disinterested in your home in the first place. Dr. Mike Bentley of the National Pest Management Association explains, “As the weather cools, rodents start looking for warmth and food, often finding their way into homes. Preventing rodent infestations is key to protecting your property and health, and one of the best approaches is Integrated Pest Management,” he says. Bentley explains that this is a holistic process (usually performed by a licensed professional) that combines inspection, identification, and treatment tailored to each individual home.

Even if you don’t want to hire a pro, Bentley recommends several preventative measures to repel rats.

• Seal entry points: “Rodents can squeeze through tiny gaps, so inspect your home for cracks and holes, especially around doors, windows, and utility pipes that could serve as entry points for rodents,” Bentley says. He suggests sealing openings with steel wool or caulk and using products designed for outdoor or indoor applications in the correct areas.
• Eliminate food sources: Rats love a free meal, so Bentley advises using airtight food storage containers, tackling crumbs and spills as soon as they happen, and keeping trash cans closed.
• Reduce clutter: According to Bentley, rodents thrive in environments with clutter. “Keep basements, attics, and garages organized and clean to reduce hiding spots,” he says.

Rat Repellers vs. Rat Traps

Not only are natural alternatives to repelling rats healthier, they’re also more humane. According to Kari Warberg Block, founder and CEO at EarthKind, “Rodent baits are designed to be eaten and contain poisons that kill the target, leaving remains with residual poisons that pets or other non-target animals may consume.”

This is why rat bait is risky, especially if you have furry family members. The purpose of natural rat repellents is to discourage them from returning, rather than trapping or killing them. “If you release a trapped rodent directly outside your home, it will most likely come right back inside,” Block says. Repellents, on the other hand, keep them away.

Benefits of Using Natural Rat Repellents

Block gives several reasons why using a natural rat repellent is the smartest choice.

• Avoid cleanup or unintended harm: Block explains that, unlike pesticides or rat traps, there’s no need to deal with cleaning up a dead animal (the intended rat or another innocent critter).
• Embrace eco-friendliness: Choosing natural rat repellent methods, “supports a healthier ecosystem by maintaining balance and avoiding harmful side effects,” Block says.
• Reduce health risks: While rats can carry diseases and pose a risk to your family, there’s no reason to add to the problem by using chemicals when natural methods are as effective. “EarthKind’s EPA-registered plant-based repellents have proven effective without the risk to our family, pets, and environment while still effectively protecting your home and belongings,” she says.
  

Natural Rat Repellent Methods

Rats are known to have a strong sense of smell, so many effective methods involve scents that keep them at bay. These are the top natural rat repellents.

1. Essential Oils

Some of the most effective oils for repelling rats include peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, and lavender. Soak cotton balls in any one of them and place a few where rats are likely to enter, such as the corners of the kitchen, basement, or garage. Alternatively, you can combine an essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the same areas. The smell will fade over time, so repeat the process or resoak the cotton balls periodically.

2. Spices and Herbs

Rats steer clear of certain scents or sensations. If you have any of the following in your home, you can use them as repellents by placing them around potential entryway points.

• Whole cloves or cotton balls soaked in clove oil
• Dried bay leaves
• Cayenne or black pepper

3. Garlic and Onion

Unlike most humans, rats detest the smell of onions and garlic. Placing a few slices of fresh onion or crushed garlic in corners where rats could enter will deter them. However, this isn’t an ideal method if you have pets, as garlic and onion are toxic to them. Also, to prevent spoilage, you’ll have to replace the produce often, which is time-consuming (and wasteful).

4. Vinegar and Ammonia

Most humans would agree that vinegar and ammonia have a harsh, unpleasant scent. Rats, also dislike the acidic odor in vinegar, and ammonia smells similar to predator urine, which can scare them away. Ammonia- or vinegar-soaked cotton balls can be placed at entryway points, or you can dilute either with water and spray the area. Be careful using the ammonia method if you have pets.

5. Rat-Repelling Plants

Certain flowers and plants repel pests, so consider adding some to your yard. Marigolds, daffodils, and chrysanthemums are among the most effective. If you have a garden, plant the sources of the scents mentioned earlier, such as mint or onions. However, note that lavender can be toxic to dogs and cats.

6. Cats

Don’t let the antics of Tom and Jerry fool you: Once a rat or mouse senses a cat nearby, it is unlikely to stick around. Rats consider cats to be their predators and are highly sensitive to their pheromones. So, having a cat as a pet doubles as a companion and natural rat repeller.

7. Predator Urine

If you’re allergic to cats, consider purchasing non-toxic predator urine, which is safe for humans, pets, and the environment. It contains odors that trick rats into thinking a predator is nearby, causing them to stay away. Predator urine comes in pellet or liquid form and can be placed at entry points or in the garden.

8. Rat Repellent Pouches

A similar option is to use sachets filled with plant-based materials, including, yet again, scents that are offensive to rats. EarthKind has a product called Stay Away Rodent-Repellent, which Block explains is “formulated with specific dosages of proven ingredients like balsam fir oil—imagine the comforting smell of a Christmas tree.”

9. Ultrasonic Devices

Generally silent to human ears, ultrasonic devices emit a high-frequency sound that rats can’t stand. The devices can be plugged into outlets near possible access points to repel rats from entering. Note that some persistent rats eventually become accustomed to the sound, and the device may lose its effectiveness. Regularly moving devices around or using them in conjunction with other methods helps.

Downsides of Using Natural Rat Repellents

One of the most important considerations when using many natural methods is whether you have pets. If your home is pet-free, most of the methods are perfectly safe. Although, as Block advises, “Keep in mind that essential oils are not all non-toxic and, while a small amount may be OK, it’s a vague term that does not tell a user what dose will trigger allergic reactions, burn skin or eyes, or worse,” she says. In other words, use similar caution when implementing natural methods for yourself and the other humans in your home.

Additionally, the time commitment required to use several methods is often too great for busy households. “The effectiveness can be inconsistent and labor-intensive, requiring methods like soaking cotton balls in oil or spraying around the house,” Block says. “While this might seem easy, they require constant reapplication due to the oil’s quickly dissipating scent.” Realistically, your best chance of success at naturally repelling rats may be using predator urine, repellent pouches, or ultrasonic devices that require less worry and upkeep.