There are many ways to get rid of rats that have taken over your home, including poisons, as well as traps. You might be wondering, though, if there are better ways to take care of these rodents without having to kill them, or if there are DIY options to repel these animals. Luckily, there are many ways that you can get rid of rats naturally, without having to call in professionals or deal with poisons that can be toxic to your family and pets.

Mothballs are one of the most easily accessible ways of getting rid of rats- they are easily available in any store, as well as being easy-to-use. Mothballs have a reputation for repelling rats, due to the smell, and should be placed in any areas outside that rats are crawling into. Avoid placing mothballs inside of your home, though, as the smell can cause breathing difficulty when humans are exposed to it, and always use proper protective clothing when placing mothballs, as they can be harmful when touched with bare hands.



A more pleasant option, at least for humans, is using peppermint oil to repel rats. Rats have a heightened sense of smell, and often can’t stand the strong smell of peppermint oil. To use this to repel rats, simply dip a few cotton balls into the undiluted oil and place them in any areas that rats seem to frequent. Alternatively, you can also grow mint plants around the edges of your home, which will prevent rats from coming anywhere near your home.

Another popular option, handy for those of you that have pets such as cats, is to use kitty litter. The smell of kitty litter reminds rats that cats, one of their natural predators, are near, making sure that they run away as quickly as possible. Sprinkle a little bit of kitty litter in the places that the rats seem to frequent, including areas both in and out of the house. If you do not have cats, dried snake litter- often sold in pet stores- can be just as effective when used.

If you are dealing with rats in your home, and want to get rid of them without having to rely on toxins that can be present in poison, or traps that you might have to empty yourself, there are natural options to keep the rats at bay and get rid of them.

Read the How to get rid of rats page for helpful information and to learn more about Home Remedies to get rid of rats and keep them away:

Home Remedies to get rid of rats and keep them away: