Expert Tips for Using Scent Repellents

Expert Tips for Using Scent Repellents

When it comes to rodents, one of the most natural ways to get rid of mice and rats is with scent repellents. These types of repellents use essential oils, such as peppermint oil and cinnamon oil, to naturally drive away rodents. While pleasant to us, these powerful scents are known to be highly unpleasant to rodents. When faced with these odors, mice and rats will typically seek shelter elsewhere.

Scent repellents are capable of preventing a rodent infestation before it can even start. Plus, they are safe to use around children and pets when used as directed because they are non-toxic and naturally derived. To get the most out of your scent repellents, follow the tips below!

Identify the Problem

Do you have an existing infestation or are you trying to prevent one? The best approach varies a little depending on what you are trying to accomplish. Begin by looking for the signs of an infestation, including:

  • Chewing or gnaw marks
  • Droppings
  • Small tracks
  • Rodent nests
  • Greasy marks along baseboards

If you’ve identified rodent activity, it’s best to tackle those areas first. If your goal is prevention, start outdoors and work your way in.

Location, Location, Location

diagram of where to place outdoor perimeter repellents

If you’re trying to stop rodents from invading in the first place, or trying to prevent an infestation from happening again, it’s essential to put repellents in place outside of your home. Our granular and spray repellents can be used around the perimeter of your home, shed, and other structures. Make sure to apply the repellent in an unbroken line. Reapply after heavy rainfall to ensure you never go without protection. By utilizing repellents around the perimeter of your home, you can prevent rats and mice from entering and infesting your home as they will not want to cross the unpleasant barrier.

Indoor scent repellents can add an extra layer of protection to prevent infestations but can also help create an unpleasant environment for rodents that have already invaded. Protect cupboards, pantries, and other areas that mice and rats might raid for food with Scent-Away™ Repellent Packs. These handy scent sachets are perfect for use in small spaces and can help take accessible food sources out of the equation.

Defend large rooms and main living areas with a Victor® Plug-in Rodent Repellent. Simply plug it into an outlet in a room you want to protect from rodents. The mint scent will diffuse through the space and keep rodents away. Also, keep in mind garages, basements, and attics. These areas are often left undisturbed for longer periods of time, making them ideal spots for mice to take up shelter. Victor® Mouse and Rat Repellent can be applied in these types of indoor areas, as well as outdoors.

For best results, scent repellents should be applied in a variety of locations both indoors and outdoors to ensure there are no gaps in your defenses.

Monitor Rodent Activity

victor plug-in rodent repellent plugged in to an indoor outlet

Monitoring the signs of rodent activity will allow you to correctly place repellents in high traffic or vulnerable areas and allow you to target their entry points. Additionally, once repellents are in place, regular checks for the signs of recent rodent activity will allow you to confirm the population is dissipating. Remember, rodent populations can tolerate unfriendly changes in their environment for a short time so you may still see some activity at first.

Use An Integrated Approach

Repellents are an excellent way to prevent infestations from occurring in the first place. But once mice and rats are well established and have easy access to food, water, and shelter they are very difficult to get rid of. While they are effective, repellents shouldn’t be your only line of defense against mice and rats. Implement an integrated approach that utilizes a combination of methods. Use traps as well as sanitation and rodent-proofing efforts in conjunction with scent repellents.

By combining multiple approaches, you can tackle an infestation more thoroughly. Once it’s under control and there are no longer any pests scurrying about your home, keep repellents in place to prevent rodents from returning. Deploy repellents in a variety of locations, particularly near areas where you saw activity during your infestation.

Learn More

Feeling better prepared? We certainly hope so! Share your stories on our Facebook page! Did these tips fuel your curiosity? Take a look at our articles, how-to pages, and so much more by heading over to our learning center to get all the information you need on a wide variety of pests. You can also sign up for our e-Newsletter for regular updates and great deals on products.

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