Suspicious noises at night, elusive silhouettes… These furry burglars frequently sneak inside without permission. Discover eco-friendly and cost-effective ways to gently preserve your house without using toxic materials.
1. Onions, a formidable natural repellent against rodents
Did you know onions are a great way to keep rats away? Their pungent aroma serves as a strong deterrent. Simply lay a few freshly cut slices in high traffic areas or near potential entrances. Remember to replace them every 2-3 days to ensure maximum efficiency. This method has a substantial benefit in terms of cost and ease of implementation.
2. Ammonia: A stench that repels invaders.
Ammonia has a fragrance that reminds rodents of their natural predators, prompting them to flee. To produce your own repellent, combine 2 teaspoons liquid laundry detergent, 60 ml water, and 500 ml ammonia in a spray bottle. Then, spray this mixture around sensitive regions. Remember to breathe after application, as the odor can be rather strong.
3. Bay leaves: a clever trick
Bay laurel attracts rats, which eat it and become poisoned. Crumble some dried bay leaves and spread them along their normal paths. To preserve the repellant effect, repeat the method weekly.
4. Baking soda: a discrete yet powerful weapon
Make a combination of 250g flour, 250g sugar (or cocoa powder), and 250g baking soda. The sugar serves as bait, while the baking soda works as poison. Place the mixture in tiny containers near the affected areas. This approach is safe for both humans and pets.
5. Peppermint: freshness and protection
Soak cotton balls in a few drops of peppermint essential oil before placing them in key locations. Renew on a weekly basis to preserve the impact. Another solution is to plant mint around your home to provide a natural barrier against these unwelcome pests.
6. Used tea bags have a beneficial second life.
Do not discard your tea bags after usage! Place them in the kitchen or near garbage cans; their lingering aroma repels both rodents and spiders. An eco-friendly, zero-waste tip that serves dual purposes.
7. Gentle solutions against cockroaches.
- Detergent spray: Mix 4 tablespoons liquid detergent and 1 liter of water. Spray in cockroach-prone dark places. The effects are almost immediate.
- Blend a handful of Neem leaves, dilute with 1.5 liters of water, and apply on cracks. This natural plant interrupts their reproductive cycle.
8. Red wine is a unique pesticide.
Did you know that a basic, low-quality red wine may kill cockroaches in a day? Pour some into a spray bottle and apply to the afflicted areas. Surprising but quite effective!
9. Garlic: a classic with numerous benefits.
Crush a few garlic cloves into a bottle of water, let it steep for a few hours, then spray it around the room. Its distinctive scent repels more than just the creatures of the night!
