If you are the type of person who cringes when you hear the word, “rat,” you are not alone. Several million people feel the same way. When rats invade your home, it can leave you feeling disgusted, panicked, and ready to run in the other direction. To make matters even worse, rats and mice are able to carry over fleas to your pets. As a solution to your problem, you may seek out natural repellents or rat control services.
It is common for people to search out a cheap, natural method they can use to repel pests on their own, including rats. However, understanding how a natural repellent like peppermint works will help you determine if it is right for you. In addition to peppermint oil, some people use lime powder against rats and report good results, but does lime keep mice away as well?
Is It Worth It?
The use of peppermint oil as a natural repellent is not new. In fact, the DIY approach is quite popular and often referred to as a viable solution. Unfortunately, there are no specific instructions that indicate how to use peppermint oil properly. At most, you may find advice telling you to place the peppermint oil on cotton balls around your home.
However, the information telling you how much peppermint oil you should use seems to vary. Everyone believes they are expert on the subject matter, but the real experts feel differently. As it stands, there is not data to prove that peppermint oil deters rats from your property. In truth, if a rodent is determined enough, it will not shy away simply because of unpleasant odors.
Dangers to Health
Peppermint oil has many beneficial properties. For instance, people use peppermint oil because it can have a calming effect. It can calm an upset stomach and ease feelings of nausea. However, peppermint oil can also prove dangerous to your health. In large doses, peppermint oil is toxic to humans. In other words, it is too dangerous to use as a deterrent for rats.
The dangers of peppermint oil include:
- Digestive trouble – Although it calms the digestive system, too much peppermint oil may relax the muscles of your sphincter, which can cause heartburn, indigestion, and other digestive troubles.
- Head trouble – You may experience a severe headache and dizziness from an overuse of peppermint oil.
- Seizures – A large dose of peppermint oil may result in seizures and brain damage.
- Respiratory trouble – Children and infants may experience respiratory distress when encountering peppermint oil.
- Blisters – Peppermint oil may cause you to develop blisters in and around your mouth and nostrils.
- Drug interactions – If you are on any prescription medication, peppermint oil may interact with them negatively.
- Slowed heart rate – Peppermint oil can slow your heart rate, which is not good for people with cardiovascular issues.
- Unsafe – Pregnant women and women who are lactating should not encounter peppermint oil. Peppermint oil can cause the uterus to relax, which may result in miscarriage or premature delivery.
Considering the dangers associated with peppermint oil, it is best to stay away from it. Instead, call a professional to assist you with rat control. Keep in mind that wildlife, which includes rats, are often protected under local ordinances and guidelines.
You cannot use anything that may prove cruel and unusual when handling a pest problem. Therefore, many traps, baits, and poisons are not permissible. A professional can rid your home of rats without violating laws, ordinances, and local guidelines. Contact the Exterminators at 647-496-2211, feel free to check our rat control products for DIY methods.
