Rat Repellent

How Rat Repellents Work

All nuisance animal repellents rely on taste, touch, and smell to irritate the target area. The active ingredients don’t harm the animal, but cause them temporary pain or confusion and will cause the animal to leave the treated area. Rat repellents work in the same way, and most rat repellents on the market contain white pepper, garlic oil, and essential oils to repel rodents.

How To Use Rat Repellents

With careful application and persistence, rat repellents can become a powerful tool in your rat-fighting arsenal. Here are some tips to follow when using rat repellents successfully.

• Different products come in different formulas. Choose based on your needs. Gel formulas can be applied on almost any surface, like where rats travel, and also on wires and cables to prevent gnawing damage. Granular formulas are best for outdoor use, and place packs are perfect for non-living areas and small spaces, like attics and stored automobiles.
• Make sure to read the label carefully and use all required personal protective equipment that is listed on the label, like eye protection and respiratory protection. Even though these products might be made with naturally occurring active ingredients, they can still have adverse health effects if precautions are not taken.
• Rodents, including rats, can often ignore the unpleasant affects of repellents and simply get used to them. Using them preemptively (before you have any rat issues) and making sure you are replacing or reapplying the products as often as possible, can help to mitigate this issue.
• Do not rely solely on repellents to control an active rat infestation. Make sure you are using other methods of rat control, including sanitation and rodent proofing. Sanitation includes limiting shelter and food and water access, cleaning up yard debris, etc. Rodent proofing includes trimming branches that might contact the roof of the structure, sealing holes, cracks, and crevices, and more.