Rodents can be a real problem in your garden spaces but there is a natural method to keep them out and it works like wonders – and it’s not expensive at all
As the weather turns chilly, gardeners may be spending less time outdoors, but it’s crucial to remain vigilant in early autumn as rats and mice are likely to start invading gardens.
From late September to early October, these rodents begin their search for a new shelter, taking refuge in sheds, leaf piles or even compost heaps to find somewhere cosy.
If you don’t deter these pests now, they’ll settle in your garden for the entire winter, potentially infiltrating homes in search of more food once they start breeding. Using poison isn’t advisable during autumn as gardens are home to a plethora of wildlife at this time of year, and it could inadvertently harm hedgehogs, birds and even local cats.
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Instead, a more natural approach is recommended at this early stage, and Angelo, an expert from Deep Green Permaculture, suggests that rodents can be kept at bay by sprinkling chilli powder around your garden.
Angelo elaborated: “Capsaicin, the compound found in chilli peppers responsible for their heat, acts as an irritant to mammals, such as humans and rodents, making it an effective deterrent.”
It might seem a bit odd, but chilli peppers contain a spicy compound called capsaicin which is known to be disliked by mice and rats due to its irritating effect on their noses, reports the Express.
Rodents possess an incredibly potent sense of smell, and exposure to capsaicin results in an uncomfortable sensation that can easily overwhelm them. Using this spice will make it challenging for rats and mice to locate any food and detect predators, making them feel unsafe in the area.
Chilli peppers are a natural method to tackle rodents early before they become a full-blown infestation, encouraging them to move on before settling in a garden.
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Here’s how to transform chillies into a rodent repellent
You will need
- Chilli peppers
- Washing up liquid
- Gloves
- Empty spray bottle
- Blender
Instructions
Start by donning a pair of gloves before handling the spice. Chop your peppers, then pop them in a blender with 480ml of water. It’s best to use fresh peppers rather than powdered chilli as they’ll be more potent, hence more effective.
Blitz until you have a smooth liquid, then transfer it to a pot and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, and once the time is up, set the liquid aside until it has cooled down.
Boiling the liquid is crucial as it extracts the capsaicin from the chillies. Once cool, strain the liquid through a colander to remove any remaining solid particles.
Pour the liquid into an empty spray bottle, then add a few drops of washing up liquid. The soap will help the solution stick to surfaces so the smell lingers in the area for a long time.
Spray the solution around fences, walls, or potential shelters like a shed. Reapply the solution twice a week or after rainfall, and it should scare off any rodents, keeping them out of your garden.
