Repel Rats From Your Home & Garden With A Common Kitchen Spice In Your Pantry

If your baseboards are getting chewed on or your tomatoes are disappearing, you might be dealing with a furry four-legged rodent. Dealing with rats invading your turf can be a real nuisance, but luckily, nature has a way of warding off these little guys with the warm and toasty smell of cinnamon. Rats hate the smell of cinnamon because their noses are super sensitive, and when they catch a whiff of that cinnamon aroma, it's like an instant turnoff. Unlike those chemical repellents, cinnamon won't harm your family, pets, or the environment, so it's the go-to choice for folks who want a natural way to keep those pesky rodents at bay.

Here's what you can do to give it a shot. First, locate your rat hotspots, like entry points, garden beds, or wherever you've noticed those little troublemakers. Then, simply sprinkle a good amount of ground cinnamon in those areas. The strong, spicy scent will have them heading for the hills or at least to places that don't smell so cinnamon-y. Just remember to refresh the cinnamon every so often or after any rain. If you want a different approach, you can whip up a DIY rat-repellent spray. Mix one cup of water with 10 to 15 drops of cinnamon essential oil in a spray bottle. But hey, be careful with that cinnamon oil — it could stain your furniture or tickle your throat and nose, so use it with a bit of caution.

While cinnamon is a convenient and eco-friendly option for rat control, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, if you're dealing with a severe rat infestation, cinnamon on its own won't be enough to deter them. So, it goes without saying that this super-nifty DIY hack isn't going to stop them in their tracks. If rats smell cinnamon, they're just going to pack up and move to another spot and continue to go about their business. That's why this fragrant spice is best used as a preventive measure or to ward off the occasional rat that gets lost in your home. For more significant infestations, your best bet is to call a pest control professional.

When using cinnamon as a rat repellent in the home or garden, be cautious not to apply it in areas that are accessible to your little ones, both human and fur-coated, because inhaling or ingesting large amounts of cinnamon can be harmful.