How to kill rats and mice with toothpaste

Unwanted creatures, rats and mice find refuge in many homes. Although these rodents do not necessarily represent a threat, they are particularly feared and inspire the disgust of many people. Discover a particularly effective remedy for this purpose to get rid of them: the toothpaste and baking soda repellent, accompanied by several tricks and tips to eliminate them.

Mice and rats owe their reputation as pests to their tendency to cause damage in homes  and gardens, but also because they are often associated with disease. Before moving on to natural solutions to get rid of them, it is also useful to know more about these pesky animals. 

How to know if there is a rat in your house?

The appearance of these creatures is quite fleeting. In fact, their frenetic movement allows them to quickly reach their nest. On the other hand, being nocturnal animals, it can be difficult to cross their path.

To know whether or not your home is invaded, certain traces can guide you to identify them. Whether it is a mouse, a rat, a mole or a field mouse,  watch out for the following signs: 

• grease marks
• Wear marks
• claw prints
• Rubbing noises
• Dent marks on furniture
• small stools
• Odors like musk or ammonia 

How are rats dangerous?

At night, it is quite common to see rats or mice roaming around in groups. While some flee the perimeter due to the risk of disease, others do not pay much attention. So one wonders if these creatures are really dangerous.

“The sight of a rat is unpleasant, it is disgusting, but the risk of being bitten is very low,” assures  Barbara Dufour  , a veterinarian at the Maisons-Alfort veterinary school. Rather than attacking an individual, the rat is “an intelligent animal” that prefers to fly than bite. But it is true that  it can cause infections and other diseases. Indeed, rodents are often exposed to bacteria. But the veterinarian wants to reassure us again since these diseases are easily curable thanks to antibiotic therapy. In addition, the damage is not “extremely serious,” adds the specialist. However, in the event of a bite, hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water to best eliminate pathogens. You should then quickly consult your doctor to receive the appropriate antibiotic treatment. 

How to make baking soda toothpaste and insect repellent?

There are several natural tips to get rid of rodents and prevent them from colonizing our homes. Among them,  the combination of baking soda and toothpaste  is proving to be a good way to scare away and eliminate these pests  ,  according to a  YouTube video  from the Mr Maker channel, which has almost 2 million views. Discover the preparation stages of this repellent with elements that you will easily find or that you probably already have at home. 

For this trick, the goal is  to craft bait balls  using the following items:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder: 
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 4 tablespoons crushed salted peanuts
• 1 tablespoon of sugar  
• 2 tablespoons of toothpaste 

Use:  Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until you obtain a compact and homogeneous mixture. The toothpaste will serve as a binding agent for the preparation. Then,  form small balls and place them in the areas where you have seen mice.  The rodents should be attracted to the sugar and peanuts  and once they taste the bait, you should have solved your problem. In fact, baking soda causes the death of these pests.

Other tips for hunting rodents naturally 

To exterminate rats or repel rodents, it is possible to use natural solutions, ideal as a substitute for toxic products. These will be  tested according to the elements you have and according to the method that best suits you  .  Let’s review them: 

1. Plaster and flour 

Rodents are fond of certain substances that, once consumed, are capable of eliminating them. Among them, the mixture of plaster and flour is very effective and formidable once the rodents have ingested this preparation. The same occurs with glue, which only needs to be poured into a container to be placed inside the house.

2. Mint

Mint is a natural repellent, especially known for keeping mice and rats away. In fact, the latter do not appreciate the smell of this plant.  You can  pour a few drops of essential oil on cotton to place  in areas such as the terrace, balcony or garden to scare away all kinds of rodents. It is also possible to use it in a bouquet to place in the same places.

Additionally, using mint as a natural method to scare away mice also works on spiders.

3. Chile

Chili is another effective repellent. To use it, follow the steps below:

• Take a bowl and put a teaspoon of cayenne pepper in it
• Add another teaspoon of hot sauce and a teaspoon of liquid soap.
• Mix all these ingredients with water (two cups)
•  Put it all in a spray bottle.
• Use it in areas like the garden or patio. 

4. Angelica and eucalyptus

Like sage, pepper or bay leaves, Angelica is a remarkable natural repellent. However, it is not very easy to get your hands on this plant. If you can get your hands on  one, place Angelica branches in the areas where you have seen rodents.   The same goes for eucalyptus. Rodents are particularly repelled by its smell. 

Place them in high-traffic areas as well as along walls. Additionally,  you can use essential oils of eucalyptus,  lemongrass, or even sage and soak cotton balls in these same areas. The same goes for plants with strong scents such as euphorbia, crown imperial, hyacinth, clove, or incarvillea. However, be sure to educate yourself about the plants you choose because some of them can be toxic to humans or pets.

5. Steel wool

It is a useful material for keeping away unwanted creatures. Indeed, steel wool can seal holes and cracks that could facilitate their passage.

Another baking soda trick is particularly formidable against mice and rats.

What about ultrasonic repellents?

These products owe their effectiveness to  sound vibrations that are only perceptible to rodents  . In addition to being particularly practical for repelling all types of rodents, they are devices whose vibrations do not pass through walls. To increase their effectiveness, you will need to place them in every room of your house. 

Hunt rodents with your pet

Usually, the first pet that comes to mind is none other than our favorite feline. It is known that a cat is a prominent predator when it comes to hunting rats and mice. If you have one, pests will not hesitate to flee the house.

How to catch rodents?

Between natural repellents, pets and practical devices, you also have the option of using a classic rodent-catching system. Without killing them, you can  use a cage as a rat trap.

You can use it to catch rats and mice inside or outside the house. Obviously,  it will be best to add some bait  to increase your chances of success. Bread, flour, peanut butter or cheese are all foods to use.  

How to keep them away forever?

It is possible to prevent an invasion of rats and mice in your home with simple actions.  Here are some practical tips:

• Install grates at the end of the pipes. Also place them on the basement access windows. 
• Identify all  openings and other cracks  in your home through which rodents can get in. Then plug these openings (using cement, for example, or for a less drastic solution, steel wool or even aluminum ball).
• Make sure you place your food in such a way that rats cannot access it. 
• Your trash can should be sealed tightly
• Food should also be stored in airtight containers.
• Avoid the accumulation of objects in the basement, cellar or attic. If there are too many, mice, moles, rats and voles will take up residence there.
• For a healthy lifestyle, perform regular maintenance on your home. Cleaning tips can make it easier to do.

Natural methods are as effective as they are diverse in eradicating rats and mice. However, if you are faced with a rodent infestation, you should turn to  the experience of an extermination company  to eliminate them once and for all.