Even though rats can be a big hassle in any home, getting rid of them doesn’t always require poisons or fancy traps. Sometimes, the most unusual methods can provide the best outcomes.
Keeping Rats Away with Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub, a common household cream, can be surprisingly effective for repelling rats. Here’s how to use it:
What You Need:
- Three sweet cookies of your choice
- One tablespoon of baking soda
- One teaspoon of Vicks VapoRub
Instructions:
- Crush the cookies into a fine powder.
- Mix the crushed cookies with the baking soda until well combined.
- Add the teaspoon of Vicks VapoRub and knead the mixture into a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough and shape it into small balls or piles.
Place two or three of these bait balls in a container and leave them where you suspect rats are gathering. The sweet smell of the cookies will attract the rats, but the combination of baking soda and Vicks VapoRub will discourage them from staying.
Problems Caused by Rats
Rats can spread several serious diseases that affect humans, such as:
- Leptospirosis: Caused by bacteria found in rat urine.
- Bubonic Plague: A bacterial illness spread by fleas that live on rats.
- Hantavirus: Contracted by inhaling particles from droppings or urine of infected rats.
- Lassa Fever: A hemorrhagic fever virus found in rat waste.
Rats can also contaminate food and water, raising the risk of illness. They often chew on wires, wood, and other building materials, leading to costly damage.
For health and comfort, keeping your home free from rats is essential. This easy and natural method can help you stay ahead without relying on harsh or toxic solutions.