Rats in your home are a cause for concern as these sneaky rodents can access the inner workings of your home through a hole the size of a coin. 

Once they’ve gained access, they breed rapidly and do structural and aesthetic damage to your home.

These pests like to nest or burrow in secluded areas, such as attics, rafters, and even inside walls and pipe systems. 

One of the most commonly used and effective natural remedies for warding off rats is peppermint essential oil.

According to essential oil brand Nikura, like many essential oils, “peppermint not only contains an extremely powerful aroma, but also a distinct freshness that rats, in particular, tend to despise”.

They added: “Peppermint essential oil is a natural and cruelty-free option and has risen greatly in popularity for its effectiveness against deterring rats from the home, and can even prevent them from showing up for good with the proper techniques in place.”

Many sources have noted the success of peppermint oil as a chemical-free rat repellent for centuries, with a 2010 review confirming these effects. 

How to use peppermint oil to deter rats in homes

1. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil

The cotton ball method is fuss-free, effective, and easy to keep up, which is perhaps why it is one of the more popular choices when it comes to repelling rats with peppermint.

All you have to do is soak some cotton balls in the oil and place them strategically around your home.

2. Make a peppermint oil spray 

Rats aren’t only repelled by the scent of peppermint. Common household items like dish soap and vinegar can also “send them running off in a hurry”.

Thankfully, both can be used alongside one another in a homemade spray, made using only a few simple ingredients you're likely to already have.

For this, mix three to five drops of dish soap or one cup of vinegar with one to two cups of water and 10 drops of peppermint oil into a spray bottle and shake well, making sure all of the elements are properly combined.

Spray at will on areas where you have noticed rat activity or where you fear exposure from rats may be most prominent.

This method also makes for an effective surface cleaner - so you have two products in one.

While using peppermint oil for rats is a great preventative measure, it’s important to note that this method alone will not prevent larger infestation cases.