Use this simple kitchen staple to ensure rats never invade your garden again
With their massive populations, rats become the most prevalent creatures you'll encounter in your garden or even inside your home.
Whilst bird feeders don't directly create rat infestations, if a rat views your garden as a dependable source of secure food, it may decide to outstay its welcome - something one gardener has discovered firsthand.
Posting on the Facebook group Garden Makeover Ideas On A Budget, member Tina Hill asked: "Does anyone have any tips to deter or stop rats from coming into my garden. I really love my bird feeder and really don't want to get rid of it, but I also don't want more rats in my garden."
The most popular recommendation to repel rats that "never fails" was using chilli powder.
Theresa Dawson explained: "Chilli powder in with the bird food, mammals can taste it, but birds can't. I use it to stop rats and squirrels.", reports the Express. The most common suggestion to keep rats away that "never fails" was to use chilli powder (Image: Getty)
Susan Roles remarked: "They don't like chilli powder, and I found that birds don't mind it."
Dorie Thomas suggested: "Make it impossible for them to eat your bird feed by adding in a sprinkling of chilli powder.
"I added chilli powder to areas of my garden and they never came back. They were eating my herbs."
The experts at the pest control blog Rentokil suggest using chilli powder as well. They stated: "Rats are not fans of spicy scents. Chilli pepper flakes, cayenne pepper powder, or even a strong chilli oil can irritate their respiratory systems.
"Sprinkling these spices around entry points, like air bricks, pipe entries, or under sheds, can create a barrier. Reapply after wet weather for continued protection."
The professionals at Enviro Safe Pest Control also endorse this natural deterrent. They asserted: "Chilli is known to irritate the respiratory tract of the rats when inhaled. Simply sprinkle the chilli powder in the rat-infested areas. When the rodents smell and ingest chilli powder, they won't return to the same area."
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