I'm a home expert, my £1 trick will keep rats out of your house & garages – you probably have it in your kitchen

The Sun

31-05-2025

IT'S fair to say that rats are among the most unwanted household pests and if you've got them they can be hard to get rid of.
Traps and pest control can be expensive options but according to experts a simple and inexpensive kitchen item will do the trick when it comes to repelling rodents.
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According to Plumbworld, bathroom and kitchen expert, white vinegar can help protect homes, garages and sheds from rodent intrusions—without the need for harsh chemicals or professional intervention.
Rats rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food and navigate their environment. The pungent, acidic scent of white vinegar overwhelms their senses and disrupts scent trails they use to revisit specific locations.
'When applied to common entry points and nesting spots, vinegar makes the area far less attractive to rodents,' explains a Plumbworld spokesperson.
'It's a natural deterrent that many households already have in the cupboard.'
This approach is not only safe but also sustainable, offering a practical alternative to toxic sprays and poisons.
Experts recommend soaking cotton wool in undiluted white vinegar and placing it in key problem areas. These include under kitchen appliances, behind bins, along skirting boards and inside garage corners. The strong smell is enough to make rats think twice before entering.
'You can also mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle,' the spokesperson adds.
'Use it to clean surfaces and mop floors in utility areas or garages. Not only does it repel rodents, but it leaves everything fresh and clean.'
This dual-purpose solution means households can manage cleanliness and pest prevention in one step.
One of the main advantages of white vinegar is its accessibility. Found in nearly every UK kitchen and available for under £1 in most supermarkets, it's a cost-effective option that doesn't sacrifice safety.
Watch moment Birmingham binmen sprint for their lives after huge RAT falls out of rubbish and scurries around their feet
'Unlike chemical deterrents, vinegar is non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets when applied correctly,' says the spokesperson. 'It's also biodegradable, so it won't harm the environment.'
This makes it ideal for families seeking low-risk, everyday methods to manage their home environment responsibly.
In recent months, homeowners are reporting noticeable reductions in rodent activity when used regularly, especially in colder seasons when rats seek indoor warmth.
Though not a complete solution on its own, vinegar works best alongside other prevention methods, such as sealing gaps and removing food sources.
'It's not a miracle product, but it's a great first line of defence,' the spokesperson says. 'It's affordable, easy to use, and widely recommended by people who've seen results firsthand.'
A Plumbworld expert concludes, 'For under £1, white vinegar is one of the smartest, safest deterrents you can use. It's simple, cost-effective, and it works.'
IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.