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What Keeps Rats Away? (Not Peppermint, Sorry)
Rats are smart, suspicious and stubborn. Sprinkling peppermint around is like asking them politely. Here’s what actually makes them move on.
Quick answer: What keeps rats away is taking away food, water and shelter, then sealing entry points with materials they can’t chew. Smells, ultrasonic devices and fake predators don’t work for long.
| Method | Works? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tight-lidded garbage cans | ✅ Yes | The #1 rat attraction. |
| No bird seed on the ground | ✅ Yes | Feeders feed rats. |
| Pick up dog waste and fallen fruit | ✅ Yes | Yes, they eat that. |
| Closed compost bins | ✅ Yes | Open compost = open buffet. |
| Clear clutter, wood piles, thick ivy | ✅ Yes | Less shelter near the house. |
| Seal gaps with steel, hardware cloth, concrete | ✅ Yes | The permanent part. |
| Peppermint oil | ❌ No | Rats shrug. |
| Ultrasonic devices | ❌ No | They get used to them. |
| Fake owls and snakes | ❌ No | Rats are smarter than that. |
Already have rats? How to get rid of rats permanently · does rain bring out rats? · rats vs. mice
Watch: Silver Bullet mice & rat work
Rats ignoring your peppermint? Silver Bullet Pest Control handles rat control and rodent exclusion across Bergen, Passaic and Essex counties. Call 973-510-2585, text us, or request a free quote.
What to look for
More about rats
- 18 Fun Facts About Rats
- Does Rain Bring Out Rats??
- Rats vs. Mice: How to Tell Who's Living in Your Walls
- All pest questions, answered
Fun facts about other pests
- 21 Fun Facts About Ants
- 20 Fun Facts About Squirrels
- 20 Fun Facts About Bees and Wasps
- 20 Fun Facts About Mice
- 18 Fun Facts About Cockroaches
- Waterbug vs. Cockroach: Fun Facts
Common questions
What keeps rats away from my house?
Removing food, water and shelter and sealing entry points with materials rats can’t chew.
What smell do rats hate?
No smell keeps rats away reliably for long.
Do bird feeders attract rats?
Yes. Spilled seed is one of the biggest rat attractions in yards.
Do ultrasonic devices keep rats away?
Not reliably. Rats get used to them.
Schedule today
Call 973-510-2585, text us or request a free quote online. Silver Bullet Pest Control is licensed and insured in New Jersey.