DID YOU KNOW?

The fumes from rat droppings and urine are extremely hazardous when breathed in.
The best way to keep yourself safe is to prevent rats from getting in the home at all.

The Best Rat Repellent

Repellents are the most useful option to prevent a rat infestation from occurring. For the safety of yourself and your family, and for the sake of your house and property, you want rats to stay away. If you are already dealing with a rat infestation, repellents are be a humane way to treat the problem. Below, you’ll find the best rat repellents available today.

How We Found the Best Rat Repellent

 

5 Reviewers

21 Products Considered

3 Products Reviewed

2 Top Picks

Rat Problem?

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Expert Near You

 

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BEST

Ultrasonic

wildliferemoval.com

CLEANRTH Advanced Rodent Repelling System

Pros

  • A coverage area of more than 7,000 square feet
  • One-year money back guarantee and warranty
  • Features a “Rodent Confusion Switch” that provides new ultrasonic patterns
  • The product does not use chemicals

Cons

  • The product does not run on batteries, so portability is limited
  • Pricier than other options

OUR VERDICT

This product is unique in that it has a “Rodent Confusion Switch” that changes the frequency of the ultrasonic sounds that it emits.

Our Review

One of the best ways to keep rats away is the Advanced Rodent Repelling System from CLEANRTH. The company analyzed the best ultrasonic patterns to keep rodents away. They found that a series of changing patterns was the best way to do so. They built this technology into the device, which is why we felt it was the best ultrasonic option available.

With the flip of the switch, customers can change the frequency of the ultrasound. If users notice that rats are becoming close again after using the device, they can change the pitch to keep them away. This product covers up to 7,000 square yards. It is adequate for both indoor and outdoor use but requires an electrical outlet to operate.

BEST

Satchels

wildliferemoval.com

Victor Scent-Away Natural Rodent Repeller

Pros

  • Fresh, minty scent for humans
  • No concern of slow-fading scent
  • Easy to use – simply place or hang in a confined space
  • All natural, 100 percent peppermint oil

Cons

  • Not for large or well-ventilated spots
  • Several needed for larger areas such as attics or garages
  • Some customer reviews stated they did not have success with the product

OUR VERDICT

Victor Scent-Away Natural Rodent Repeller Packs are a mess free aromatic alternative to rat poisons or traps. Utilizing peppermint oils, these packs are refreshing to humans but naturally repel rodents.

Our Review

We love Victor Scent-Away Natural Rodent Repeller Packs for spots such as cabinets, cars, and hung in low places in sheds. Rats are known to dislike the aroma of peppermint oil. So, the smell of these packs is fresh and minty to humans, but a strong deterrent for mice.

These do need to be hung low to the ground, where rats will smell them the strongest. That means if you place these packs in an attic or shed, be sure to hang them in a low spot near the floor where rats would scurry. They work as an excellent adjunct to other rats repellents. Or if you tolerate the smell of peppermint well, you can get several packs and place them in various locations.

BEST

Small Volume

wildliferemoval.com

Eco-Defense Mice Repellent Substitute

Pros

  • Eco-Defense offers a 60-day risk-free trial
  • Safe to use around children and pets
  • Does not use chemicals
  • Reasonably-priced

Cons

  • Not the best option if rat infestation covers a wide area
  • Must spray frequently
  • May not work well outdoors

OUR VERDICT

We appreciated this product because it is all-natural and features non-toxic ingredients. It is an excellent choice for those with pets and children.

Our Review

Of the rat repellent sprays available today, there is no better option than the Eco-Defense Mice Repellent Substitute. This product does not contain chemicals. While it will not kill rats, it should be useful in keeping them away. This is because the product is comprised primarily of peppermint oil, which is a known rat repellent.

This spray may only be worthwhile if property owners are aware where the rat infestation exists.

The Problem with Rats

There are two primary reasons why rats are so bad. First and foremost is the fact that rats are known disease transmitters. They can spread diseases such as E. coli, primarily through their urine and feces. Rats can also pass this disease to your food, were they to come in contact with it. Rats can pose a severe health problem.

Secondly is the fact that rats can destroy the structural integrity of buildings. Rats will nest in the woodwork of homes. This also brings about one of the most common problems with rats, in that they are quite secretive. Identifying an infestation could be difficult. By the time that you do, it may be too late. This is why the best rat repellents serve as a useful preventative tool.

What are the Signs of a Rat Infestation?

One of the most visible signs of an infestation is seeing a rat for yourself, whether it’s dead or alive. Rats tend to hide in dark spaces, making them difficult to see and identify. So, if you see a rat, an infestation is likely already in place. You may need to take additional measures at this point, such as using traps and baits or contacting a pest control company.

If you believe you hear a rat or are worried about a potential infestation, you’ll want to look out for rat runs. You’ll likely find these runs in your yard or gardens near your home. That’s because rats establish a path when running back and forth from your yard to your home. The entire rat colony will use this path, so the runs should be fairly obvious.

If the rats are in your home, you may see droppings, which are typically indicative of a healthy rat population. Rats also leave grease marks when they run indoors. Grease marks will begin to appear on your floorboards or walls. Lastly, gnaw marks are also a tell-tale sign of a rat infestation. Homeowners will likely see bite marks on wood or plastic.

Are Drops and Sprays Safe for Use Around Children and Pets?

It depends on the ingredients in the drops or sprays. Many of the best rat repellents contain peppermint oil, which is an effective way to repel rats. Peppermint oil is entirely natural and organic, which makes it safe for use around children and pets. However, some drops and sprays use chemicals. Be sure to check the ingredients carefully before applying a repellent.

Summary

Whether you are dealing with a rat infestation or are worried about one developing, you may find it in your best interest to use rat repellents. Repellents are the best way to keep rats away. There are a variety of methods that allow you to do so. We recommend using a combination of them to ensure that the rats stay away.

For instance, you could use our best ultrasound option outdoors, as it covers approximately 7,000 square yards. You could then use drops and sprays indoors. While the ultrasound option could potentially work indoors, it may not suit your pets well because of the high-pitched noise it emits. The drops and sprays will not work outdoors. Using a multi-pronged approach, you can more effectively repel rats.