Grimsby: Alleyway infested with rats after rampant fly-tipping

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Rats are generally considered vermin and can spread dangerous diseases. The pests can also wreak havoc in gardens, digging holes, eating their way through fences and sheds, and chewing on ornaments and other structures. Rats are often found in sheds, greenhouses or outhouses, beneath decking or in compost heaps.

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Now, fans of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have shared their simple hack for deterring rats from entering gardens.

Mrs Hinch, whose full name is Sophie Hinchliffe, is a cleaning and lifestyle influencer with more than 4.5 million followers on Instagram.

Fans of hers have taken to social media in recent months to share their own tips on groups.

On one such group, Facebook user Vickie Thompson asked Mrs Hinch fans: “My neighbours have a disgusting garden.

“They constantly feed the birds.

READ MORE: Four ‘effective’ ways to deter rats from your garden ‘forever’

“They’ve got rats, how can I prevent them coming into my garden.”

Vickie’s response received more than 180 comments from fellow cleaning enthusiasts.

The most common suggestion was to use peppermint oil or peppermint-scented mouthwash to deter the rats.

Jasmine Tait replied: “My kids excessively love to feed the birds never had an issue until the house next door had major works done.

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“We ended up with rats and mice.

“The only thing we found that worked were traps and peppermint oil, they will avoid it like the plague!

“We only saw them for one summer. Two summers later and we still haven’t found new evidence and kids still feed the birds.”

Cristine Gadd wrote: “Peppermint oil around the perimeter of your garden works and block up any holes that are in your fence so it stops the rat from getting in your garden.

“If they are in housing association property call the HA or the council to report how bad their garden is and that there is rats and they will come out to investigate and get them to sort their garden out and get rid of the rats.”

Sam Hollin said: “Peppermint along the fence.

“Get plants and drops and little sachet bags.”

Lillian Millar commented: “Peppermint, or where possible, strong bleach.

“Even coffee grounds help. Anything with a powerful aroma.

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“Rats don’t have great eyesight, and depend on their sense of smell (which is very strong) a lot.

“They will avoid areas where the smell is too strong. Especially bleach.”

Dawn Quinn replied: “I had a similar problem with my neighbours.

“You just have to make sure your garden is free from anything that will attract the rats into your garden.

“No bird food, keep the garden free of any garden waste or areas they may take up residence in or entry points to the house.

“I found that mouthwash-soaked cotton wool balls thrown regularly around any rat runs helped and I would water the areas with an environmentally-friendly disinfectant and mouthwash as they don’t like those type of smells.

“The poison bait boxes I didn’t find helped anyway.”

Peppermint oil can be bought from a plethora of outlets online.

Peppermint Essential Oil Pure and Natural costs £2.19 from Amazon.

Pure peppermint essential oil is £1.99 from Easy.

Peppermint Mentha Arvensis Essential Oil is 98p from Craftovator.

Mouthwash can be purchased either online or from most supermarkets.

ASDA Advanced 6-in-1 Mouthwash costs 79p and Wisdom Fresh Effect Freshmint Mouthwash is £1 from Savers.

Other suggestions from Mrs Hinch fans for ousting rats included calling the council or using human traps.

Sharon Belcher replied: “Get a few cats.”

Mary Lloydjones commented: “Environmental health – give them a call.”

Emma Tracey said: “I’d speak to the neighbours about cleaning any left over food up or phone the council.”

Julie Wilks suggested: “You can not do anything except put rat bait out. But no point as it will keep happening.”

Jayne Pearce wrote: “You can buy humane traps which will capture them as well as other wildlife.

“This allows you to release the hedgehogs, etc., and dispose of the rats as you see fit.

“Poison will not only kill the rats but hedgehogs too.”

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