Banish rats from home with three cheap items you likely already have

Homeowners are all too familiar with the nuisance of pests, particularly as the temperatures rise. From rustling in the attic to cockroaches skulking in the kitchen, these unwelcome visitors not only cause irritation but also pose hazards.

In the battle against them, many resort to costly traps and chemicals, but a TikTok hack has gone viral, offering a surprisingly cheap and effective solution. The content creator behind the account Toprecipe_andtips has shared a homemade remedy that they claim has saved them cash and rid their home of pests for good.

The method uses the common household items of a bar of soap, toothpaste, sugar, and stale bread. In the clip, the TikToker says: "After I learned this trick, I never spent money on this issue again."

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To whip up this DIY pest deterrent, the user grates a some soap and blends it with a dollop of toothpaste and two tablespoons of sugar. The sugar tempts the pests, while the soap and toothpaste have chemical elements that the pests can't stomach.

Finally, crumble some stale bread into bits and combine it with the concoction. The bread is especially effective due to its pungent smell and yeast, which further entices the pests.

The final concoction is then put into small bottle caps or similar containers, making it easy to spread around the house. For optimal results, he recommends positioning the mixture in key locations, such as near drains, entrances, or inside cupboards-particularly in areas where pests have been sighted.

Since posting the video, numerous users have lauded the hack, dubbing it a cost-effective and efficient substitute for shop-bought poisons. Others have recounted their own encounters with pest invasions, voicing eagerness to test the solution.

More ways to banish rats from your property

Seal entry points to your home, as this is where rodents can get in. You should also cCheck doors, windows, and vents for gaps, and install weather stripping or use door sweeps.

It's also advisable to keep food in secure containers to stop critters from getting to them. All produce (including pet food) should be stored in airtight, metal, or glass containers.

As well as this, you should keep rubbish bins well sealed and ensure you clean up any crumbs and spills on your floor promptly.

Once food sources are kept under wraps, check for any water that rats need to survive. Fixing leaking pipes, dripping faucets and blocked drains can work like a charm.

Decluttering your property, keeping your garden clear and using natural deterrents like peppermint oil can also be beneficial. Good luck!