Rats are one of the most common pests in the world. They are known to carry diseases and contaminate food sources, which is why it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. But how can you get rid of rats?
One way to get rid of rats is by using bleach. Rats hate the smell of sodium hypochlorite and will stay away from areas that are sprayed with it.
Scaring Away Rats Using Bleach Is Simple
Here is what you have to do if you wish to use bleach to fight a rat infestation:
- Make a rat-repelling spray by mixing 1 part of sodium hypochlorite with 10 parts of water.
- Spray this mixture around areas where you’ve seen rats or where you think they might be hiding.
Will Bleach Kill Rats or Scare Them Away?
If you plan to use sodium hypochlorite to fight your rodent infestation, keep in mind that it doesn’t kill rats, it simply scares them away. Almost everyone has this product in their cleaning cabinet, making it the perfect method if you are unable to call professionals to help you with this problem.
Be careful when using bleach as it can be harmful to humans and animals if used incorrectly. If you have pets, make sure they are not in the area when you use the spray.
Why Do Rats Hate Bleach?
Rats hate bleach because of its strong smell. The strong smell of sodium hypochlorite can be too much for rats and they will avoid areas where it is present. You can make a homemade rat-repelling spray by mixing one part of sodium hypochlorite with ten parts of water. This solution can be sprayed around areas where rats are seen or where they are known to nest.
But why do rats hate the smell of bleach? The answer is fairly simple. Rats have a strong sense of smell, and they can detect even the slightest whiff of bleach. To them, its smell is a sign of danger, and they will do everything they can to avoid it.
How to Make Homemade Bleach Spray?
There are two ways to use sodium hypochlorite to deter rats: You can either make a homemade spray or use bleach-soaked rags.
- For the homemade spray, mix one-part sodium hypochlorite with ten parts of water and put it in a spray bottle. Then, simply spray any areas where you think rats might enter your home. Be sure to reapply the spray every few days to keep the rats away.
- If you opt for using bleach-soaked rags, simply soak some old rags in a mixture of sodium hypochlorite and water. Then, place them in any areas where rats are likely to enter your home. The rats will smell it and stay away.
Tips on How to Use Bleach to Get Rid of Rats
If you have a rat problem and want to get rid of them for good, then using sodium hypochlorite is one of the most effective methods. Here’s how you can do it:
- First, you need to find out where the rats are coming from and block all possible entry points into your home. This could include sealing up the holes in your walls, fixing broken screens, and filling the gaps around doors and windows.
- Once you block off all possible entry points, it’s time to start setting traps. You can use traditional snap traps or live traps but be sure to bait them with something that rats love such as peanut butter or cheese.
- Once you’ve caught a few rats, it’s time to dispose of them properly. The best way to do this is by drowning them in a bucket of bleach water. This will kill them instantly and also help disinfect their bodies so that they can’t spread diseases.
Safety Precautions to Follow When Using Bleach
If you are looking for a way to kill rats without using any kind of poison, then you might want to try using bleach. This is a very effective and easy way to get rid of these pests. Nevertheless, sodium hypochlorite is a very dangerous substance, so there are several safety precautions you should take when using this product:
- First of all, it is important to make sure that the area where you will be treating is well-ventilated. The fumes from the sodium hypochlorite can be harmful to your health if you inhale them for too long;
- Secondly, you need to be careful when handling this chemical. Make sure that you wear gloves and eye protection when using it. Also, be sure not to splash it onto your skin or clothes as it can cause irritation;
- If you do splash some bleach onto your skin, you should immediately wash it off using a lot of water. Getting sodium hypochlorite into your eyes is particularly dangerous, so be very careful when handling this product.
FAQ About Using Bleach to Get Rid of Rats
If you’re going to use bleach to handle your rodent infestation, you should learn a couple of things before getting started. Here are the most common questions people ask when using it to repel rats.
Is Bleach Dangerous to Humans?
There is no simple answer to this question as the potential risks posed by sodium hypochlorite vary depending on a number of factors, including its concentration and the length of time it is in contact with human skin. In general, it is safe to say that sodium hypochlorite can be dangerous to humans if it is not used properly.
Can Bleach Kill Rats?
Bleach can be effective in killing rats if used correctly. To do this, you have to pour bleach down the rat hole. However, you should be careful not to contaminate any areas where humans or pets might come into contact with the sodium hypochlorite solution, as it can pose a serious health risk.
How Long Does Bleach Keep Rats Away?
Unfortunately, the effect of sodium hypochlorite wears off fairly quickly. If you use rags soaked in a bleach solution to repel the rats, then you can expect it to work for up to a week.
What if the Bleach Didn’t Work on the Rats?
If the bleach does not work on rats, there are a number of other methods that can be employed to kill them such as traps or poisons. Getting rid of a rat infestation is harder than it might seem, so you might want to call a professional pest control company for assistance.
Use Bleach to Effectively Deal With Rats
Does bleach repel rats? Yes, it does! Does bleach kill rats? It can if you pour it straight into a rat hole or trick rats into consuming it. The last is not easy since they have a very keen sense of smell.
Despite the facts listed above, sodium hypochlorite will not help you with a serious rat infestation. Rats usually build nests in hard-to-reach places, which means only professionals will be able to help you to get rid of rats for good.
Also read:
- How to Find Best Pest Control: Guide on Pest Control Services
- Does Salt Kill Ants? Effect on Pests & Proven Methods of Control
- What Smells Do Ants Hate: Basic DIY Insect Repellents
- Do Ants Sleep: You Might Not Expect That
- Do Ants Carry Disease: Guide to Control And Prevention
Have you ever dealt with a rat infestation? Did you use household products such as bleach or specialized rat poisons? Tell us about your experience.
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