How to Get Rid of Rodents in Walls Naturally

Hearing the sound of scratching or gnawing coming from inside your walls can be deeply unsettling. Whether it’s a mouse or a rat, rodents in the structural cavities of your home pose a fire risk and a hygiene threat. Many Reading residents ask how to get rid of rodents in walls and ceilings naturally to avoid using heavy chemicals inside their living spaces.

The Danger of "Hidden" Rodents

Rodents don't just stay in the walls; they use these cavities as a highway to reach your kitchen and bathrooms. They often gnaw on electrical cables, which is a major cause of house fires in the UK. If you hear activity above you, it is often a sign that you need squirrel-removal or rat control, depending on the time of day the noise occurs.

Can You Get Rid of Rodents Naturally?

If you prefer a non-chemical approach, there are several "natural" deterrents:

1. Peppermint Oil: Rodents have a very sensitive sense of smell. Soaking cotton balls in high-grade peppermint oil and placing them near entry points can act as a repellent.

2. Steel Wool: Rodents cannot chew through steel wool. Stuffing this into small gaps in the brickwork or around pipes is an effective physical barrier.

3. Ultrasonic Devices: These emit a high-frequency sound that is uncomfortable for rodents but inaudible to humans.

Why Natural Methods are Often Only Temporary

While deterrents might push a rodent out of one room, they often just move to another part of the house. To truly solve the problem, you need "exclusion." Our rodent-control experts focus on finding the primary entry point—often a faulty drain or a gap under the eaves—and sealing it permanently.

If the rodents have been in your ceiling for a long time, the insulation may be contaminated. In these cases, we recommend a loft-clearance to remove the biohazardous waste and restore the hygiene of your home.

FAQs

1. What is making the scratching noise in my wall?

If the noise happens at night, it is almost certainly rats or mice. If it happens during the day, especially in the early morning, it is likely squirrels.

2. Is it safe to leave rodents in the walls if I can't see them?

No. Aside from the fire risk from chewed wires, their droppings and urine will eventually cause odors and can seep through plasterboard, leading to expensive repairs and health risks.