When it comes to pesticides and pest repellents, it is hard to get over the strong chemical smells and often harmful toxic ingredients that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Although infrequent exposure to these chemicals is much better than living in a rat-infested area, it would be nice to have a way to get rid of pests without health concerns.
Quick Answer:
While Pine-Sol has a strong scent that may initially deter rodents like rats due to their sensitive sense of smell, it is not a long-term solution for a rat problem. Rats are highly adaptable creatures and may get used to the scent over time. For a persistent rat problem, consider professional pest control services or humane traps
There are many essential oils that have strong scents and can act as natural rodent repellents. But buying all the bottles of essential oils can be expensive and time-consuming with the research and purchasing commitments needed.
Fortunately, most of these powerful repellents can be found in household cleaning products you already have around your home. One of these products that can be used to stop pests and keep your house clean is fresh Pine-Sol. Find out how it works in the article below.
Does the Scent of Pine-Sol Bother Rodents?
Most household chemicals have a powerful smell, and Pine-Sol is no exception. Since rodents have a strong sense of smell, strong odors like the bitter smell of Pine-Sol make excellent rat deterrents.
Rodents usually become a problem in areas that are used for dry storage, so even taking simple steps like filling a spray bottle with Pine-Sol or leaving soaked cotton balls in seldom-used places around the home can leave a pungent smell and work as natural repellents for rats and other common house pests.
Other strong odors, like a minty smell or a lemon-like smell, can be effective and combined with the pine smell to help repel pests longer. Having a variety of pungent smells can help to deter a wider range of pests, as each natural smell may be offensive to a different invasive critter.
A predator smell can be used around the exterior of the home, and even the smell of ammonia or the smell of bleach will repel most pests, but mixing these chemicals should be avoided to prevent producing a dangerous and lethal gas making Pine-Sol a better cleaning chemical for mouse repellent.
Pine-Sol Uses
There are several ways you can make use of Pine-Sol around your home and yard. Since it is a common cleaning product having Pine-Sol products around that will also prevent you from having to run to the store and buy other chemicals can be handy.
One of the most effective household products, Pine-Sol can clean your home and keep pests at bay, all while leaving a fresh smell that most people find enjoyable and pleasant. Below are several other uses for these reliable products.
| Use | Method | Result |
| Surface Cleaner | Add into the water for dilution and mop or sipe down surfaces | All surfaces are disinfected and cleaned for several hours |
| Pest Repellent | Dilute in at least a liter of water and spray in areas pests are likely to frequent | Pests will avoid recently sprayed areas and may stay away for up to a week at a time, depending on the pest and saturation rate |
| Herbicide | Dilute in water in a spray bottle and spray directly on the roots of the weeds | Weed will start to die in 24 hrs or so; reapply as needed |
| Pesticide | Pour or spray undiluted liquid directly onto the pest | Most pests will die very quickly |
What Is Pine-Sol?
Pine-Sol is a commercial product used for cleaning and disinfecting. It contains power pine essential oils as well as other ingredients that provide a robust cleaning effect and a heavy aroma that can linger on sprayed furniture for hours. The strong smell can repel a number of pests and is a refreshing scent for most homeowners.
Diluted Pine-Sol can be used to as an herbicide or pesticide and has many other home uses as well. It has a refreshing smell and can be used to sanitize counters and food preparation areas if given ample time to dry. It will deter any pests with a strong sense of smell and can help keep the areas around food safe from pest infestation.
Will Pine-Sol Kill Rats?
If applied directly to them, Pine-Sol can kill rats. The chemicals will be enough to do damage just on contact, and the aggressive smell will cause the eventual shutdown of the rat’s ability to find food or survive. While not the most humane method of pest removal, it can be effective in a pinch.
It is much better to use Pine-Sol to keep rats and other rodents out of your home than to try and use it as a method of killing them once they are already inside.
How to Use Pine-Sol to Get Rid of Rats?
To effectively use Pine-Sol to get rid of rats, you should have a bit of a plan. The chemicals work bests when they are applied very near the time rats would come around that area. If you apply the Pine-Sol early in the morning, but rats are likely to enter in the night, then you will have less of a chance of keeping them out.
Instead, observe the behaviors of your pests and act accordingly to make the areas they frequently inhabitable so they will move on to greener pastures. If you accomplish this, then Pine-Sol will keep rats away for good.
