Without you knowing it, your house can be an inviting haven for rats. Here are the 7 most common mistakes - and how to tackle them, plus why a new Swedish invention could be your best line of defence against rodents.
👉 Read more about Repello and order here
1. tiny cracks you can't even see
Rats can get in through openings so small you would hardly believe it was possible. A crack in the foundation of your house, a gap around a pipe, a leaky valve - to you it's nothing, to a rat it's a motorway straight in.
2. The bin that is never fully closed
You may think the lid is on, but for rats, a small gap is enough. They can smell it a mile away. A half-full rubbish bag or some food scraps in the compost is like setting up a buffet.
3. bird food spilled on the ground
Many people feed birds, especially in winter. But seeds that end up in the grass don't just attract small birds - they attract rats. And once the rats find their way there, they're happy to stay.
4. that dripping tap
A small drop every now and then is hardly noticeable to you. But for a rat, it can be the difference between surviving and not. A leaking pipe, a saucer of water under a flower pot, a puddle in the garden - anything will do.
5. Piles in the garden
The woodpile waiting for winter. The grass that wasn't cut last summer. Rice and leaf piles left lying around. For rats, these are perfect hiding places - close to the house, protected from predators, warm and safe.
6. Food on display
The dog bowl that didn't empty, the cereal box that didn't close properly, a bag of bread on the kitchen counter. For you, it's a small everyday thing - for rats, it's a feast.
7. The attic or storage room you never go up to
Old newspapers, cardboard boxes, fabric and rubble left untouched for years. For rats, it's a dream come true - a place where they can nest in peace and quiet, completely undisturbed.
👉 Read more about Repello and order here
The new secret weapon - Repello rat repeller
Even if you recognise several of the points above, it doesn't mean you have to live with rats this winter. The new Swedish rat repellent Repello is designed to provide a final, effective defence.
Unlike conventional ultrasonic devices - which rats quickly get used to - Repello uses something completely different: the rats' own alarm language.
When activated, Repello plays authentic sounds that rats themselves use to warn each other of danger. For them, it's a clear signal: "This is a deadly place, get out now!"
The result? They flee the area - often on the first night - and stay away for weeks, even after the device is switched off.
Research behind the technology
Repello was developed in collaboration with researchers at Luleå University of Technology, the research is also evaluated by SLU. Studies show that rats react instinctively - they do not perceive the sound as a disturbing noise, but as a real warning from their own kind.
This makes the technology sustainable over time. They won't come back, because their instinct tells them the place is dangerous.
How to have a rat-proof home this winter
Seal all openings - check pipes, valves and gaps.
Secure your rubbish bin - empty it often, and place it far from the house.
Avoid bird droppings and compost - clean up spillages and close up.
Fix leaks and standing water - indoors and out.
Keep your garden tidy - cut grass, clear brush and wood piles.
Keep food out - no open packages or pet food lying around.
Minimise hiding places - clean out drawers and keep storage rooms and attics tidy.
Plug in Repello - quick, easy and scientifically proven protection.
