Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil, put them in small jars with holes punched in the lids, and place near entry points. Less mess, longer lasting.
I did a small experiment in my shed—two corners with oil cotton balls, two without. The traps near the scented spots stayed empty for three days longer. So maybe some effect, but temporary.
Good point @GreenThumbGreg1 natural doesn’t mean foolproof. Rats are smart. If they’re desperate for food, they’ll push past the smell. But oils can help keep new ones out.
Be careful with essential oils if you’ve got cats or dogs. Some can be toxic in higher doses. Always ventilate and use diluted solutions.
Essential oils work best as part of a bigger plan—seal cracks, store food properly, and use traps. Think of oils as the air freshener after the cleaning, not the main defense.