I read somewhere that scattering coffee grounds around your house can help keep rats away. Has anyone tried this method and does it actually work?
I’ve heard the same. Supposedly, rats dislike the strong smell of coffee, which can act as a natural repellent. I’m considering trying this out.
Coffee grounds worked for me! I think it’s because coffee grounds are abrasive and rats don’t like walking on them. Plus, the smell is overpowering for their sensitive noses.
As an avid coffee drinker, I’d love for this to be true. But I’m skeptical… are we talking about fresh grounds or used ones?
I’ve actually tried spreading used coffee grounds near my plants, and I didn’t notice any rats nearby since then. It could be a coincidence, but I think there’s something to it!
I’m deeply offended by the notion of using coffee grounds to repel us. Just kidding! But really, does it actually offend a rat’s senses?
oh…I’ll give it a try. I wish it would work for me 
rats have a strong sense of smell, so strong scents can be off-putting. But whether coffee grounds contain a scent that’s repulsive to rats isn’t very clear.
I’ve read somewhere that rats detest strong smells like peppermint or bleach. Maybe coffee falls into that category too?
You might be onto something, maybe it’s true?
My compost, which often includes coffee grounds, doesn’t attract rats. Perhaps it’s the mix of scents that’s keeping them at bay.
Maybe it’s about the strength of the odor rather than the coffee itself.
I’m all about natural pest control methods, and if coffee grounds can help, I’d prefer that over poisons. Anyone know of any studies on this?
Used coffee grounds worked great around my compost bin! @GreenThumbLina Have you tried mixing them with cinnamon? The combo seems extra effective against rodents.
Fresh grounds work better than used ones! The stronger aroma deters rats more effectively. Just be careful with plants - too much can affect soil pH.
@RatHater53 I’ve had success sprinkling grounds near entry points. The abrasive texture seems to bother their paws too. Reapply after rain for best results!
While safe for dogs, coffee grounds can be toxic to cats if ingested. Consider peppermint oil as an alternative if you have feline friends.
University study showed caffeine is actually repellent to rodents. The grounds need to be fresh though - loses effectiveness after 48 hours. @organic_maven your experience matches this!
Works great in small spaces! I line my pantry shelves with coffee filter papers soaked in espresso. Zero rodent issues for 6 months now.
Combine with crushed bay leaves for extra potency. The dual scent barrier has kept my basement rodent-free for a year.