Do coffee grounds attract rats?

While rats and mice are attracted to food odors, they aren't interested in the smell or taste of coffee grounds. In fact, both used and fresh coffee grounds repel mice and rats.

coffeeaffection.com - Do Coffee Grounds Attract Rats and Mice? What to Know!

Is Blender discontinued?

On March 31st 2021, Blender Network will terminate its operations. Dec 30, 2020

Last updated Dec 10, 2018

How big is a 10x18 storage unit?

10x18, 10x19, 10x20, and 10x23 Storage Units These are roughly the size of 2-3 bedrooms. They can hold appliances and furnishings for a 1500 sq. ft...

Last updated Apr 13, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

If you have a rodent problem on your hands, you might be wondering if coffee grounds could be the culprit. You may have heard that leftover food and strong-smelling organic items have a tendency to attract rats and mice, and that might have led you to ask if the smell of used coffee grounds lures rodents. While rats and mice are attracted to food odors, they aren’t interested in the smell or taste of coffee grounds. In fact, both used and fresh coffee grounds repel mice and rats.

Is There a Difference Between Dry and Used Grounds?

Not really. Neither dry coffee grounds nor used ones will attract rats and mice. Rodents don’t like the smell of most products containing caffeine, and they typically won’t bother with coffee grounds in any form. This general aversion to coffee smells is one of the reasons it’s perfectly safe to throw your used coffee grounds into your compost heap. Coffee grounds contain nitrogen which is fantastic for plants, and composting your grounds is an excellent way to increase your soil quality without attracting rodents naturally.

Can I Use Coffee Grounds as a Rodent Repellent?

While rats and mice won’t go out of their way to get into or eat coffee grounds, the associated smell isn’t strong enough to act as a serious repellent. Rodents are generally attracted to food smells and are persistent and resourceful. If you have a rat or mouse problem, throwing coffee grounds on your trash or compost heap won’t do a thing to deter the critters from getting into your food waste. To keep rats out of your trash, you’ll need to invest in a heavy-duty trash can with a sturdy lid. Clean your trash can regularly and spray them with ammonia to discourage unwanted visitors. When it comes to compositing, you have a few alternatives that will work far more effectively than coffee grounds, including outdoor trench and indoor worm composting.

What Smells Tend To Attract Rats and Mice?

Rodents are attracted to a variety of organic and food smells. Pet food, dairy products, bones, dog and cat poop, rotting fruit, butter, bread, meat, and fish are some of the biggest culprits.

Are There Smells Rodents Dislike?

Yes! Rats and mice tend to dislike the smell of mothballs, mint, eucalyptus, chili powder, peppermint, and citronella. They’re also not fond of ammonia, vinegar, onion, garlic, and clover.

What Animals Are Attracted to Coffee Grounds?

Worms are attracted to coffee grounds! The invertebrates are more important than you can imagine in the food chain. They’re indispensable for breaking down organic matter.

Are There Other Uses for Coffee Grounds?

Used coffee grounds make an excellent natural deodorizer. After brewing coffee, leave the grounds out to mask household smells. You can even use them to remove nasty odors from your refrigerator! Used grounds also serve as gentle scouring agents for pots and pans. Throw used grounds in a bowl and set it outside your window to discourage mosquitoes and fruit flies from bothering you. Coffee grounds also work wonders as meat tenderizers!

Featured Image Credit: Marie C Fields, Shutterstock

Can a Neighbour put CCTV pointing at my house?

As property owners, your neighbours are perfectly within their rights to install security cameras to prevent intruders or burglars. If their camera...

Last updated Dec 9, 2021

How do I keep animals out from under my shed?

For decks and porches, you can use decorative lattice with some wire mesh behind it. Just be sure to bury the bottom of the barrier so animals are...

Last updated Apr 1, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Why do old houses have small windows?

Transom Windows Those panels of glass you'll still find on old homes are called transom doors. Their main purpose was to let in natural light in the front hallways and interior rooms before electricity became the norm.

familyhandyman.com - 20 Mysterious Old Home Features That Aren't Useful Anymore

Landline telephones used to be an essential means of communication, but they weren’t always so compact. Because of their big, heavy stature, they required quite a bit of space. Homes used to have niches in walls for this purpose. Today, however, they’re a place to store things like mail or display a plant.

4 / 20

Tiny Iron Door Leading to the Basement

While natural gas is the heating fuel of choice for many today, up until around 1940, most families heated their homes by burning coal. Coal delivery men traveled door-to-door to provide people the fuel they needed to power their furnace. They shoveled coal through the small door and down the chute into the basement. Once in the basement, homeowners could shovel the coal directly into the furnace. Today most of these chutes have been sealed, though you will often still see the iron doors on older homes. What was once a functional part of the house is now a great conversation starter and history lesson.