How to Eliminate Rats With Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story.


Sometimes it takes a great number of Bounce dryer sheets to produce an odor strong enough to repel rats. If you don't see an immediate decrease in the number of rats, try adding more Bounce sheets before using an alternative method.


Rats can pose a serious health and sanitation risk to humans. If the rat activity around your home is very high, Bounce dryer sheets may not be a viable solution. Seek professional help from a pest control service if it seems like the rat infestation is getting out of control.

Rats can pose serious health risks. Banish them from your home with Bounce dryer sheets.

Bounce dryer sheets emit a smell that rats and other rodents find very unpleasant. If you have a rat problem in or around your house, use Bounce dryer sheets to keep them away. This is a humane alternative to traps or poison, both of which will kill the rats. Bounce dryer sheets will cause no permanent harm to rats, but will repel them.

Rub Everything Down

Step 1

Grab a fresh Bounce dryer sheet and decide what areas are especially prone to a rat invasion. This might include the kitchen, doors, windows and cabinets.

Step 2

Wipe down each chosen surface thoroughly with the Bounce dryer sheet. If you are concerned about rats getting into your house, pay careful attention to the frames of windows and doors.

Step 3

Smell the dryer sheet periodically as you wipe surfaces down. Remember that it is the scent that repels the rats, so grab a new sheet when the perfume starts to fade.

Step 4

Wipe surfaces down with Bounce dryer sheets at least once a week or more frequently if needed.

Strategically Placed Dryer Sheets

Step 1

Make a list of all the places that the rats seem to like to burrow or make their home in. Common places are holes in woodwork or walls, luggage, dressers, linens, closets and bedding.

Step 2

Place two to three Bounce dryer sheets in each of the places that you listed. If the area is large, such as a closet, add more sheets as needed.

Step 3

Replace the Bounce dryer sheets with fresh ones every week.


Elle Hanson

Elle Hanson began writing professionally in 2010. Her writing has focused on political, social and mental health issues. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Bachelor of science in psychology from Montana State University.