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As temperatures climb in the UK and warmer days begin to greet humans, there are several other creatures crawling out of the woodwork in a bid to enjoy the sunshine. One such species are rats, as these animals experience peak seasonal activity during summer months.

March to October is the peak breeding season for these rodents, with their numbers increasing during these warmer months, especially in the UK. To say rats are some of the most unwelcome creatures in homes would be an understatement, as they bring with them filth, diseases, mess and destruction.

How, then, can infestations of these critters be tackled, especially inside homes, garages and basements? We've got just the answer - and it barely costs anything.

There are many natural deterrents that rats are said to hate, one of the top ones being chilli or cayenne pepper. With a jar of cayenne pepper costing just £1 at supermarket chain Asda, it's safe to say this rat repellent is as cost-effective as it gets.

According to Native Pest Management: "The intense spiciness of cayenne pepper is not just for cooking; it can also discourage rats by irritating their sensitive noses."

Rats particularly dislike spicy aromas as their sensitive noses experience tremendous irritation from them. Cayenne pepper powder, chilli pepper flakes, or potent chilli oil are all natural kitchen staples that can trigger significant irritation to rats' respiratory systems when inhaled, prompting these creatures to explicitly avoid areas and spaces which reek of pronounced chilli scents. An effective, efficient, and quick natural rat and mouse repellent can be created with just a couple of ingredients.

To concoct the ultimate rat repellent, all you need is 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper powder or chilli flakes, 1-quart of water and a tiny dash of dish soap.

First, take the chilli flakes or cayenne pepper, mix it with water in a pot, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Next, let the mixture cool down. The longer you give this step, the more potent the mix becomes. Then, add in a dash of dish soap.

Finally, take your rat repellent mix and carefully transfer it into a spray bottle. The spray bottle ensures that hard-to-reach places are not skipped or missed.

Now all you have to do is spray the mix in rat-infested (or potential infestation) areas and, voila, you have a low-cost yet supremely effective natural deterrent against these critters.

It goes without saying that you need to be careful when handling the chilli, and if you have pets or children in your homes, be sure to keep them away from the chilli-sprayed areas as it can cause irritation and create problems for unsuspecting kids or pets that are not the intended targets of the exercise.

Another method is to take cayenne pepper or raw chilli pepper flakes and carefully scatter them around possible rat-entry points in your home, especially in gaps surrounding pipes, drains, roof openings, windows or doors, and compromised air bricks.

For chilli oil, combine it straight with water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture in and around the areas in your property where rats and mice are present.

It's essential to reapply the mixture after periods of heavy rainfall or excess moisture, especially in the UK which sees no lack of either, and always be careful while handling chilli products - especially around children and pets.