Ways to get rid of rats and moles using homemade remedies that repel them by scent
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Aaj Tak
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Ways to get rid of rats and moles using homemade remedies that repel them by scent

During this season, rats and moles are often found in homes. They can hide in pantries, attics, kitchens, or under cabinets or beds, spreading dirt throughout the house. These animals not only damage grain, clothing, and valuables but also carry infections that cause serious diseases. Furthermore, the smell of moles can spoil the atmosphere throughout the house.

Because of this, people often use chemical products. However, if you want to avoid using poisonous chemicals or traps, you can drive them out of the house using simple natural and homemade methods without spending money. Below are the most effective ways to repel rats and moles.

How to get rid of rats?

Rats and moles have a very developed sense of smell, and they strongly dislike the strong scent of mint. To use this method, take cotton balls and apply 8 to 10 drops of peppermint oil to them. They should be placed behind cabinets, in kitchen corners, and near doors.

In addition to mint, rats dislike the sharp smell and burning sensation of pepper, so they immediately leave the area as soon as they detect this aroma. To create a spicy spray, mix red pepper or crushed black pepper with water. This spray should be sprayed near the entrance gates, next to drainage drains, and in places where rats most often enter the house.

Cinnamon and phenol tablets emit an oily chemical odor that causes difficulty breathing in moles and rats, forcing them to panic and flee. Such tablets should be placed under the sink, in the laundry area, and in the lower parts of cabinets. However, if there are small children in the house, special caution should be exercised when using this method or abandon it altogether.

The strong sulfur smell contained in garlic and onions naturally acts as a repellent. Garlic cloves can be peeled or cut and placed near rat burrows and habitats. Onion pieces can also be used, but they must be changed every two days. Both these products emit such a strong odor that rats begin to avoid the area even from a distance.

The strong aroma of bay leaves is also problematic for rats and moles, although humans like it. Dried bay leaves should be stored in kitchen cabinets and on shelves. Thanks to this scent, rats do not approach food products.

Important precautions

Spilled food or dirty dishes left in the sink overnight attract rats. It is necessary to thoroughly seal all uncovered openings under doors, drain grate openings, and cracks in the walls. The trash can must always be closed and cleaned regularly.

Disclaimer: Although the strong smell of homemade remedies can temporarily drive away rats, it does not guarantee their complete extermination. When using any remedies, always monitor the safety of children and pets.

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How to Reuse Old Jeans: 5 Creative Ways to Organize Your Home
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How to Reuse Old Jeans: 5 Creative Ways to Organize Your Home

Many closets contain jeans that are either no longer worn or have become unusable due to fading, wear, shrinking, or tightness. Usually, such items are either thrown away or left in a corner of the wardrobe for a long time. However, instead of disposing of them, you can apply some tricks to turn old jeans into useful household items, such as bags, organizers, plant holders, and storage baskets, thereby stylishly tidying up clutter.

Denim is known for its density and durability, which means items made from it do not wear out quickly. Furthermore, the pockets and waistband of old jeans can be used separately. This means that no part of the jeans should go to waste. Below are five simple methods to give old jeans a new life.

How to Reuse Old Jeans:

The first way is to create a sturdy bag from old jeans. The simplest and most practical application is making a tote bag or a sling bag. Since denim is inherently strong, there is no need to buy additional thick fabric to make the bag. The body of the bag can be formed by cutting pieces from the jean legs and sewing the bottom part to give it shape. For greater strength and width, an additional base made from leftover denim can be added. A nice bonus is that the jean pockets can be left on the bag, eliminating the need to create separate compartments for phones, keys, or small items. Handles can also be made from strips of old fabric, rope, or leftover parts of the jeans.

The second option is to make a wall organizer. In the home, remotes, keys, bills, small scissors, chargers, and other small items are often scattered around. Instead of buying organizers from a store, you can cut the back pockets from old jeans and sew them onto a large piece of fabric or denim. If you use pockets of different colors, you can give the item a more attractive look. Such an organizer can be hung on the wall, inside a closet, or next to a door. The jean waistband can be used to create a hanging ring where you can place a remote control, mail, a small notebook, a charger, or other small things.

The third method is to create a stylish pot cover from denim. If you have houseplants in pots, old jeans can be used to make a cover or a hanging planter. First, you need to measure the size of the pot. Then, you need to cut enough material from the jean legs so that it fits the pot easily. The bottom part can be sewn to create a holder, or the material can simply be pulled over the pot like a cover. If hanging is planned, the seams must be very strong, as once soil and a plant are placed in the pot, the weight increases significantly, and relying only on weak adhesive is not recommended.

The fourth method is to create unique coasters from jean pockets. Small scraps, especially from the back pockets, should not be ignored. You can make cute and unique coasters from a pocket. The pocket is cut out, a circular outline is drawn on it, and the corresponding piece of fabric is cut out. Both layers are sewn together, and a little dense fabric or felt is placed between them. The edges can be slightly torn to give the item a rustic and rough look. Thus, one pair of old jeans can yield many coasters for use under cups of tea or coffee.

The fifth way is to refresh the appearance of a storage basket. If you have an old storage basket whose appearance has deteriorated, you can transform it using old jeans instead of throwing it away. Large and durable parts of the jeans can be cut out and sewn onto the outside of the basket. Pocket compartments can also be placed on the outside, providing extra pockets for storing small items inside the basket.

Korowai Tribe in Papua (Indonesia) Lives in Trees, Preserving Ancient Hunting Traditions
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Korowai Tribe in Papua (Indonesia) Lives in Trees, Preserving Ancient Hunting Traditions

There are communities and tribes on Earth that continue to live according to their prehistoric traditions. Some of these groups avoid interaction with the modern world, while others attempt to negotiate with it. One such community is the Korowai tribe, which lives in the dense forests of Papua, Indonesia. They do not build dwellings on the ground but spend their entire lives in trees.

According to a report by the New York Post, certain practices of cannibalism still exist within this tribal society. Their most unusual characteristic is that they do not live in ground-level houses; instead, they construct straw huts in trees, 15 to 20 meters high, where the entire family resides.

They have practiced this way of life for millennia. The Korowai tribe is often referred to as tree dwellers or tree people. They are one of the indigenous communities of Papua, and their unique way of life has attracted worldwide attention. These people remain out of reach of modern people and build beautiful houses in the trees.

Today, the Korowai tribe continues to live in the dense forests away from the rest of the world, much like people did in the Stone Age. Their existence depends on hunting, as well as wild tubers and other natural resources gathered in the forest. The ancient traditions and primitive customs of the Korowai are still alive.

The reasons for living in trees are varied. Among them are protection from snake attacks and other wild animals, as well as the belief that evil spirits inhabit the ground. This community is very wary of evil spirits, which explains the presence of cannibalistic practices in some cases.

The residents of the Korowai tribe build their treehouses using natural materials readily available in the forest, such as wood, rattan, and sabudana leaves. They demonstrate exceptional skill in creating sturdy and durable structures in the trees. In addition to protection from dangers and evil spirits, living in trees facilitates their search for food, such as fruits and small animals. They rely on the forest to meet their daily needs.

Men are responsible for hunting and gathering food, while women take care of household chores and childcare.

Francisco Carvalho states that climate crisis is a matter of justice and demands immediate action
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Francisco Carvalho states that climate crisis is a matter of justice and demands immediate action

Francisco Carvalho, in his first speech in the general assembly debate as Prime Minister, addressed the climate crisis from the perspective of justice. He declared that those who contribute least to the crisis cannot bear its most severe consequences, emphasizing that scientific knowledge must be translated into concrete decisions and actions.

The speech came after the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) won the legislative elections on May 17. The intervention occurred one day after Tropical Storm Gonzalo caused floods, power outages, and tree falls across several islands of the archipelago.

Carvalho warned that the climate crisis is already present, manifesting through drought, ocean acidification, and rising sea levels. He mentioned the damage in Santa Maria, where seawater invaded avenues near hotels, alluding to losses on Sal Island, the country's main tourist destination.

In addition to calling for a global climate pact, Cape Verde will seek to drive discussions at the United Nations. The Prime Minister emphasized that, for an island nation, ocean preservation transcends environmental policy, being fundamental to protecting territory, economy, and future.

Cape Verde will assume the presidency of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in 2027 and plans to implement an agenda focused on more equitable financing for climate change mitigation measures, alongside strengthening ocean defense.

The archipelago is characterized by being arid, but also prone to intense rainfall and sudden storms. In August 2025, Storm Erin resulted in nine deaths on São Vicente Island, and in November, heavy rains caused one fatality on Santiago Island.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a UN agency, the year 2025 was the second or third hottest recorded, with ocean warming intensifying storms and worsening sea-level rise.

During his speech in New York, Francisco Carvalho defended the primacy of international law over force, supported multilateralism, proposed reforms to the United Nations to increase its effectiveness, and called for greater African representation on the Security Council.

The Cape Verdean Prime Minister recalled a phrase by Amílcar Cabral, precursor to the independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, suggesting the importance of 'always learning.' He advocated for the central role of education, arguing that offering opportunities to young people is a way to 'protect the planet' and 'promote peace.'

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