Although rats may be a major pain in any house, getting rid of them doesn’t always need poisons or elaborate traps. Sometimes, “the most out-of-the-ordinary things may provide the best results.”

One simple method uses Vicks VapoRub, something many people already have at home. To make the bait, you’ll need “three sugary cookies of your choice, one tablespoon of bicarbonate, and one teaspoon Vicks VapoRub.” Crush the cookies into a powder, mix in the baking soda, then knead in the Vicks until it forms a dough. Shape it into small balls and place them where rats often appear. “The tempting scent of the cookies will draw in the rodents, but the combination of baking soda and Vicks Vaporub will drive them away.”

Rats pose serious health risks. They can spread leptospirosis, “a bacterium found in rat and other animal urine,” and the bubonic plague, “a bacterial disease carried by fleas that inhabit rats.” They also transmit hantavirus and Lassa fever, both from contact with rat droppings or urine.

Aside from health threats, rats damage homes by gnawing on wires and wood. For both safety and peace of mind, it’s important to keep rats away. This simple, non-toxic solution offers an easy way to start.