Colder weather means rats and mice flee gardens and try to find shelter inside homes. These pests can be highly disruptive and difficult to get rid of. However, the experts at JWS waste company have shared one tip that will keep them from building a home in your space.

The best part about this hack is that you don't need to buy any fancy traps or bait. It just uses a cheap item you likely already own - kitchen foil. To keep rats and mice out of your home, first identify typical hiding spots.

The rodents can hide in spaces like under the kitchen cupboards, or in the back of wardrobes, and then you should line these areas with kitchen foil.

This works because rats dislike the texture, sound and sensation of foil under their feet. When they step on foil, the noise will startle them and the slippery surface means they can't get any traction and will avoid it.

They will learn this quickly, and avoid trying to get back in once the foil is in place. It's a very effective method for small problem areas.

Another great way to avoid rats in your home is by keeping it clear of clutter. Make sure not just your home, but your sheds and garages are free of things like old newspapers, cardboard boxes and bins.

The cardboard and paper make great nesting material. And if rats learn they can access food waste in your home they'll keep coming back.

Make sure all your bins are secure and have lids - this will stop rats accessing them.

This also goes for dried foods like nuts in the kitchen, or dry pet food. Food is a major attractant of rats and they have a great sense of smell - if you seal all food in containers you remove the scent trail and stop them getting into your food.

Nigel Kemp from JWS said: "Keeping rats out doesn't need to be expensive or complicated. A few clever tricks, like sealing bins properly or using scents they dislike, can make your home a place rats simply don't want to be."