Overview of Natural Mice Repellants

Every year, millions of people find themselves dealing with mice infestations in their homes. Eliminating mice from a house (or business) can prove to be a highly challenging endeavor. Moreover, a mouse infestation can cause serious physical damage to a home. In addition, mice in a residence also have the potential for presenting a very real health risk. Thus, in the greater scheme of things, you are well-advised to take steps to prevent a mouse infestation before you have mice in your home (or business).

There are chemical repellents as well as natural repellants that you can consider using when it comes to keeping mice from your home. The reality is that chemical repellents can present health hazards of their own accord. In addition, mice repellants available to consumers in stores have their own set of limitations. Nonetheless, a discussion is presented to you of mice repellants.

Peppermint Oil

One of the most widely used natural mice repellants is peppermint oil. (Using the phrase “widely uses” is all relative. The fact is that due to the limitations of all types of natural repellants, none of them are that broadly used – including peppermint oil.

There is evidence to suggest that peppermint oil repels mice. These rodents do tend to avoid coming near peppermint oil because of its odor.

The drawback is that a considerable volume of peppermint oil must be used to keep mice at bay. So much peppermint oil needs to be utilized to produce a strong enough odor to repel mice, the stench becomes unpleasant and even unsettling for humans. In addition, every couple of days, the peppermint oil “barrier” needs to be reconstructed as the scent begins to fade.

Cloves

Cloves are yet another natural repellant that some people have used in an attempt to prevent mice infestation. Cloves are only marginally successful in preventing mouse infestation in the best of circumstances.

A copious number of cloves can be placed in such locations as the perimeter of your residence. As is the case with peppermint oil, a considerable amount of cloves must be placed in order to produce an odor that will keep at least some mice at bay. In addition, also like peppermint oil, cloves will need to be replaced with some considerable frequency as the odor from an application dissipates. 

Whilst cloves are not poisonous to common household pets and children, they can prove irritating to their systems if pets or children consume some. Some people do not find what really can be a strong scent of cloves pleasant.

Cayenne Pepper

Yet another natural repellant that sometimes is used in an attempt to ward off mice is cayenne pepper. As is the case with peppermint oil and cloves, copious amounts need to be used to be even marginally effective.

The amount of cayenne pepper that needs to be placed to ward off mice is an amount so significant it has been known to be somewhat harmful to pets and children. Pets and children have been known to suffer mild burns as a result of being exposed to cayenne pepper in this manner.

Cat Urine

One of the most unpleasant and persistent smells in the world is cat urine. Cat urine is a repellant when it comes to mice. The problem is the stench of cat urine will definitely impact the livability of your residence if you are somehow finding a way to spread this around the exterior of your premises. The only real way to create a cat urine perimeter is to pour used litter from a cat’s box about the premises. In addition to an unpleasant stench for all, there are also health issues that can arise by taking this tactic.

Cat

A cat itself can be a repellant to mice. If mice detect the presence of a cat or cats at or near a residence or other structure, they may stay at bay, at least for a while. An issue can arise if a particular cat is not what commonly is referred to as a mouser – a feline that will stalk and hunt mice. Not all cats are interested or have been trained by their mothers in this type of activity.

Comprehensive Mouse Infestation Prevention Practices

The best way you can keep mice away from your home (or business) is to engage in a comprehensive set of consistent practices that include:

  • Keep food stored in tightly sealed, durable containers (thick plastic, glass)
  • Keep lids on trashcans tightly sealed
  • Don’t leave pet food out throughout the day
  • Clean up clutter
  • Eliminate water pools and puddles
  • Don’t plant bushes and shrubs directly next to a building
  • Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from a building
  • Keep lawn trimmed
  • Don’t permit trees to branch over a rooftop
  • Consider placing an 18 to 24-inch gravel perimeter directly around a house or business
  • Regularly inspect for signs of mice infestation (gnaw marks, droppings)