Using Natural Mice Deterrents and Repellents

When it comes to controlling mice in your home or business, it's crucial to approach the problem with effective and safe solutions to the extent possible. Using natural mice deterrents and repellents quite often offer a humane and environmentally friendly alternative to mainstream pest control methods such as harmful chemicals and traps.

These natural solutions can effectively discourage mice from taking up residence in your space without causing harm or death. From the potent aroma of peppermint to the pungent scent of ammonia, these deterrents work by targeting the sensitive senses of mice, making your property an unappealing environment for them.

What Are Natural Mice Deterrents?

Natural mice deterrents and repellents rely on natural ingredients, primarily deriving from plants or other organic non-synthetic sources, to create such an unappealing environment for mice that they decide to go elsewhere.

Pros of Natural Mice Deterrents

• Mice are deterred rather than killed
• Safer for kids and pets (you still need to take care!)
• Can use readily available ingredients from kitchen or laundry cupboard
• Less toxic chemicals

Cons of Natural Mice Deterrents

• People may also struggle with the deterrents
• Mice may get used to the deterrents
• Some deterrents may not be effective with all mice

Natural Mice Deterrents and Repellents

#1 Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is an essential oil which signals cleanliness and keeps mice away. Using peppermint cleaners freshens up your house and turns mice off. You can also scatter minty sweets like Altoids, or plant real mint, to keep your home rodent-free.

Directions

Mix two teaspoons of peppermint essential oil with a cup of water to create a DIY mouse repellent. Transfer it into a spray bottle and mix thoroughly by shaking. 

Alternatively soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them strategically around the house, focusing on entry points, suspected nesting areas, and where you think mouse activity occurs. You can also use a diffusor if you have one to spread the deterrent.

Be careful around children and pets. Essential oils can be harmful so ensure they are out of reach.

#2 Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, another powerful essential oil, is renowned for its antiseptic properties and is also effective in repelling mice. Extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia, tea tree oil emits a strong scent that is tolerable and even therapeutic for humans but detested by mice and other pests.

Directions

No dilution is necessary to use essential oil, but you can mix with a little water if preferred.

Similar to peppermint oil, soak cotton balls in tea tree oil and distribute them around your home, focusing on entry points and in dark, secluded spaces where you believe mice might roam. Alternatively you can use a diffusor to spread the scent throughout the home.

Be careful around children and pets. Essential oils can be harmful so ensure they are out of reach.

#3 Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is a highly effective natural deterrent for mice, known for its potent aroma that pests find particularly off-putting. Derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, this essential oil has a sharp, clean scent that is refreshing to humans but overwhelming for rodents.

Its strong odour interferes with mice's ability to navigate from smell, making your home or business less inviting to them. The oil's natural properties not only deter mice but also provide the added benefit of purifying the air, contributing to a healthier and more pleasant environment.

Directions

No dilution is necessary to eucalyptus essential oil, but you can mix with a little water if preferred.

Similar to peppermint and tea tree oil, soak cotton balls in eucalyptus oil and distribute them around your home, focusing on entry points and in dark, secluded spaces where you believe mice might roam. Alternatively you can use a diffusor to spread the scent throughout the home.

Be careful around children and pets. Essential oils can be harmful so ensure they are out of reach.

 

#4 Ammonia

Ammonia is a common by product of decomposing animal urine. Mice think this smell signals danger, possibly from a predator, so they steer clear. To use ammonia against mice, dab a few drops in their hang-out spots. But remember, too much can hurt humans and pets.

Directions

Ammonia should be used with greater caution. Place small amounts of ammonia in shallow dishes or soak rags in ammonia and place them in areas close to where mice are known to roam, away from pets and children.

#5 Cayenne Pepper

Mice find the potent aroma of cayenne pepper quite overpowering, and it can irritate their nose and eyes. To deter mice, scatter cayenne pepper around potential entry points like doors, windows, or room corners. 

Directions

Sprinkle cayenne pepper powder around the interior and exterior of your home, focusing on potential entry points, and areas where you suspect mice are active.

#6 Tabasco Sauce

Tabasco sauce is another spicy mouse repellent. Mice detest its heat. Cayenne is easy to sprinkle indoors, but hot sauce such as tabasco is for outdoor use. Apply it around your home’s base to keep mice from entering.

Directions

Tabasco sauce can be mixed with a little water to help it spread more easily and applied around the exterior of your home.

Final Thoughts

Employing natural deterrents offers a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly approach to mouse control in your home or business. Using readily available ingredients such as peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils, along with household items like ammonia and spices, you can create an unwelcoming environment for mice without resorting to harsh chemicals or lethal traps.

Remember, the key to success lies in consistent application and combining these natural remedies with good sanitation and home maintenance practices.

Take control of your pest problems naturally and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a safe, clean, and rodent-free environment.

We go to great lengths to ensure that all our DIY mouse control products are effective & easy-to-use. You may also find our expert guide useful if you want to learn more about getting rid of mice from your home or workplace.