What Smells Do Mice Hate? 10 Smells to Keep Them Away

Are you tired of uninvited mice scurrying around your home? You're not alone. Many homeowners are searching for effective ways to deter these pesky intruders. But what scents send mice scampering away? 

Discover what smells mice hate and find repulsive so you can keep them at bay. From natural solutions to simple household items, discover the most potent aromas to help you maintain a mouse-free home.

How Well Do Mice Smell?

Mice have an exceptional sense of smell that controls their every action. They depend on their noses to find food, escape from predators, and even communicate with each other. 

Imagine having a GPS that tells you where to find dinner, warns you of danger, and helps you make friends. For a mouse, that's what their sense of smell does. It's the superpower that helps them interpret their world. Mice can pick up on the slightest scent trails left by food or other mice or help them steer clear of potential threats.

But there’s more to their sense of smell than finding food and avoiding threats. Interestingly, some everyday household items emit odours which mice cannot stand. Certain strong scents like peppermint, cloves, and ammonia are like rotten eggs to them. Understanding what repels these rodents can be a game-changer for DIY pest control.

Rather than laying down traps, place these 10 smells nearby to keep mice at bay without causing harm.

#1 Peppermint Oil

The potent smell of peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant. To humans, it's a pleasant, refreshing scent, often associated with cleanliness. However, for mice, the intense minty fragrance is overwhelming. Their keen sense of smell, vital for avoiding predators and finding food, is overloaded by the strong oil, causing discomfort and encouraging them to steer clear.

To use peppermint as a mouse deterrent, thoroughly clean the areas where mouse activity is suspected to eliminate existing scents which may attract them. Then soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and strategically place them spread around the area — think near entry points, corners, and behind appliances. 

Refresh the oil-soaked cotton balls every few weeks to maintain their efficacy since the scent will fade.

#2 Eucalyptus Oil

Like peppermint, eucalyptus oil has a strong smell that mice don't like. This makes it a great natural way to keep them away. Similar to peppermint, thoroughly clean the areas where mouse activity is suspected then soak some cotton balls and strategically place them in the vicinity. Don't forget small holes or cracks and to refresh the cotton balls every few weeks to replenish the scent.

Using eucalyptus oil is an easy and smart way to stop mice from getting into your house. It can help make your place a no-go zone for mice.

#3 Clove Oil

Clove oil, renowned for its warm and spicy aroma, is an effective organic and humane solution for repelling mice from your home. Mice are averse to the strong scent of cloves, finding it unpleasant due to their sensitive noses. Additionally, the chemical composition of clove oil contains compounds like eugenol, constituting about 70-90% of its composition, which mice find repulsive.

To effectively use clove oil as a deterrent for mice, we recommend creating a spray solution by diluting it with water, typically 5-10 drops of oil per cup, in a spray bottle. Strategically spray this solution along skirting boards, around corners, and near entry points such as doors, windowsills, and cracks to establish an invisible barrier. Regular reapplication of the solution is essential to maintain its effectiveness.

#4 Ammonia

Like humans, mice dislike the pungent odour of ammonia, which can mimic the scent of urine, potentially leading them to perceive it as a predator's presence. When considering using ammonia to keep mice at bay, several methods exist. These include creating an ammonia spray by mixing it with water and dish soap and applying it in areas of mouse activity, soaking rags or cloths in ammonia and placing them strategically, or even mixing it with other substances to create a poison (though this method is not recommended due to safety concerns).

It's important to remember that ammonia is toxic so must be kept out of reach of children and pets. Its effectiveness also depends on factors such as the infestation's severity and the home's size.

#5 Vinegar

Next on the list of smells mice hate is a household staple: vinegar. The overwhelming aroma repels mice, causing them to avoid areas where it is present. Distilled white vinegar, in particular, proves most effective, while other types, like apple cider vinegar, may attract mice due to their sweet scent.

Soak cotton balls in distilled white vinegar and place them in areas frequented by mice, such as entry points or corners. Alternatively, mix equal parts of vinegar and water to create a spray solution and apply it to areas where mice might gather. Regular application is necessary to maintain vinegar's potency as a mouse repellent.

#6 Mothballs

Mice dislike the smell of mothballs due to the presence of naphthalene, a chemical compound with a strong, pungent odour that overwhelms their noses. To repel mice effectively, strategically place mothballs in areas of mouse activity, such as entry points, corners, or areas with signs of infestation. Ensure proper ventilation, as the fumes emitted by mothballs can harm humans, children and pets.

#8 Cedarwood

Cedarwood's potent aroma is an effective deterrent against mice due to cedrine, cedrol, and thujopsene compounds found in cedar oil, that create an unappealing scent for rodents.

Strategically place cedar blocks or shavings around the house, particularly near entry points, to discourage mice from entering. Additionally, apply cedar oil to cotton balls and position them in areas prone to mouse activity. While cedar provides some deterrence, combining it with other methods may offer a more comprehensive mouse prevention strategy.

#9 Mint Plants

Compounds like menthol and pulegone in mint emit a scent that mice find repulsive, deterring them from areas where mint plants are present. To repel mice effectively, strategically place fresh mint plants or mint leaves in areas of mouse activity, such as entry points, corners, or areas with signs of infestation. Additionally, consider planting mint in outdoor garden beds or pots near doors and windows to create a natural barrier against mice.

#10 Cayenne Pepper

Capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne pepper responsible for its spiciness, irritates mice's nasal passages, making them avoid areas where cayenne pepper is present. To use cayenne pepper as a mouse repellent, sprinkle it generously in areas of mouse activity, such as entry points, corners, or areas with signs of infestation. Additionally, consider mixing cayenne pepper with water to create a spray solution and applying it to surfaces or around the perimeter of your home to deter mice effectively.

#11 Citrus Peels

Compounds like limonene found in citrus peels create a scent that mice find repulsive, deterring them from areas where citrus peels are present. To repel mice effectively, strategically place fresh citrus peels or citrus zest in areas of mouse activity, such as entry points, corners, or areas with signs of infestation. Additionally, consider placing citrus peels in the garden or hanging them in mesh bags near doors and windows to create a natural barrier against mice.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what smells mice dislike can be a valuable tool in effectively deterring these irritating rodents from your home. You can create a mouse-free environment by incorporating natural repellents such as peppermint, cayenne pepper, and citrus peels. Whether it's the overpowering scent of ammonia or the pungent aroma of cedarwood, these smells offer humane and practical solutions to keep mice away.

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.