Photo: Ola Dapo

What smells do mice avoid?

But what exactly do mice and rats hate to smell? Mice can be kept away by using the smells of peppermint oil, cinnamon, vinegar, citronella, ammonia, bleach, and mothballs.

fox-pest.com - What Scent Will Keep Mice Away? (7 Smells Mice Hate) - Fox Pest Control

How do you waterproof a shed indoors?

At a glance: Start with your shed base – get it right before you build your shed. Apply regular timber treatment to prevent rot. Inspect weak...

Last updated Sep 11, 2019

Is it safe to grow vegetables in potting soil?

While vegetables aren't fussy about the kind of pot they're in, they do need a potting mix that will allow water to drain well. Like most other...

Last updated Nov 12, 2018

Promotion

7 Smells That Mice Hate Posted September 26, 2022

Over 21 million homes are occupied by rodents in the United States every winter. That’s a lot of hungry mouths to feed; unfortunately for homeowners, these pests can damage property and pose serious health risks. If you’re unlucky to have a run-in with these pesky intruders, you may be looking for ways to prevent them from returning. One popular method to keep mice away is by repelling them with certain smells that they hate. As it turns out, there are several smells that these pests cannot stand, which means you can use them to your advantage. But what exactly do mice and rats hate to smell? Mice can be kept away by using the smells of peppermint oil, cinnamon, vinegar, citronella, ammonia, bleach, and mothballs. From essential oils to common household items, many odors will send mice and rats running in the other direction. So, if you’re looking to learn what scent will keep mice away, here are some of the smells that mice dislike most:

Natural Mouse Repellent

If you want to know how to keep mice away, there are many natural mouse repellents that you can use to keep these pests at bay. Here are some natural smells mice hate:

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is an effective method for keeping mice and rats away. These rodents cannot stand this oil’s robust and minty smell, so a few drops around your home can go a long way in keeping them away. You can also use a diffuser to spread the peppermint oil around your home or apply it directly to areas where you’ve seen mice or rats. Just be sure to dilute the oil first, as undiluted peppermint oil can irritate your skin.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another scent that mice and rats hate. Rodents are susceptible to smells, and cinnamon’s potent scent can be overwhelming. You can sprinkle cinnamon around your home, or you can use it to make a rat-repellent spray. Add a few drops of cinnamon oil to water and spray it around your home.

Vinegar

Should a vent stack be capped?

Never cap off vent pipes. These pipes are vital as they deliver air into the plumbing system. Nov 24, 2020

Last updated Jan 1, 2018

Is thyme toxic to cats?

True Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is not at native plant and it is not on the ASPCA plants toxic to cats list. Apr 15, 2015

Last updated Nov 1, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

The pungent smell of vinegar is also a natural way to repel mice and rats. These pests cannot stand the sharp scent of vinegar, which means it can be used as an effective rodent repellent. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this purpose. Soak some cotton balls in vinegar and place them around areas where you think rodents might be entering your home. You can also use vinegar to clean areas where rodents have been, as this will help remove their scent.

Citronella

Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent, but it can also be used to keep mice and rats away. These animals hate the lemon-like smell of citronella, so using it around your home can help to deter them. You can buy citronella candles or oils or plant citronella plants around your home. These plants will not only help keep rodents away but also make your outdoor space more pleasant.

Common Household Items That Deter Mice and Rats

In addition to natural smells, there are several chemical smells that mice and rats hate. These chemicals can be found in standard household products, so you likely already have them in your home. Here are some household items that make excellent rodent repellents:

Ammonia

The strong smell of ammonia is another scent that mice and rats hate. They cannot stand ammonia’s sharp, pungent odor, so using it around your home can help prevent them from entering your home and stop them from nesting in your walls. You can use ammonia to clean areas where rodents have been, or you can soak some cotton balls in them and place them around your home. Just be careful when using ammonia, as it can harm your skin and lungs if inhaled. And make sure to wear gloves and a mask when using this cleaning product.

Bleach

Bleach is another standard household product that can be used as a rodent repellent. The pungent smell of bleach is unpleasant to these animals, so using it around your home can help keep them away. You can mix it with water and spray it around your home, then monitor the area to see if the rodents are repelled after a few days.

Can I use painters plastic as a vapor barrier?

You can use plastic if you put polyethylene between your drywall and the wall studs. This way, you should get a tighter wall without trapping...

Last updated Jun 11, 2022

Can I grow seeds in a potting shed?

Seeds, seeds, seeds A potting shed is ideal if you love to get seeds going and don't want to leave all those seed trays on windowsills in the...

Last updated Oct 7, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Be sure to use bleach safely, as it can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. Wear gloves and a mask when using this cleaning product, so you don’t breathe in the fumes.

Mothballs

Mothballs emit a strong, pungent smell that these animals cannot stand. You can place them around areas where you’ve seen mice or rats, or you can put them in any enclosed spaces where these rodents might be hiding. You can also make a rat-repellent spray using mothballs. Just place a few mothballs in a water bowl and let them dissolve. Then, pour the solution to a spray bottle and use it to mist areas where you think rodents might be entering your home. Do not use too much of this spray, as the strong smell of mothballs can harm your health if inhaled. Be sure to open windows and doors using this spray to ventilate your home. These are just a few smells that will eliminate mice and rats. By placing them around your home, you can help to keep rats away, get rid of mice and rats, and make your home a less inviting place for them to live. However, if you continue to have rodent issues, you will need to contact Fox Pest Control to help you avoid these pests. Our team of experts will work hard to find the source of your problem and eliminate it quickly and efficiently. Call us today at (855) FOX-PEST to learn more about our services and how we can help you remove rodents from your home.

fox-pest.com - What Scent Will Keep Mice Away? (7 Smells Mice Hate) - Fox Pest Control

Does a shed with a floor need a base?

Do you need a foundation for your shed? Typically, small sheds in the size range of 6×8 or smaller do not require a foundation. However, we suggest...

Last updated Sep 25, 2022