Does peppermint oil repel rodents?

Does peppermint oil repel mice? It makes your home smell nice and gets rid of mice, so that makes it the perfect mouse repellent, right? Nope! It will make your home smell good, but it certainly won’t get rid of your unwanted lodgers.

How do you use peppermint oil to repel rodents?

Peppermint Oil Spray



Combine two teaspoons of peppermint oil with one cup of water and then add a few drops of dish detergent to help the ingredients mix better. Shake it all together in a spray bottle and apply the mixture any place that you have or suspect you have mice.

How long does peppermint oil repel mice?

EarthKind founder, Kari Warberg Block, tested using peppermint oil for pest control extensively in her farm equipment over a 3 year period. Kari says, “It would work for a couple of weeks, and then just lose its scent.

What essential oil keeps rodents away?

peppermint oil

Essential oils that may be helpful in repelling rats and mice include peppermint oil, lemon oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil. You can make an essential oil spray by mixing 2 teaspoons of oil with 1 cup of water or rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Then spray it anywhere you see traces of rodents.

Do rats stay away from peppermint oil?

Peppermint oil is said to deter rats from entering treated areas. In high concentrations, peppermint oil may exhibit some repellency.

Is it true mice don’t like peppermint oil?

Does peppermint oil repel mice? It makes your home smell nice and gets rid of mice, so that makes it the perfect mouse repellent, right? Nope! It will make your home smell good, but it certainly won’t get rid of your unwanted lodgers.

Do mice actually hate peppermint?

Peppermint obviously has a strong scent, one that mice dislike. According to Victor Pest, peppermint contains very potent menthol compounds that irritate their nasal cavities. A whiff of peppermint certainly does keep them away.

What do rodents hate the most?

Here are some natural smells mice hate:

  • Peppermint Oil. Peppermint oil is an effective method for keeping mice and rats away. …
  • Cinnamon. Cinnamon is another scent that mice and rats hate. …
  • Vinegar. The pungent smell of vinegar is also a natural way to repel mice and rats. …
  • Citronella. …
  • Ammonia. …
  • Bleach. …
  • Mothballs.


What Odor do rodents hate?

Many people believe that astringent, menthol, and spicy odors are effective in keeping mice away. This makes peppermint oil, chili powder, citronella, and eucalyptus the most common natural rodent repellents. Chemical smells, such as ammonia, bleach, and mothballs also work as mice deterrents.

What home remedy keeps rodents away?

Our Top 5 Ways to Repel Mice

  1. Peppermint Oil. A lot of pests hate peppermint, and mice agree! Roll or spray peppermint oil along baseboards or points of entry.
  2. Apple Cider Vinegar. Dilute with water, and then spray around the exterior of your home. …
  3. Fabric Softener Sheets. …
  4. Used Kitty Litter. …
  5. Steel Wool.


How often apply peppermint oil to mice?

The scent of peppermint oil needs to stay strong in order to keep mice away. So make sure you’re reapplying a few times a week to keep mice away.

Why do mice not like peppermint smell?

Peppermint contains a potent compound known as menthol, which irritates rodents’ nasal cavities and disorients them, causing them to stray away from areas that contain the scent.

What is the most effective mouse repellent?

Peppermint Oil, Cayenne Pepper, or Cloves – Have strong scents that may repel mice.

What keeps mice away permanently?

Essential oils with a strong smell, such as peppermint and clove oil, can repel mice. For best results, soak cotton balls in the essential oil of your choice and put them in areas you’ve noticed mouse activity – such as drawers, cupboards, and under sinks.

What does mouse hate the most?

Peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, pepper and cloves.



Mice are said to hate the smell of these. Lightly soak some cotton balls in oils from one or more of these foods and leave the cotton balls in places where you’ve had problems with mice.