I believe in treating all creatures with respect. My mission is to ensure everyone understands how to protect their home from rodents without using cruel methods.
It has been used for centuries for various human ailments, such as headaches, IBS, and even the treatment of the common cold!
The oil derived from peppermint has natural pesticides that repel some insects. I use it (along with citronella) to keep those annoying mosquitos away from my skin! Unfortunately, their bites itch like crazy.
Does Peppermint Oil Work To Get Rid Of Mice?
The short and simple answer to this is yes, but you need to be aware of some caveats to that statement.
For a start, it works if the scent is strong enough. Secondly, it works unless the mouse is desperate for somewhere to settle down.
Peppermint oil has a strong smell if enough oil is used.
Over time, the smell will dissipate and the peppermint oil will be relatively useless for repelling mice. This is sped up significantly if you are using peppermint oil in a large, well-ventilated area.
If there is enough food in the local area, and the mouse is aware of it (having a strong sense of smell, they will know), then the mouse may choose another environment to settle down in.
If the mouse has no other option, they will not be repelled by peppermint.
So the short answer is yes, peppermint oil will repel mice. The long answer is yes, but you will find that sealing common mouse entry points and storing food correctly is a much better way of stopping your house from becoming infested with mice.
Out of them all, peppermint oil is the best of the essential oils to repel mice.
If you are still interested in trying peppermint oil as a mouse repellent, we have some information below on the best ways to use it.
How To Use Peppermint Oil To Get Rid Of Mice
Cotton Balls
This is the most common way people use peppermint oil to get rid of mice. Grab a handful of cotton balls, and apply 10 drops of peppermint oil to each one.
You will need to soak cotton balls with peppermint oil to repel mice.
As a side note, I mentioned using peppermint oil in well-ventilated areas. You need to bear that in mind. It would help if you used cotton balls in small restricted areas. That will ensure the smell is strong enough to repel mice and other rodents.
Ready-Made Peppermint Spray For Mice
You can purchase ready-made peppermint sprays. The idea is to spray the areas where mice activity has been noticed to repel the mice from that area.
Although these are convenient and easier to apply, I still recommend the best course of action is to seal off entry points from mice.
That is the best way to stop mice from getting into your home!
Peppermint Plants
Some folks suggest that filling your yard with peppermint plants will keep mice away from your home.
While it will make your yard smell great, and it will act to keep mosquitos at bay, it is not enough to keep mice away from your property. It will deter some mice, but I am sure others will stroll through the plants in their drive for food and comfort.
If you have mice in your home, you should listen to noises and keep a diary of these areas. Mice like to travel around your home through the smallest gaps to avoid capture.
Use this knowledge to your advantage and apply peppermint for mice control. For instance, if you have mice in your attic, place the peppermint oil in the gaps between larger areas in your attic. These are the areas that mice will use to travel.
If you notice small holes in your walls, place some peppermint inside. This is a perfect area to use peppermint because the smell will be strong enough to deter these rodents.
Oh, and make sure you seal these holes too!
Can Peppermint Oil Kill Mice?
While you can use peppermint oil to keep mice away, you cannot kill mice with peppermint oil!
Even if you somehow manage to spray peppermint oil onto a mouse (that in itself is a challenge), it will do nothing to the mouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using peppermint oil to get rid of mice.
What essential oil repels mice?
Peppermint oil and citronella oil will help to repel mice. The smell from these oils needs to be strong enough to repel mice and other rodents (and most spiders, too!). Using it in open spaces will weaken the smell and reduce its effectiveness.
Does baking soda kill mice?
Baking soda will create a lot of gas in the guts of a mouse. If the mouse ingests enough baking soda, it is likely to die. I highly recommend that you do not use baking soda to kill mice. I prefer more humane methods of catching mice.
Is peppermint oil the best mouse repellent?
Simply put, no, peppermint oil is not the best mouse repellent. Peppermint oil does repel mice if enough oil is used and the oil is placed in small enclosed areas. The best way to stop mice from getting into your home is to seal off common entry points and set traps for those who make it into your home.
Conclusion
Does peppermint oil repel mice? Yes, it can work, but only if it is used correctly.
We see no reason not to use peppermint oil to get rid of mice, although there are better ways to ensure your house remains mouse-free!
You must use peppermint oil in the correct way for it to be successful, so follow these rules:
Apply peppermint oil in confined spaces to ensure the scent is strong enough to repel a mouse.
Top the peppermint oil up regularly to ensure that it remains effective.
It is fair to say there is a strained relationship between peppermint oil and mice!
We have said it in the article a few times now, but the best way to keep mice away from your home is to seal off mice entry points and set traps inside for those who manage to enter your home.
I’m an expert in do-it-yourself rodent control. For more than 20 years, I’ve dedicated my life to helping people live harmoniously alongside these critters by sharing rodent control solutions that are effective and kind.
I believe in treating all creatures with respect. My mission is to ensure everyone understands how to protect their home from rodents without using cruel methods.
