How To Use Peppermint Oil As Mouse Repellent

There are certainly many methods of eliminating mice from your home, from traps to poisons to professional exterminators. Yet another category is repellents. This option is preferable to many people since the idea of killing or injuring a mouse is highly undesirable.

One such product often claimed to work as a mouse repellent is peppermint oil.

So what’s the real deal? Does peppermint really work to get rid of mice?

Peppermint Oil Extract

Peppermint Oil For Mice: Fact Or Myth?

According to all of the evidence I can find (mostly anecdotes), the answer seems to be: Yes, peppermint oil will get rid of mice!

The little critters apparently can’t stand the strong smell of the still and will go nowhere near it.

In my research for writing this, the only websites I could find claiming to the contrary were from exterminators. While they are typically experts in this field, I think its important to consider that they would also make less money if people had an easy home solution for dealing with mice.

There are simply an overwhelming number of people claiming to have solved their mouse infestation problem with peppermint oil.

How To Use Peppermint Oil For Mice

Apply Peppermint Oil To Cotton Balls

So now that we know it works, how do you actually use peppermint oil as a mouse repellent?

The most common method is to soak cotton balls in the oil, and leave them in areas where you’ve been seeing the mice. Once they become aware of the odor, they will not be coming around anymore.

Another method is to put the peppermint oil in a spray bottle and lightly mist the area instead of leaving soaked cotton balls.

Peppermint Oil Or Extract?

One important thing to point out is that when you shop for peppermint oil, you may also run across peppermint extract. The extract is not as strong, and will not work as well as a mouse repellent.

Stick to straight up peppermint oil instead.

Disadvantages Of Using Peppermint Oil

There are a few possible reasons why you might not want to use peppermint oil to get rid of your mice

The Odor

Although peppermint is generally considered a pleasant smell to most people, you (or guests in your home!) may find it somewhat offensive or undesirable.

The Maintenance

If you are using the cotton ball method, it’s important to remember that the cotton balls will dry up and need to be replaced every 2-4 weeks. The spray method will also require frequent re-application in order to remain effective. The mice may begin to avoid the area even after the peppermint oil has dried, but any new mice coming in will not have been conditioned and will quickly make themselves at home.

Other Pests That Peppermint Oil Works On

Aside from mice, there are also other pests that peppermint oil is said to be effective at keeping away. These include: Ants, spiders, fleas, roaches, and more.