Mice might seem cute in cartoons, but in real life, they can cause a lot of trouble. From chewing through wires to leaving droppings everywhere, these little rodents are more than just a nuisance—they can be a health hazard too. But what if you could keep them away naturally, without having to rely on harmful chemicals or traps?
Here’s the good news: there are plants that repel mice and can help keep your home rodent-free. Let’s dive into the world of natural mouse repellents and explore the best plants to use.
Why Use Plants to Repel Mice?
You’ve probably seen those mousetraps or heard of sprays that claim to keep rodents at bay. But many people are looking for natural ways that don’t involve toxins or cruel traps. Enter plants that repel mice! These plants give off scents or oils that mice absolutely can’t stand. It’s a safe, eco-friendly way to send these pesky creatures packing.
What’s even better? Using plants like peppermint, lavender, and rosemary doesn’t just keep mice away—they also make your home smell amazing! Plus, most of these plants are easy to grow and care for, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner.
Top Plants That Repel Mice
Let’s take a closer look at the best plants for mouse control. Each of these plants has unique properties that make them effective rodent deterrents.
Peppermint
Peppermint isn’t just awesome in your tea—it’s also one of the best plants to keep mice away! Mice really can’t stand its strong, minty smell and will avoid any area where peppermint is around. If you’re after a natural way to keep mice out, this one’s a total win!
How to use it:
- Peppermint essential oil is super effective! Just mix a few drops with water and spray it around your house—focus on doors, windows, and any cracks where mice might sneak in.
- If you want something a little more hands-on, you can grow peppermint plants in pots or containers and place them around your home. They’re also great for your garden and will attract helpful pollinators like bees!
Lavender
Lavender isn’t just for calming your nerves—it’s also a fantastic way to keep mice away! Mice can’t stand the smell of lavender, finding it way too strong and unpleasant. So, if you’re looking for a natural way to repel mice while adding a lovely fragrance to your space, lavender’s a perfect choice!
How to use it:
- You can place lavender sachets or dried lavender bunches around your home, especially near doors, windows, and any spots where mice might sneak in.
- Alternatively, grow lavender plants in pots or your garden. Not only will they help keep mice away, but they’ll also brighten up your space with their beautiful color and delightful scent!
Rosemary
This aromatic herb isn’t just for adding flavor to meals—it also works wonders as a mouse repellent! The strong, woody scent of rosemary is enough to make mice steer clear of any area where it’s growing. Plus, rosemary is super easy to grow, whether in your garden or on your windowsill!
How to use it:
- You can grow rosemary in a container or garden bed—mice don’t like it, and the plant does great both indoors and outdoors.
- For an extra layer of protection, use fresh or dried rosemary sprigs to make DIY rodent repellent sachets. Place them around your house to keep mice away!
Eucalyptus
If you’ve ever used eucalyptus oil in a diffuser, you know just how strong and refreshing the smell is! Mice definitely aren’t fans of it, and that powerful scent works as a natural barrier to keep them away.
How to use it:
- Eucalyptus essential oil is super easy to use! You can diffuse it around your home or mix a few drops with water to make a spray. Use it on areas where mice might try to sneak in.
- If you prefer a more hands-on approach, grow eucalyptus plants in your garden or keep a few potted versions indoors to keep those mice away!
Garlic
While garlic might scare off vampires in movies, it’s also great for keeping mice at bay! Mice can’t stand the strong, pungent smell of garlic, making it a fantastic natural way to keep them away from your space.
How to use it:
- Plant garlic cloves around your garden or along your home’s foundation. The smell will create a natural barrier that mice won’t want to cross.
- You can also make garlic-infused water to use as a spray. Just crush a few cloves, steep them in water, strain it, and then spray the solution around your home to keep mice away.
Daffodils
Daffodils are famous for their stunning blooms, but they have an extra perk: they’re toxic to mice! If mice happen to nibble on them, they’ll be quickly repelled. This makes daffodils a great natural, non-toxic way to keep mice out of your garden.
How to use it:
- Plant daffodils near entry points around your house or in garden beds. Not only will they help keep mice away, but their bright yellow flowers will also add a cheerful pop of color to your yard!
Catnip
Catnip might be a favorite for your cats, but it has a surprising effect on mice! Even though cats love it, mice can’t stand it. So, if you’re dealing with a mouse problem in your garden, catnip could be the perfect solution.
How to use it:
- Plant catnip in pots or garden beds—it’s super easy to grow and works wonders to keep mice out of your yard.
- And if you have cats, they’ll absolutely love it while it naturally keeps the mice away!
Making the Most of These Plants
Now that you know which plants can repel mice, it’s important to understand how to use them in the most effective way.
Indoors
Place potted plants like peppermint, lavender, or rosemary around your home, especially in spots where you’ve spotted mice or signs of rodent activity.
For an extra powerful effect, mix essential oils from these plants in a spray bottle. Use it to spray around doorways, baseboards, and any other places mice might try to get in.
Outdoors
Plant these mouse-repelling herbs and flowers around your home’s foundation, garden, or near windows and doors. This will help create a natural barrier that stops mice from getting inside in the first place!
Extra Easy Tips to Keep Mice Away Naturally
Along with growing plants that repel mice, here are a few extra tips to help keep your home mouse-free:
- Seal Entry Points: Mice can squeeze through the tiniest cracks and gaps, so be sure to seal any openings in your home. Check windows, doors, and even small holes in the walls.
- Cleanliness: Keep your home tidy by clearing away crumbs, food scraps, and garbage. Mice are drawn to food, so cutting down on their food supply will make your home less tempting.
- Use DIY Repellents: In addition to plants, you can create your own natural mouse repellent sprays with essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender. Spray these around your home regularly for extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants keep mice away?
Plants like peppermint, lavender, rosemary, garlic, and eucalyptus are great for keeping mice away. They all have strong smells that mice really dislike.
What smell do mice absolutely hate?
Mice can’t stand the smell of mint, lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus. These strong scents make them want to leave the area.
Do mice avoid mint plants?
Mice absolutely hate the smell of mint. Growing mint plants, or using mint essential oils, can help keep them away.
Does rosemary get rid of mice?
Rosemary is a great plant to repel mice. Its strong, woody smell is something mice really don’t like, so they tend to avoid areas with rosemary.
