How to Use Peppermint Oil to Keep Mice Away
If you have a rodent problem in your home but don't want to use traps or poison, start by using a natural odor repellent. Many people successfully use peppermint oil to get rid of mice.
Essential oil repellents typically come in the form of a spray or pouch. Both are easy to use, eco-friendly and safe around kids and pets.
Plus, they smell nice, even though rodents don't like them.
#1. Peppermint Oil Spray
You can make your own mouse repellent spray using peppermint oil and water. However, many pre-made products include a powerful combination of multiple essential oils – making them much more effective.
For example, Rodent Gone combines peppermint with cinnamon, cedar, lemongrass and rosemary oils in their all-natural organic formula.
Spray it indoors or outside, for example cupboards, attics and basements. Drive away mice before they start creating problems in your house.
In addition, this special formula works to repel larger rats. Use it as a preventative measure to eliminate pest problems long-term (and at minimal cost!).
Odorant repellents provide a good alternative to start with because they cost less up front than the quality ultrasonic pest control devices.
If the spray (or pouches) solve your rodent problem, you don't need to get the plug-in repellers.
#2. Peppermint Mouse Repellent Pouches
A second option is to use odorant pest control pouches. Instead of spraying the essential oils, you simply position the pouches where you have pest problems.
In addition to repelling mice, these pouches also drive away moths, spiders, roaches, ants and even snakes! They work best in small enclosed spaces where the scent becomes more concentrated and "offensive".
Pouches last between 6 months and 1 year, so you will need to replenish them. However, you they require less maintenance that the spray.
Compared to other natural odorant repellent pouches on the market, these cost less and need to be replaced less frequently. This makes me a big fan. (For example, some other products only last 30 days.)
Obviously the best way to get rid of mice in your walls is to prevent them from crawling around in there in the first place. Therefore, I definitely prefer preventive maintenance, especially when the cost is so minimal. Plus, this natural essential oil has shown to repel spiders and other insects as well.
Note: Professional exterminators actually designed both of these all-natural alternatives. Plus you can try either of them risk-free for 60-days.
How to Use Peppermint Essential Oil to Get Rid of Mice…
The Pros & Cons: Alternatively, you can use 100% pure peppermint oil to get rid of mice. You don't have to dilute it or mix it with anything. Some people apply the essential oil to cotton balls in place them in strategic locations where they notice rodent activity. However, the oil scent dissipates quickly, so you need to place freshly oiled cotton balls every few days. Kind of high maintenance. =(
Can I use peppermint extract instead? By the way, some people ask if they can use peppermint extract, which they may have on hand in their cupboard. Unfortunately, the extract version has significantly less strength and does not work as well as the more pungent oil.
Does spearmint oil work? Also, you can use spearmint oil to get of mice instead of the peppermint. However, I've found peppermint to cost less, so I just get that. Where to get it? I buy in bulk to save money.
Can I use a diffuser? And what about diffusing peppermint oil to get rid of mice? I haven't it, but some people have had success using this method. Plus, you can simply let the diffuser run continuously, refilling the water and scent when needed.
If you decide to go with a diffuser, look for higher capacity options or you will be refilling it constantly. For example, most basic units have a 150ml capacity, but this larger 700ml diffuser can run for over 20 hours before needing to be refilled.
"How long does it take to get rid of mice using peppermint oil?"
The scent of peppermint works instantly to repel rodents. However, this repellent method works best before mice have started nesting in your house. If you already have mouse families living in the walls of your home, using this natural repellent may not work.
The good news is that peppermint drives away spiders as well. You may be able to use this strategy to do double duty for you. Lifehacker suggests mixing 1/2 cup vinegar with 20 drops peppermint oil and 1 1/2 cups water into a natural spray. It sounds awful, but vinegar also repels the bugs, making the solution even more effective.
How to Use Peppermint Oil to Keep Mice Away
Source: https://www.mouserepel.com/peppermint-oil-to-get-rid-of-mice/