18 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mice

Rodents can invade any area, be it your room, kitchen, balcony, garage, etc.  Getting rid of mice is not that easy. They reproduce fast. Mice haven a wide range of parasites such as mites and can cause diseases like rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, etc. So, if you don’t want them to infest your house, you can use these simple and cost-effective home remedies. Before you try any of the methods, just make sure that all holes, crevices and tiny spaces under your sink, window and doors are blocked because mice always come from these places. You can block these spaces using steel wool, cement, and plaster of Paris (PoP). After you have done the first step, try any of the below-mentioned home remedies to control mice.

Home Remedies for Mouse Control

1. Peppermint Oil

Put 20-30 drops of this oil on cotton balls and leave them in corners, near the sinkhole and wherever needed. Replace those balls with new ones when the smell of peppermint fades away.

• You can also use mint leaves or mint toothpaste if you don’t have the oil.
• Alternatively, plant mint in your garden.

Caution: Place this oil away from the reach of your pet.

2. Humane Trap

Humane traps are a good way to catch mice. Various types of traps are available in the market. You can try any one of them. They catch mice without killing them. You can use melted cheese in the traps so that rodents can be lured easily.

3. Cloves

Put some whole cloves in your house. It will stop mice from entering your house. Also, you can put clove oil in the same way as peppermint oil.

4. Aluminum Foil

Cover everything with foil paper where rodents come frequently. You can also close small openings and cracks from old foil paper.

5. Kitty Litter

Put kitty litter at the suspected places from where the mouse can enter your house. You can find it online or any pet shop. However, if the mice are infected with toxoplasmosis, they may actually be attracted to cat litter and cats (a very weird side-effect of the disease).

6. Mothballs

Mothballs also work well to keep critters away. Keep a few balls in the sink and infested areas.

Caution: Since they are toxic, keep them away from the reach of kids and pets.

7. Rotten Onions

Rotten onions are toxic for some of the animals. Just place a few in the infested areas. Replace them when the smell fades away.

8. Instant Potatoes

Using instant potatoes is also a safe and effective way. Put them in the corners and places where they visit frequently.

9. Bay Leaves

Looking for a natural remedy to get rid of mice? Bay leaves are a good option to deter these pests, as these do not harm anyone. Put some bay leaves where they come regularly. Replace the leaves in 2 or 3 days.

10. Ammonia

Place a few bowls filled with ammonia in the areas where you find rodents. The pungent smell of this compound will keep them miles away.

11. Caulk

Fill the holes, tiny spaces with caulk so that rodents do not find any entry point.

12. Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda. It is also safe to use if you have pets as baking soda does not cause any harm. This is one of the best home remedies to repel mice.

13. Tabasco Sauce and Soap Detergent

Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons Tabasco sauce and 1 cup detergent in 4 liters of water. Fill the mixture in a bottle and spray where necessary.

Caution:  Don’t spread it on a smooth floor, as the detergent in the mix will make it more slippery which may harm you.

14. Dryer Sheets

Mouse hates the smell of dryer sheets. Place them in your cupboards, pantry, kitchen, etc. Replace, when the scent fades out.

15. Homemade Mouse Deterrent Spray

You can make your own mouse repellent spray at home. You just need some chopped jalapenos, habaneros, hot pepper flakes and 1 or 2 liters of fresh water. Put all the things together in a pan and boil them well. Allow it to cool. Strain and fill it in a spray bottle. Spray wherever required.

Caution:

• Wear gloves and mask while making this spray. It may cause irritation.
• Don’t spray it on carpets, it may discolor it.

16. Predators

You can purchase predators like a cat or an owl for your home. These predators will keep a check on the rodents.

17. Snake Poo

Keep this in the mice prone areas. You can get this from a pet store or zoo. Remember to keep it away from the reach of children.

18. Ultrasonic Beep

You can buy these electronic instruments from any electrical shop and put it in your house. This method does not guarantee to repel the rodents because these are designed to annoy mouse but they will soon get used to of the sound.

Do’s

• Keep your food and eatables packed and in air tight container.
• Clean the leftovers.
• Keep a lid on the garbage can.

Don’ts

• Don’t use chemical laden pesticide.