12 Smells That Mice and Rats Hate: Surprising Deterrents to Keep Rodents Away

Although mice and rats are a typical annoyance in many households, it might be dangerous to use strong chemical repellents around pets and small children. The good news is that you may take advantage of their keen sense of smell by using natural smells that annoy them. These 12 scents—the first of which is rather amazing—are very good at keeping rodents and mice away.
1. Oil of peppermint
It’s unbelievable, but rats hate the overpowering scent of peppermint oil. Humans’ delicate nasal passages are overwhelmed by the invigorating aroma that is pleasant to them.
2. Ammonia
Because ammonia has a scent similar to that of predator urine, it drives away bugs that believe a predator is close.

3. Mothballs
Mothballs are useful, but exercise care while using them since they may be hazardous to pets and people if consumed or breathed over extended periods of time.
4. White Vinegar

Rodents can’t stand the strong smell of vinegar, which makes it an excellent cleanser and repellant in one.

5. Cayenne Pepper Mice and rats also shun the strong, spicy aroma of cayenne pepper.

6. Clove oil or cloves
Rodents loathe the strong, spicy fragrance of cloves. Rats and mice may be deterred by using whole cloves or clove oil soaked in cotton balls.
7. Onion

Garlic’s strong aroma does wonders to repel rats. Garlic cloves placed close to entryways can help keep them away.

8. Sheets for dryers
Dryer sheet scent is thought to be too strong for mice’ sensitive senses and may serve as a deterrent.

9. Woodstock
Cedarwood’s natural oils may be employed in basements, attics, and closets; they are repulsive to rodents and mice.
10. Oil of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil, well-known for its strong therapeutic aroma, works well as a rodent deterrent.

11. Powdered or infused chilli oil
Like cayenne, barriers that mice and rats would avoid may be created with other spicy spices like chilli.
12. Oil of Lavender

Surprisingly, despite lavender’s ubiquity and pleasant aroma for humans, its calming effects are overpowering to these pests.

How to Apply These Aromas:

Place cotton balls close to potential entrance holes after soaking them in essential oils or solutions.

Add spices such as cayenne and chilli straight to locations where rats visit.

Since the smells fade with time, make sure to routinely refresh them to keep them effective.

You may naturally and securely defend your house against unwanted rodent invaders by incorporating these odours into it.