As we move towards a more natural home, a popular DIY method of using peppermint essential oil to repel mice is coming into question. Mice do not like the strong aroma of peppermint oil. The smell of peppermint oil is stronger than many other essential oils.
With their keen sense of smell, mice are more affected by peppermint oil’s aroma. Therefore, when choosing this method to repel mice in your home, it’s important to understand a few basics. Such as how much peppermint oil to use and how often the method should be repeated.
How Long Does Peppermint Oil Repel Mice?
Peppermint essential oil has been shown to deter mice from your environment thanks to its strong aroma. There is some question about how long this method is effective, though. As the scent doesn’t last long, it shouldn’t be used as your only deterrent.
EarthKind Founder Kari Warberg Block tested the effectiveness of peppermint oil on her farm for three years. While she did see some significance, it wasn’t consistent, and she found she was re-applying every couple of weeks due to the application losing its scent. She also found that the smell would dissipate more quickly in freezing temperatures.
What’s interesting, of course, is that plants do make the chemicals that we call essential oils as a means of repelling animals and other predators, as well as for attracting helpful pollinators. The problem is, of course, in their natural state, the plant can give a continuous supply, if needed, or produce the fragrances on demand. The plant designs the molecules to float away and disappear.
You do need to reapply the fragrance every couple of days.
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Methods Of Application for Peppermint Oil
There are two common methods used o try peppermint oil as a pest deterrent in your home. First, mix two teaspoons of 100% peppermint oil with water and alcohol, such as vodka, in a glass spray bottle. Next, shake the mixture and spray in the areas you feel mice activity is most prevalent. It is suggested to re-spray every couple of weeks.
The second most common method is to apply 100% peppermint oil to a cotton ball and place them throughout the home, ideally where you suspect activity. It is important to monitor this method. As the scent fades, the mice will probably carry the cotton balls off to make a lovely soft lining for their nest. Again, you must stay on top of the situation if you choose this prevention route.
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Using Peppermint Oil In Addition To Other Methods
While peppermint oil does appear to repel mice in the short term, it does not appear to be a long-term solution unless you plan to monitor the activity continually. Nevertheless, it seems like an effective prevention method in addition to other preventative methods.
For instance, it’s important to find out where the mice are entering your home so your efforts can be concentrated in that area. Next, board up any holes or cracks allowing entry. Once you’ve completed this task, use your peppermint spray or cotton balls to strengthen your efforts.
You can also fill holes with steel wool, followed by peppermint spray.
And make sure foods are kept in airtight containers, which should further deter mice. A clean kitchen is a good step toward a mice-free kitchen. Outside the home, ensure leaves are not nestled up against the foundation. Wood should be stacked away from home, not against it. A tidy house will help determine where the mice are getting in.
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Conclusion
Does Peppermint Oil Repel Mice? Yep, it does, but it might not be the most effective long-term solution... Incidentally, mice also love cocoa, but it is toxic to them. Used in conjunction with other methods, it can assist in making your home pest free and provide a lovely, fresh aroma throughout your space.
