A rodent or mice infestation can be an annoying problem. This common pest simply wreaks havoc in your home and destroys everything including your furniture, pantry items—or heaven forbid, your clothes or books!

These pests can multiply quickly if you don’t act fast. A pair of mice can easily produce 20 or many more offsprings in a short span of time. Once those pups grow older and start breeding, it’s easy for things to get out of hand.

RELATED: How to get rid of rats in your home?

Rats have a powerful sense of smell. Just as some scents attract rats, there are also scents that rats dislike. One of the most common ways to prevent rats from infesting your home is by taking advantage of natural scents that any mouse won’t be able to stand.

1. Garlic

Garlic is a common ingredient in every kitchen and has long been used as a flavour booster for any dish. Garlic not only makes our meals more delicious, it can also serve as a pest deterrent. Rodents and mice can’t stand the strong smell of garlic. 

How do you use garlic to prevent a mice infestation?

You can sprinkle a dash of garlic powder around your house to prevent mice infestations. Sprinkle garlic powder in wall cracks, holes, and other hard-to-reach areas.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint is widely used for its flavour and fragrance. It’s used in common products such as toothpaste and candies. Another important use of peppermint that not everyone may know is that it can be used as a pest deterrent. The smell of peppermint is known to scare away mice. 

How do you use peppermint to prevent mice?

Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil. Place the cotton balls in dark, hidden areas that are susceptible to mice infestations. You may also spray a peppermint solution around your house which can deter rodents from entering or infesting your house.

3. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is often used in creams and ointments aimed at relieving muscle and joint pain. It is also used to reduce symptoms of coughs, colds, and congestion. When it comes to pest control, the minty, pine scent of eucalyptus can be used to scare away mice.

How do you use eucalyptus for DIY mice control?

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a cotton ball and place it inside the pantry, your wardrobe or even under the bed.

4. Citronella

Citronella is known as a natural insect repellent, but its benefits extend beyond that. The smell of citronella is known to be off-putting to rodents. 

How do you use citronella to prevent a rodent infestation?

Citronella can act as a natural rodent deterrent. Plant citronella in your garden and use the leaves as natural pest control. Crush the leaves and leave it around your home. Alternatively, you can also spray a citronella solution around your house to scare away pests.

5. Ammonia 

The smell of urine repels rats. Ammonia often gets rid of rats because it mimics the smell of urine. When rats smell this, they think a fox or a cat may be nearby.

How do you safely use ammonia to scare mice away?

Fill bottle caps with ammonia, and place them in strategic positions away from children and pets. Place ammonia in places that mice may appear, such as the basement and up in the attic.

6. Peppers

Do you know that you can use peppers to deter mice? This spice scares rats away as it could injure their lungs. 

How do you use peppers to prevent a rat infestation?

Sprinkle peppers near any holes or cracks in walls and around the foundation of your house.

7. Vinegar

We already know that rats hate strong scents, but the one they absolutely hate may be the smell of white vinegar. 

How do you use vinegar to stop mice?

Use a vinegar solution to clean the area where mice often go. To make things even unbearable for these pests, leave vinegar-soaked cotton balls inside cupboards, under the sink, inside cabinets, and other infested areas.

8. The scent of household pets

Animals are divided into prey and predators. It’s only natural for mice to be scared of cats and any would-be prey. Mice have a remarkable sense of smell and can use it to detect predators. Keeping a cat or a dog as a house pet may prevent mice from multiplying in your house. 

Note from pest control professionals:

These home remedies, although popular, may not fully stop a pest infestation. Rodents are stubborn pests and may find a way to continue infesting your house. The best solution to any problem will always be prevention and mice control done by professionals.