How to Use Peppermint Oil to Get Rid of Mice
Many homeowners find they have unexpected guests at one time or another. In fact, a study completed in 2004 estimated that 82% of all homes had mice allergens. For those that suffer from allergies, this can be a trigger for symptoms such as watery eyes, a runny or congested nose, and breathing difficulties. However, you can use peppermint oil to get rid of mice and it is often more effective than dangerous poisons or traps. Here is some information about this natural way to get rid of mice and how to use it the most effectively.
Safest Way to Get Rid of Mice
Unlike traps, poisons, or sprays, which can be hazardous to children and pets, using peppermint oil to get rid of mice is completely safe. The only thing you have to be concerned with is finding 100% peppermint oil. This is usually available at health food store, but some grocery stores also carry it. You do not have to purchase the most expensive brand available, but it does need to say 100% on the label. There are several brands of peppermint oil available that are only extract and these will not work as well as the pure stuff.
According to the Human Society, mice have an extremely advanced sense of smell. This sense helps them communicate with other mice, mark their territory, and survive from many different predators. While you may think that peppermint oil smells rather pleasant, it doesn’t to mice.
Using peppermint oil to get rid of mice is very simple. However, it will only be effective if you place it areas that have mice activity. Look for the telltale signs of mice, such as droppings or chew marks in food, plastic bags, or cardboard boxes. This is where the peppermint oil will be most effective.
Most often, mice activity is highest in the kitchen and pantry. Look for droppings behind the refrigerator, stove, in the back of cupboards and drawers, and under the sink. Saturate cotton balls with the peppermint oil. Use more than just a drop or two, but it doesn’t need to drip off the cotton ball. Place the saturated cotton balls in the areas that show activity. The aroma of 100% peppermint oil is very strong. Avoid breathing the vapors directly, as it can cause some irritation of your eyes and throat.
You’ll need to replenish the supply of peppermint oil to get rid of mice. Do this every few days until you start to notice fewer droppings and other signs of mice activity. Once you feel the mice are no longer a presence in your home, then you can replace the cotton balls every other week or so.
Other All-Natural Methods
In addition to using peppermint oil to get rid of mice, you can also try cayenne pepper. It works on the same principle, as mice don’t like the smell. It’s a little messier than using peppermint oil. You’ll need to sprinkle it in areas that have high mouse activity and it can take a little longer to work. While the cayenne pepper is quite strong in terms of smell, peppermint oil is much, much stronger.
A Final Thought or Two
Peppermint oil to get rid of mice is very effective when placed in the right location. If you don’t see results quite quickly, then you may need to place more cotton balls to increase the aroma. For those that want an all-natural means of getting rid of mice, this is one of the best you’ll find.
Peppermint Oil to Get Rid of Mice Tip #1
Some people find that soaking small strips of cloth are more effective than cotton balls. However, you will find that cloth does not hold the smell as long as a cotton ball. It will also take more peppermint oil, which can end up costing you quite a bit of money.
Peppermint Oil to Get Rid of Mice Tip #2
Mice are creatures of habit. If they find food in one location in your home, they will return to that location repeatedly. Keep your kitchen area clean and free from crumbs to discourage mice activity.
Peppermint Oil to Get Rid of Mice Tip #3
Mice can enter a home through an opening as small as a half an inch. Check the foundation of your home for holes and cracks. Plug all cracks and holes, but also use draft guards on your doors and windows. Get Rid of Mice, This will make it much harder for mice to enter.