If you’ve been searching for a DIY way to get rid of mice, then you’ve probably come across using peppermint oil. Because peppermint oil has a potent aroma, mice are believed to find the scent irritating and off-putting due to their keen sense of smell. Though it seems like a straightforward and simple remedy, many variables can affect peppermint oil’s effectiveness when it comes to repelling mice. More often than not, peppermint oil application is based on trial and error. As a result, peppermint oil is not the most reliable way to repel mice.
What is Peppermint Oil?
Extracted from the peppermint plant, peppermint oil is used for many different purposes. Even if you aren’t a purchaser of essential oil, you’ve likely come across peppermint oil in cosmetics, toiletries, and food. In addition to being an ingredient in many consumer goods, peppermint oil has been praised for its health benefits. Given its versatility, peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oils in the world.
Using Peppermint Oil to Get Rid of Mice
While using peppermint oil for health and beauty is rather straightforward, using it to deal with a rat problem isn’t quite as simple. Mice can call many areas of your home, and there isn’t an exact formula for determining how much peppermint oil to use. Because there is a large margin for error when attempting DIY pest control methods, the result of using peppermint oil to repel mice is usually inconclusive.
When going the peppermint oil route, most people use cotton balls that have been dipped in 100% peppermint oil. They then place these cotton balls around their home. The problem with this is two fold. For one, you need to replace the cotton balls several times per week because the peppermint smell wears off quickly. Secondly, if you’re not replacing the cotton balls and checking them often, there is a chance that the mice will use the cotton balls as nest material once the peppermint scent as faded away. While cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil may provide a temporary fix, it isn’t a permanent solution.
The Best Way to Get Rid of Mice
A better alternative to using peppermint oil is to hire a pest control professional. Our pest control experts can provide you with advice for rodent-proofing your home as well as create a customized plan based on your specific needs.
Because mice can fit into small openings and cracks, it is critical to eliminate any possible points of entry. If you discover any cracks in your home’s foundation or crevices in your walls, you should seal these up immediately. You should also make sure any holes around utility pipes or vents are patched and sealed. Lastly, if your doors or windows have any gaps, you should apply weather stripping to make sure mice can slip in.
In addition to home repairs, keeping your home tidy is a good way to prevent mice from entering your home. Because mice are nocturnal, it is always a good idea to clean your kitchen after dinner. You should make sure dirty dishes are washed or placed in the dishwasher and wipe down your kitchen’s surfaces. Additionally, it’s important to make sure any leftover food is put away and placed airtight containers. In addition to cleanliness and good hygiene, reducing clutter both inside and outside your home will help prevent a mouse infestation. Removing piles of leaves and wood from the perimeter of your house and keeping your rooms free of excess stuff and storage will limit the places mice have to hide.
Mice can pose a big problem if you let the situation get out of hand. Instead of relying on DIY pest control methods, let an Aptive pest professional take care of your home. Our pest professionals understand how important it is to feel comfortable in your own home, and will create a customized pest control plan tailored to your specific needs. If you feel that you have a potential mice infestation, call your local Aptive Environmental branch today.
