Updated on May 24, 2023
Mice can be a real problem, whether it’s the damage or the fear they can cause. You’re likely to attract any of several different species into your home at one point or another and you likely have more than one. Thankfully, you can protect your home and garden with a wide range of repellents and traps.
But exactly what repels mice, and how do you know when you’ve found the best mouse repellent for your situation? Here’s our short list of mouse repellents with a special emphasis on being both safe and effective (because we believe strongly in human and pet-friendly solutions here).
When it comes to RMC, we will always be careful to filter out reviews that appear to be sponsored and welcome our readers’ feedback on their experience with any products we recommend to be factored into future topic updates.
Related: Best Lizard Repellents that Actually Work
Mouse Repellent Reviews
#1 – MDXconcepts Mice Repellent
These 16oz bottles contain all-natural ingredients, making them safe for use around children and pets. You can spray the blend of food grade vinegar and essential oils both indoors and outdoors to repel any species of mouse without putting other critters in danger.
Simply spray in the desired area and mice won’t want to hang around. Best of all, this blend is specially formulated to turn away all common species of mice (and even rats), making this the best overall mouse repellent spray for those who don’t want to get close enough to identify their invader.
As this product doesn’t contain pyrethroids, it’s both family-safe and environmentally friendly. Users have reported it successfully repels a number of other rodents and many species of lizards and insects while providing a pleasant smell that can help mask the stench of mouse urine.
Using essential oils to repel mice may not be a new concept, but it’s easy to forget that frequent reapplications are needed, especially outdoors. Additionally, be warned that multiple consumers have reported damaged and leaking bottles upon delivery, so check immediately upon arrival in case a replacement is needed.
#2 – Fresh Cab Botanical Rodent Repellent
Designed for those who wish to stop an infestation before it starts, these pouches are a great natural mouse repellent for most types of mice. Simply place one pouch every 125 square feet to keep mice from wanting to invade your indoor storage spaces for up to 90 days.
As this product uses balsam fir oil and uses a slow-release formula, it leaves a pleasant, relaxing smell your family can enjoy. Much more pleasing than that dead mouse smell you’ll be trying to get rid of if mice start taking up residence.
Because of the compact nature of these packets, it’s easy to stow them in all sorts of places without making a mess. The smell is mild enough that it won’t overwhelm, and this product works quite well at keeping mice away from car engines in the garage and out of storage spaces when used properly.
Unfortunately, this is not a good choice for outdoor use, in living areas, or in conjunction with bait traps. These situations will either reduce the effectiveness or pose as a potential health risk when in a frequently populated location.
It should be also stressed that this is not a product to use against an existing infestation, as the number of packets needed to combat a population increases exponentially and require changing far more frequently.
#3 – Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
Featuring three separate modes to match the infestation level, this plug-in repellent boasts the ability to drive away just about any pest species, including mice, within a month.
A green light indicates the lowest setting (meant for when you spot a few random pests), purple for a basic infestation, and red for severe.
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As the severe setting uses ultrasonic waves, it may prove irritating to both humans and pets, so it’s best used in unoccupied rooms. When installed two to four feet above the floor, this device can cover an area up to 1200 square feet.
When installed in an unobstructed place, this device will cause pests to go crazy for the first week or so, driving them into the open. By the second or third week, the population will begin to drop. Alternating the frequency or setting occasionally will also help prevent the pests from getting used to it.
In the event this product fails to eliminate the infestation after a month, it can be returned for a full refund, making it worth trying before resorting to a chemical solution.
Even the best ultrasonic mouse repellent isn’t perfect, and Neatmaster is gearing towards an all-around solution. For this reason, mileage can vary greatly. It should also be noted that having anything that attracts the mice will reduce its efficiency.
Finally, be warned that some pets may be sensitive to even the lowest setting, so pay close attention to the way any feathered or four-legged family members react.
Read Also: How to Keep Mice Out of Your Dresser Drawers
#4 – Exterminator’s Choice Rodent Defense
This natural mouse repellent is designed specifically to protect your vehicle’s wiring from little teeth. Simply spray the repellent throughout your engine compartment, wheel rims, and tailpipe to keep pests from nesting.
It may take a few days to evict current infestations, but organic ingredients will provide a pleasant smell for humans in the meantime. Keep in mind, this is a mouse repellent spray and not a toxin, so spraying directly on a rodent may lead to it getting used to the odor and sticking around.
This product works pretty well, with the results sometimes showing almost immediately. For most, it can take a few days or up to two weeks to evict an existing nest. One user suggests spraying approximately every two weeks in colder months and once per month during the summer (when rodents are less likely to be attracted to engine warmth).
As with any all-natural product, this repellent can give mixed results. Some critters have gotten used to powerful odors, while others find something attractive enough to override the discomfort (such as warmth).
Sometimes more frequent applications are needed for the initial eviction and sometimes it won’t work at all. All we can suggest is to try it and see whether it works for your individual circumstances.
#5 – TBI Pro Ultrasonic Pest Repeller (2-Pack)
Upgraded to provide better performance, this particular electronic repellent boasts some interesting features. The ultrasonic and electromagnetic waves produced by this product can cover an area of 2,000 square feet each (up to 4,000 square feet total).
The single band ultrasonic setting helps against insects (dual is a stronger version), and the device uses multi-frequency waves to ensure pests of all types are unable to adapt.
What really makes this model stand out, however, is the use of negative ions. As these are released into the air, they not only serve as a further method of repelling pests, they improve air quality as well!
This product seems to work fairly well against many pests, including mice, rats, cockroaches, wood roaches, mosquitoes, ants, and others. It can take a few weeks for such results to become apparent, though.
TBI boasts 24-hour customer service in the event anything goes wrong and offers a one-year warranty, making this one of the best supported electronic devices out there.
Ultrasonic devices have the ability to affect pets, and cats seem especially sensitive to this model. In a few cases, more sensitive humans have also reported minor physical or aural side effects.
Be aware of these potential side effects and test while observing pets and other family members for any signs that the ultrasonic waves are causing problems before leaving it running for a long period of time.
#6 – Xcluder Fill Fabric
Perhaps the most unusual, yet practical item on this list, this is one of the most effective ways to keep a critter out. Tested to be environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and non-corrosive, this small kit is designed to create barricades in any small space.
Simply cut the course stainless steel wool and pack it into small crevasses where it then expands to fill the space. The fibers will irritate any critter that tries to chew through it.
While this is an excellent solution for those who don’t want to pay for more expensive exclusionary solutions, pairing with expanding foam can turn it into the best mouse deterrent out there. Be sure to follow instructions and pack firmly to create a tight seal.
Speaking of improper packing, applying this product loosely may result in the rodent dislodging the material. A few users have even reported rats stealing the mesh for nesting material. Packing it firmly will help prevent these almost comedic moments.
Also, please be aware this is an exclusionary solution and thus won’t get rid of pests already in your home.
#7 – Toro Products Outdoor Pest Control
This is probably the best rodent repellent for people who want to stay green. The four-pack of repellers charge using solar power in as little as four hours and can run for five to seven days straight.
It produces ultrasonic pulses which travel up to 7,000 square feet underground. These pulses cause vibrations which scare away a wide range of critters including groundhogs, snakes, and moles.
Owners of this product have reported great durability and reliability. It’s safe and humane, doesn’t affect pets, and seems to do a good job against many types of critter. Those who’ve had issues note that customer service is helpful and prompt.
While the devices are water-resistant, they’re not waterproof. While this is supposed to work against moles and other larger pests, some users have noted moles were attracted to the source instead.
#8 – Loraffe Under Hood Animal Repeller
Based on the scare principle of deterrence, this repeller emits both ultrasound and LED lights to chase furry invaders away from your vehicle. It draws power from the battery and automatically stops functioning if voltage drops below 10.5 volts.
As you only need it when the car’s not running, the device is designed to go into standby mode when you start the car until you’ve been parked for 10 minutes. Best of all, the repeller can be used anywhere you have a 12-24 volt battery, not just your car.
This device is easy to install and works on a range of small to medium-sized rodents. It uses variable sound frequencies and either alternating or simultaneous LED lighting to help prevent critters from getting used to the repeller.
This product runs in cycles to minimize battery drain, which leads to its one weakness. Rodents which get in between the cycles have been known to chew through the electrical leads. This requires good timing on the pest’s part but is an unfortunate flaw to an otherwise excellent product.
#9 – FlyBye Stuf-Fit Copper Mesh
This exclusionary mesh is made of knitted 100 percent copper mesh, leading to a construction-grade product. Simply cut and stuff, glue, staple, or tack it to any opening to create an instant, effective barrier.
The knitted construction can catch in a rodent’s teeth, making it more difficult to chew through than standard steel wool and it doesn’t rust when exposed to water. Works great for keeping bats out of the attic as well.
When used in conjunction with an expanding foam sealant, this product works even more efficiently and may even help reduce heat leakage. The official Stuf-Fit (note warning below) works well against both rodents and slugs and can prove very cost-effective compared to other exclusionary devices.
Due to the way this mesh is constructed, it can be harder to pack it properly into a hole before it attempts to expand. Additionally, be careful to ensure you’re getting what you ordered, as many sellers will substitute an inferior product. The real Stuf-Fit is made of copper and is a durable knitted mesh.
Morgan is a certified entomologist and pest control consultant and a member of the National Pest Management Association.
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