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 review comments 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 – 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 get if you use poison baits on a mouse infestation.
We loved the fact that you can easily store these small containers without making a mess. The smell is mild enough that it won’t overwhelm, and we were able to use Fresh Cab to keep mice away from car engines in the garage and out of storage spaces. Just make sure you use it according to the instructions to get the best results.
Unfortunately, we can’t recommend this type of repellent for outdoor use, in living areas, or in conjunction with bait traps. These situations will either reduce the effectiveness or even pose a potential health risk when left in a frequently populated location.
It should be also stressed that this is not a product to use against an existing infestation. The number of packets needed to combat a population increases exponentially and requires changing far more frequently. It would be cheaper to just hire an exterminator at that point.
#2 – Mighty Mint Mice Repellent
These 16oz bottles contain all-natural ingredients, making them safe for use around children and pets. You can spray the blend of US-sourced peppermint essential oil both indoors and outdoors to repel any species of mouse without putting other critters in danger.
How it Works
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.
Because its ingredients are all plant based (peppermint oil, glycerin, polyglyceryl oleate, and soap), the spray attacks a mouse’s keen sense of smell. For the most part, we found it to be rather pleasant. However, the peppermint does present a strong smell a few people may dislike.
Effectiveness
As this product doesn’t contain pyrethroids, it’s both family-safe and environmentally friendly. Many users have reported it successfully repels a number of other rodents and many species of lizards and insects. Some users have reported Mighty Mint working initially but then the mice and squirrels would eventually come back.
We only tested it on mice and rats and found it to work fairly well, but the ingredients are generally effective on most pests. While we won’t guarantee it’ll keep rodents away for good, it’s one of those rare repellent products that actually smells really nice.
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 we’ve seen multiple reports damaged and leaking bottles upon delivery. Maybe we were lucky, or maybe this is a matter of poor delivery practices. Either way, check your bottles immediately upon arrival in case a replacement is needed.
#3 – Gragaski Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
The Gragaski plug-in mouse repellent offers four different modes to combat various pest types. This means you don’t have to invest in multiple products to eradicate the unwanted critters. We found that in the DUO mode, the combination of pressure wave and ultrasound seemed to be the most effective.
Designed to cover up to 1600 sq. ft, this pest repeller worked well in our large garage. However, we did find that, since the ultrasonic waves don’t penetrate walls, it’s necessary to use a separate unit for each room. On the other hand, the 360° ultrasonic release ensures that the device provides comprehensive coverage in open spaces.
The product itself is straightforward to use – just plug it into an outlet, and the blue/green light indicates it’s working. While we didn’t have to clean up dead pests or deal with unpleasant smells, we did wonder about the electricity consumption as it wasn’t specified.
Ultrasonic pest repellent products sound great on paper but all too often, they are completely worthless. This one is one of the few exceptions. Remember to use one for each room, as the waves don’t penetrate walls, and be aware that the effectiveness may vary depending on the specific pest species.
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.
We found product works pretty well, with the results sometimes showing almost immediately. However, it can take a few days or up to two weeks to evict an existing nest. The fact that it’s custom-made for vehicles is something of an added bonus.
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). We didn’t have time to do a year-long test to verify this claim, but the logic behind it is pretty sound.
As with any all-natural product, this repellent can give mixed results. Some critters have gotten used to powerful odors. Others may find something attractive enough to override the discomfort (such as warmth in winter or shade in summer).
Likewise, 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 – 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. This small kit has been tested to be environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and non-corrosive. Unlike the other products we tested, this one actually creates physical 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. This is an excellent solution for those who don’t want to pay for more expensive exclusionary solutions.
However, we recommend pairing Xcluder with expanding foam to 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. We’ve heard stories of rats stealing the mesh for nesting material because it was loosely applied. 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.
#6 – Toro Products Outdoor Pest Control
This is probably the best rodent repellent for people who want to stay green. The four-pack of ultrasonic rodent 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.
It’s safe, humane, and doesn’t affect pets (unlike most sonic devices). The spikes are pretty durable and we didn’t have any malfunctions during our tests. If you do encounter a problem, the customer service is both helpful and prompt.
Be warned, while the devices are water-resistant, they’re not waterproof. Also, we’ve heard stories of moles being attracted to the spikes, although we haven’t tested against moles to see if the stories are true. You may wish to avoid using them in the middle of a vegetable garden just to be safe.
#7 – Loraffe Under Hood Animal Repeller
Loraffe makes some great sonic repellents, and we’ve tested another of their devices on squirrels. Creating a device for vehicles is a great move on their part.
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.
The repeller 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 device.
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.
#8 – FlyBye Stuf-Fit Copper Mesh
For those who are worried Xcluder’s course steel will damage their walls, we have a more gentle alternative. 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. We found it works great for keeping bats out of the attic as well.
As with the Xcluder, we suggest using it in conjunction with an expanding foam sealant. Not only does this improve its effectiveness, it may also help reduce heat leakage. The official Stuf-Fit (note warning below) works well against both rodents and slugs. It’s also very cost-effective compared to other exclusionary devices.
Be warned: 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. Many online sellers have been known to 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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