7 Best Mouse Repellents: Editor Tested

Whether you’re looking to spray your home, under the hood of a car or around children and pets, Harris’s rodent spray repels mice and rats. That’s right: Two rodents, one spray. This is a great option if you’re looking to combat rats and mice at the same time. It’s also great for vehicle wiring, as it uses the classic peppermint and cinnamon combination to deter rodents. I like to use this spray around the outside of my vehicle.

The formula’s natural oils smell pleasant to humans, but the peppermint and cinnamon combination discourages critters you want to keep away. Just use the handy nozzle to spray the 20-ounce bottle wherever there are concerns as part of your pest prevention.

Pros

• Use in homes, cars, boats and barns
• Combines peppermint and cinnamon oils
• All-natural formula is safe for children and pets
• Provides a pleasant scent for humans
• Made in the U.S.

Cons

• Apply regularly for best results

You’ll have all the mouse repellent power you need with this six-pack of ultrasonic repellent devices. Each unit covers up to nearly 400 square feet. The devices use ultrasonic waves to irritate pests and disturb their nervous systems, convincing them to move along and, hopefully, preventing them from taking up residency in your home.

Keep in mind, however, that ultrasonic waves can’t penetrate walls and solid objects, so it’s best to place one in each room you’re having the mice problem. Also, since the devices make pests uncomfortable, mice leave their safe spaces. So, keep in mind that you might see more of them in the beginning before they pack up and ship out.

Pros

• Covers up to nearly 400 square feet
• Affordable
• Doesn’t emit any chemicals, odors or toxins
• Comes in a pack of six
• Also works on cockroaches, spiders, ants and more

Cons

• You may see more pests in the beginning (it means it’s working!)

What to Look for When Buying a Mouse Repellent

Before you start adding mouse repellents to your cart, look for a product that’s going to be convenient to use. The best mouse repellent isn’t worth the money if it’s too much of a hassle to apply. A small dropper isn’t going to be a practical choice for covering multiple spaces. However, it could be just enough to keep mice out of the kitchen. For big spaces, a larger spray bottle would be easier and more efficient.

You’ll also want to keep in mind the different types of rodent repellents on the market to determine which kind is best for you and your environment. Here are the main types of mouse repellents:

• Chemical Repellents: These are synthetic formulas that often use substances such as naphthalene to deter mice. They are usually very effective but must be used carefully, especially around children and pets.
• Natural Repellents: Ingredients like peppermint oil, clove oil and even chili powder can serve as a natural mouse repellent. These are often less potent but safer for use in homes with pets or children.
• Ultrasonic Repellents: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are intolerable to mice but inaudible to humans. Their effectiveness can vary depending on the environment and mouse species.
• Physical Barriers: Sometimes, a simple mesh or sealant can act as a highly effective repellent by blocking access points where mice might enter a property.

To naturally repel mice, Carpenter says there are several methods to consider. “Cayenne pepper’s stinging sensation makes it effective; sprinkle it where mice hide. Tabasco sauce, disliked by mice, should be applied around the exterior of your home,” she says. “Lastly, the smell of peppermint deters mice and leaves your home smelling fresh.”

Why You Should Trust Us

As someone who lives in the middle of Kansas, where house mice are quite common, I was able to test the mouse repellents on this list in my own home—where (sigh) I’ve seen mice before.

While I recommend a more aggressive line of defensive if you already have a mouse infestation in your home, rodent repellents are a great first line of defense if you’ve already treated the problem or want to deter mice from ever being a problem in the first place.

We also consulted Nicole Carpenter, a pest control expert at Black Pest Prevention. Nicole takes great pride in being the fourth generation at Black Pest Prevention, and she strives to build upon what her great-grandfather and her uncle worked so hard to achieve.

How We Found the Best Mouse Repellents

Unfortunately, house mice are quite common where I live—and they can cause some damage (and illness) if allowed to make a home in your house. And speaking from experience, it’s best to stay on top of a rodent problem by being proactive, because no one likes to wake up to a cup of coffee and a mouse scurrying across the kitchen.

For this list of rodent repellents, I tested each product in my own home to see how easy they are to use, whether they’re unpleasant for humans and pets and how they performed. We also read several product reviews to see how the products worked for other users. We’re confident that we found the best mouse repellent for safe use around your home.

FAQ

Do mouse repellents work?

Carpenter says that in general, mouse repellents are safer than traps and poisons and a good first line of defense against infestation. “Mice repellents are essential if you have encountered these rodents in your home,” Carpenter says. “They play a crucial role in preventing the spread of mouse-borne diseases and reducing allergenic substances left behind by these rodents.”

“Getting rid of mice as soon as possible will also protect your property from damage,” Carpenter adds. “Plus, repellents offer an environmentally friendly alternative to harmful traps and poisons If the infestation level is not very high, they can also save you money by preventing the costs associated with pest control services and property repairs due to a mouse infestation.”

In short, yes, mouse repellents work, but you need to understand their limitations. If a mouse is really hungry and your home or vehicle is inviting enough—for instance, if it’s easy to gain entry to and access food—even the best mouse repellent won’t keep mice outside. Relying on a single product alone isn’t as effective as using it in conjunction with other methods, like putting food away and eliminating holes or cracks that mice can squeeze through.

This is especially important to keep in mind when it comes to ultrasonic mouse repellents. Although there’s limited evidence that these devices are as effective as they advertise, especially when a reliable food source is nearby, combining ultrasonic mouse repellents with other repellents can increase their overall effectiveness. Essentially, the more steps you take to convince a mouse to disregard your space, the better.

How do you repel mice?

You repel mice by creating an environment that they don’t want to live in. A number of methods provide a solution, including some that are pet-safe and some that aren’t. In addition to using dedicated mice repellents to create an irritating and foul-smelling space (to their noses, at least), you should also prevent them from seeing your home or vehicle as an attractive location in the first place.

Plugging small holes with steel wool, cleaning crumbs off the kitchen floor and not leaving dog food out are all favorable ways to convince the creatures to look elsewhere.

How do you know you have a mouse problem?

Carpenter says that signs of rodents can be as clear as finding droppings, but mice can also be sneaky. “When you start noticing signs in your home, such as mouse droppings, gnawed objects, or strange scratching noises, it’s a clear indication that it’s time to consider using a mouse repellent,” she says.

“Mice are nocturnal creatures that can be both elusive and destructive. Other signs of an infestation include finding nests, hearing running sounds, or even observing the mice themselves. Unusual pet behavior and food contamination can also indicate a mouse infestation. Watch for their tiny footprints and inspect your home for potential entry points, as mice can squeeze through small openings.”