Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

We were told to use peppermint oil to get rid of mice. We were told to put a few drops of it on a cotton ball then place it where they or you think they come in. What we would like to know is how much is a few drops and can you use any type of peppermint oil or does it have to be the best?

Thanks,
Gene from WI

Answers:

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

Peppermint Oil is very effective at keeping mice out of cupboards, etc. Just put a few drops on a cotton ball and put in cupboards, etc. Replenish every couple of weeks. Peppermint oil can be purchased at most health food stores.

Shelley (10/13/2005)

By ThriftyFun

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

To answer the question below about ants: peppermint is an excellent ant repellent. So you needn't worry about it attracting bugs.

(11/28/2007)

By Uzuri

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

Put peppermint soaked cotton balls in aluminum foil and poke holes in it. Mice can't bite through foil. (12/18/2007)

By BJ

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

When I opened my camping trailer in the spring of 2007, it was loaded with mouse droppings. When I closed my trailer in the fall of 2007, I put peppermint oil in glass cups (will melt plastic ones) all over the trailer. When I opened up this past spring, not one dropping anywhere. I don't care how much it costs, I'm sold. (05/30/2008)

By Pam Maue

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

Use a pure peppermint oil. You can order off the internet. Three years ago I had a bad mouse problem. I started with the oil. Not one mouse, or dropping since. I can't praise it enough. I use small cotton balls and saturate them. I put them out by the garage door, the interior entrance door, behind the dryer and frig and under the kitchen sink. I change them out every 2-3 weeks. So worth it. (05/30/2008)

By Fran

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

Make sure you use pure peppermint oil and not extract. You buy this at health/vitamin stores in the essential oils section. (09/28/2008)

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

You can also use panti-liners cut into one inch strips to make mini-stickups in hidden places. (baseboards behind drapes, under or in cabinets) They are discreet since cut into small strips. Just expose less of the glue strip if concerned about the damaging surface of your cabinets. (10/04/2008)

By Stick'Ems

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

I put a few drops of peppermint oil in the cabinet, and in the drawer without a cotton ball. The smell stays until you wash it. (10/11/2008)

By sone978 AT aol.com

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

Peppermint oil? Forget it.

At least for me, didn't work. And the oil I used was so strong it made me dizzy. At first I thought; must be part-mouse. But since it didn't work on them, I just realized how I hate peppermint. What did work was cayenne pepper sprinkled around the area.

Note to the person with the stove problem: If you have access to the area underneath the stovetop (some stovetops are lid-like), then sprinkle the pepper liberally, coating the area, then close the lid. Sprinkle behind the stove, and underneath if possible. (10/22/2008)

By Ed

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

Take a mesh metal scouring pad and pull it apart. Wrap a section of the looser mesh around the cotton ball with oil. The claim is that mice (and rats) can't eat through the metal. Another recommendation is using the pulled mesh to block any suspected openings that the vermin use.

I find that taking wads or tufts of cat hair (from combing my cat) and stuffing them in under dressers and furniture will reduce traffic. I've used both salvaged garlic clove bags or retired knee-high nylons stuffed with cat hair for "repellent sachets". (11/01/2008)

By Lotto

Peppermint Oil for roaches Control

Diluting the peppermint oil works, as well full strength. (01/31/2009)

By Jeannie

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

For the people that say the cotton balls are disappearing: mix peppermint oil with cayenne pepper and dip the cotton balls in the solution.

The peppermint oil irritates rodents but it eventually will evaporate. Once it has evaporated the rodents like the cotton balls for nesting material. However, they will not take the cotton balls with the cayenne pepper as it will burn and irritate them, too.

To be most effective you should replace or re-dip the cotton balls ever few weeks. One or two drops will evaporate rather quickly. I'd recommend a bit more than that by saturating the cotton balls. You may want to protect wood or painted indoor surfaces by placing the cotton ball on a small glass candle plate. (04/18/2009)

By Justin

Peppermint Oil for Mice Control

I have used peppermint oil for years with great success. It can be a little hard to find pure oil, but can be done. I also planted peppermint plants around my deck in order to create another barrier before entering the house. It is a great ground cover that spreads easily and is very fragrant when you cut it down. It is next to impossible to kill. I put my cotton balls in every room, because I want to ensure I leave no area untouched. Also, at first you will feel like you are in a candy store with the smell of peppermint, but you do get used to it. (09/29/2009)

By Kathy