The 7 Best Mouse Repellents, Tested by an Editor

Need a safe, natural mouse repellent? Pick up one of these editor-tested products to keep mice away.

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7 Best Editor Tested Mouse RepellentsMary Henn/Family Handyman

Mice are notoriously difficult to keep out of your home, so it’s optimal to keep them from getting inside in the first place. Plus, if you’d prefer not to deal with toxic chemicals, messy traps and disposing of bodies, these are convenient and proactive solutions.

While the best mouse repellent is probably a house full of hungry cats, these products should ward them off before they become a problem. I tested several of the repellent products below in my own home. Being in the middle of Kansas, field mice often make their way into garages and kitchens, so a proactive effort (and cleanliness) go a long way in deterring mice.

According to Nicole Carpenter, pest control expert at Black Pest  Prevention, there are several different mouse repellents on the market, each with their own pros and cons. Selecting the right pest repellent depends on your specific situation. There are various types of mouse repellents available, each with its own characteristics and effectiveness, but the best mouse repellent can help prevent these pesky critters from getting comfortable inside your house, garage, RV or boat.

Regardless of the chosen deterrent, there are hundreds of options on the market. After careful research and trial, we found the seven best mouse repellents for your home.

 Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray Mary Henn/Family Handyman

Best Overall Mouse Repellent

Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray

If you’re looking for an all-natural solution that’s safe to use around kids and pets, this rodent-repellent spray from Mighty Mint is the answer. It comes in an easy-to-use 16-ounce spray bottle and uses pure peppermint oil to deter mice.

This spray has a 4% peppermint oil (not artificial mixtures that just smell like peppermint) concentration that makes it stronger than similar peppermint sprays, allowing it to be more effective and last longer.

The minty smell won’t leave a chemical-like odor in the air, and while the peppermint smell isn’t unpleasant, it is powerful. The first time I used this Mighty Mint spray, I used too much in an open space and had to air out my kitchen afterward. However, I found that using it in covered and concealed areas (like underneath the kitchen sink) works best, as the smell stays where you need it to.

Pros

  • Extra-concentrated strength
  • Made with pure peppermint oil
  • Safe to use around kids and pets
  • Plant-based formula and locally sourced
  • Easy-to-use spray bottle

Cons

  • Not recommended for those sensitive to smells

 Grandpa Gus's Mouse Repellent Pouches Mary Henn/Family Handyman

Best Budget Mouse Repellent

Grandpa Gus’s Mouse Repellent Pouches

Hang ’em and forget ’em! These mouse-repellent pouches from Grandpa Gus’s are simple to use—just hang them up (or place them) wherever you want to prevent mice from feeling at home.

I like to use these peppermint and cinnamon-scented pouches in drawers and cabinets as an added line of defense against rodents, and I don’t find the smell to be overpowering at all.

Each pouch covers 50 square feet of space. They release a (pleasant, mostly cinnamon) scent that keeps the pests away for up to three months, and they’re also great for sheds, boats, RVs, and cars, as they don’t use harsh chemicals or toxic poison to repel rodents.

Pros

  • Won’t break the bank
  • Lasts up to three months
  • Natural formula made from essential oils
  • No harsh chemicals or toxic poison
  • Available in four-, 10- and 16-count pouches

Cons

  • Effectiveness can fade quickly depending on airflow

 Ultrasonic Mice Repeller Plug In Mary Henn/Family Handyman

Best Plug-In Mouse Repellent

Ultrasonic Mice Repeller Plug-In

This ultrasonic pest repellent is powerful enough to cover 1,076 square feet, so your basement will be safe from various creatures. The device takes up about as much space as a coffee mug, and I like to put one in the back of the closet that houses my heating and cooling system (where mice are frequently found). I also like that the device works to repel spiders, too.

Although you won’t be able to detect the frequencies, the unit emits ultrasonic sounds and uses nine light-emitting diode (LED) strobe lights to disturb a rodent’s activity in a dark environment. The type of sound the machine produces also regularly changes, so mice and other pests won’t become accustomed to the noise.

Pros

  • Plugs into a regular socket
  • Uses both ultrasonic and electromagnetic frequencies
  • Doesn’t emit any chemicals, odors or toxins
  • Works on mice, rats, squirrels, spiders and more
  • Won’t disturb humans, dogs or cats

Cons

  • On the pricier side

Natural Armor All Natural Rodent Shield Mary Henn/Family Handyman

Best Mouse Repellent for Outdoor Use

Natural Armor All-Natural Rodent Shield

In addition to filling any holes around the outside of your home where mice can get in, you may also want to spray repellent outside to further deter mice. And if you don’t want plants and pets to come in contact with poison, then this all-natural rodent shield is the way to go.

The one-gallon size and convenient sprayer nozzle make Natural Armor’s rodent repellent fitting for outdoor use, like covering the entry points of your home or keeping mice out of your cabin and shed when you’re not around.

You can also use this spray indoors to spray your attic and basement. Its peppermint formula is safe around children and pets, and it doesn’t harm the environment.

Pros

  • Available in one-gallon container
  • Works indoors or outdoors
  • All-natural formula is safe for kids, pets and plants
  • Top-mounted handle is easy to carry
  • Doesn’t leave a lingering smell

Cons

  • Must be used regularly for best results

Loraffe Led Under Hood Rodent Repeller Mary Henn/Family Handyman

Best Mouse Repellent for Cars

Loraffe LED Under-Hood Rodent Repeller

If you’re worried about rodents getting into your vehicle and disturbing wiring and cables, then an under-hood rodent repellent device can be used as an added deterrent.

Designed to be placed under the hood of a car, this rodent-repellent device uses ultrasonic noise and bright LED strobe lights to dissuade critters that might chew through electrical wiring and cables. Your car battery powers the machine and automatically shuts off when you start the car—then powers back on when you park.

Pros

  • Uses ultrasounds and LED lights
  • Doesn’t emit any chemicals, odors or toxins
  • Includes zip ties to mount in place
  • Works with 12- to 24-volt batteries
  • Automatically shuts off if the car battery level drops too low

Cons

  • Installation required

 Harris Rodent Repellent Spray Mary Henn/Family Handyman

Best Versatile Mouse Repellent

Harris Rodent Repellent Spray

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

 Bectine Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Mary Henn/Family Handyman

Best Ultrasonic Mouse Repellent

Bectine Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

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.”

Mary Henn
Mary Henn, MFA is an Associate Shopping Editor at Family Handyman. She’s also a national award-winning writer and journalist. Her expertise lies in interior design, home decor, gardening and outdoor trends. When she’s not working on the latest content at FHM, you can find her reading poetry or hiking with her dog, Henry.