Rodents like mice and rats can be a nuisance in homes by damaging property, spreading diseases, contaminating food, and causing anxiety. Many people want to find natural ways to repel rodents without using harmful chemicals. Essential oils are plant-based oils that have strong smells which can deter rodents when used properly. But not all essential oils are equally effective for repelling rodents. This article explores what the best essential oil is for keeping mice, rats, and other rodents out of your home.
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Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil is commonly recommended as one of the best for repelling rodents. Peppermint has a strong minty aroma that rodents dislike. The active ingredient in peppermint oil, menthol, triggers pain receptors in rodents’ nasal passages and overwhelms their sensitive sense of smell. This causes discomfort and makes them want to avoid the area.
One study tested the effects of peppermint oil on wild rodent behavior. Cotton balls soaked with peppermint oil were placed around an experimental area. The study found that wild mice avoided places treated with peppermint oil and traveled 40% shorter distances overall when it was present.
Another study looked at how peppermint oil affected lab rats. Rats were given free access to food that had been treated with varying concentrations of peppermint oil. The rats ate significantly less food as the concentration of peppermint oil increased. This demonstrates how peppermint oil can deter rodents from food sources.
The strong smell of peppermint oil is unpleasant and overwhelming for rodents. But it is appealing and safe for humans when used properly. Peppermint oil’s efficacy, safety, and pleasant aroma make it one of the best choices for repelling rodents naturally.
Using Peppermint Oil
There are several ways to use peppermint oil to drive rodents away:
- Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil in areas where rodents may enter like cracks, holes, or wall voids.
- Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them along walls, in cabinets, or anywhere rodents may travel.
- Make a dilution of 10-20 drops of peppermint oil mixed with water in a spray bottle. Spray this around doorways, windows, attics, basements, and anywhere else rodents may enter.
- Place drops of peppermint oil on rodent pathways and near burrows.
- Add peppermint oil to rodent bait traps to make them more effective.
Refresh the peppermint oil every 2-3 days for continuous rodent repelling. It’s best to use 100% pure peppermint oil and avoid fragrance oils or oils mixed with other scents.
Citronella Oil
Like peppermint oil, citronella oil has a strong scent that drives rodents away. Citronella oil comes from lemongrass and has a lemon-like aroma. It’s commonly used as an insect repellent, but works on rodents too.
A study tested citronella oil against the house mouse and found it was repelled by concentrations as low as 1%. The mice avoided areas with citronella oil even when they had no other choice for food, indicating a strong aversion. Researchers theorized that citronella oil irritates mice’s respiratory pathways similarly to peppermint oil.
Another study evaluated adding citronella oil to rodent bait stations. Bait stations laced with the oil had 64% fewer rodent visits compared to plain bait stations. Citronella oil enhanced the repelling power of the bait stations.
Citronella oil is classified by the EPA as a minimum risk pest control substance that’s safe around people, pets, and food surfaces when diluted properly. Using citronella oil is an effective method for driving rodents away without toxic chemicals.
Using Citronella Oil
Citronella oil can be used in similar ways as peppermint oil:
- Dilute citronella oil with water and spray around entry points.
- Soak cotton balls and place near rodent pathways.
- Use citronella-scented candles, torches, or lamps where rodents are a problem.
- Add citronella oil to bait traps or bait ingredients.
- Grow citronella and lemongrass plants around the home.
Use caution when diluting citronella oil since high concentrations can damage surfaces. Start with a 10% dilution first. Like peppermint oil, refresh citronella oil applications every 2-3 days for ongoing rodent control.
Eucalyptus Oil
Another essential oil that effectively repels rodents is eucalyptus oil. Extracted from the leaves of eucalyptus trees, it has a strong herbal and medicinal smell. Rodents have an acute sense of smell so eucalyptus oil’s potent fragrance drives them away.
In one laboratory study, rats and mice were given essential oil-treated water to drink alongside untreated water. The rodents avoided drinking the eucalyptus oil infused water, indicating an aversion. Other lab studies have found that rats and mice decrease food intake and avoid areas treated with eucalyptus oil.
A field study explored using eucalyptus oil to repel wild rats from an urban dumpsite. Cotton balls soaked in eucalyptus oil were placed around the dumpsite. The eucalyptus oil treatment resulted in a significant decrease in rodent activity and burrows around the site.
Eucalyptus oil has insect repelling properties as well. This can provide added benefits by repelling rodents and pests simultaneously when used strategically around the home.
Using Eucalyptus Oil
Like other essential oils, eucalyptus oil should be diluted before using it to repel rodents:
- Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray around baseboards, doors, windows, attics, sheds, and garages.
- Soak cotton balls with diluted eucalyptus oil and stuff them in rodent access holes.
- Add eucalyptus oil to bait traps or baits.
- Plant eucalyptus bushes around areas you want to protect from rodents.
Use caution when diluting eucalyptus oil since high concentrations can be toxic if ingested. Avoid contact near the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another essential oil that can deter rodents. Derived from the Australian tea tree, it has a strong medicinal scent similar to eucalyptus oil. Rodents tend to avoid areas where tea tree oil has been applied.
A laboratory study tested the effects of tea tree oil on rats’ feeding behavior. Once rats smelled tea tree oil in their drinking water, they avoided it for up to 24 hours. Rats consuming tea tree oil infused water also ate less rat chow over a 48 hour period.
Another lab study found that mice exhibited avoidance behaviors when exposed to paper bedding treated with tea tree oil. The mice opted to eat less and leave the area rather than nest in bedding with the scent.
In addition to its rodent repelling effects, tea tree oil also has anti-microbial properties. This can provide added benefits by protecting against pathogens that rodents can spread if they do gain access.
Using Tea Tree Oil
Important tips for using tea tree oil as a rodent repellent:
- Dilute tea tree oil with water and spray around possible rodent entryways and nesting sites.
- Saturate cotton balls with diluted tea tree oil and place along runways, in wall voids, etc.
- Add several drops of tea tree oil to bait ingredients or traps.
- Use tea tree oil-based soaps, sprays, and cleaning products to control rodents.
Like other essential oils, tea tree oil should always be diluted properly before use. Do not ingest tea tree oil as it can be toxic if swallowed.
Thyme Oil
Thyme essential oil is another option for repelling mice, rats, and other rodents. Thyme oil has a strong herbal smell that rodents dislike. Several lab studies have shown rodents avoid food, bedding, and running wheel surfaces treated with thyme oil.
One study evaluated giving rats a choice between untreated water and water treated with 1% thyme oil. The rats avoided drinking the thyme oil-treated water, indicating an aversion.
Another lab experiment tested the effects of spraying thyme oil on the bedding and runners of rats’ activity wheels. There was a significant decrease in the rats’ running behavior on the wheels after the thyme oil was applied.
Aside from repelling rodents, thyme oil can also act as an antimicrobial agent against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Using thyme oil can help protect against diseases if rodents gain access despite treatment efforts.
Using Thyme Oil
Thyme oil uses for repelling rodents include:
- Spray diluted thyme oil on cotton balls and place along rodent pathways.
- Add several drops of thyme oil to rodent baits and traps.
- Spray a thyme oil dilution where rodents enter and congregate.
- Use thyme oil cleaners, soaps, and sprays for added repellency.
- Plant thyme bushes around the home’s perimeter.
Always dilute thyme oil properly before use since high concentrations can be toxic. Avoid contact near the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is another natural option to repel mice and rats. Lemongrass oil comes from the same plant as citronella oil and has a similar lemony aroma. Rodents avoid areas where lemongrass oil has been applied.
Several lab studies have shown rats and mice decrease food intake and avoid environments treated with lemongrass oil due to an aversion to the scent. One study found that mice consumed 65% less food when lemongrass oil was applied to food pellets.
Another study tested spraying lemongrass oil in rat cages. There was increased grooming behavior and decreased sleeping in the treated cages indicating high stress levels in the rats from the lemongrass scent.
Using lemongrass oil can also benefit by repelling insects. Bugs carry diseases that can be exacerbated by rodent infestations. Lemongrass oil helps control both rodents and bugs simultaneously.
Using Lemongrass Oil
Effective ways to use lemongrass oil for rodent control include:
- Spray or wipe diluted oil in rodent nesting areas and around entryways.
- Soak cotton balls in lemongrass oil and place along runways.
- Add lemongrass oil to bait traps and bait ingredients.
- Use lemongrass oil-infused soaps, sprays, and cleaners.
- Plant lemongrass around the perimeter of homes and gardens.
Always dilute lemongrass oil properly before use. Concentrated oil can damage surfaces, harm pets or people, and even start fires.
Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is another natural essential oil that can effectively drive away mice, rats, and other rodents when used properly. Garlic oil is extracted from garlic cloves and has a strong, pungent garlic scent.
Several lab studies have shown rodents avoid food and environments treated with garlic oil. One study found mice consumed 88% less food when garlic oil was added versus untreated food. Another saw rats decrease running wheel activity by 30% when garlic oil was applied.
The strong garlic scent overwhelms rodents’ sensitive sense of smell causing aversion. The sulfur compounds in garlic oil may also irritate rodents’ respiratory tracts causing discomfort.
Garlic oil offers antibacterial, antifungal, and insect repelling properties as well. Using garlic oil helps protect against the pathogens and bugs that rodent infestations enable.
Using Garlic Oil
Effective ways to use garlic oil as a rodent repellent include:
- Make a diluted garlic oil spray and apply along baseboards, doorways, attics, etc.
- Soak cotton balls in garlic oil and stuff them in wall voids and entry points.
- Add garlic oil to rodent bait recipes and commercial baits.
- Use garlic oil infused soaps, sprays, and cleaners.
- Plant garlic plants densely around gardens and the home’s perimeter.
Dilute garlic oil properly before use since concentrated oil can damage surfaces. Avoid contact near eyes and mucous membranes.
Rodent Repellent Essential Oil Blends
Using a combination of different essential oils can provide enhanced rodent repellency. The more intense and complex aroma is harder for rodents to tolerate. Some effective essential oil blend options include:
- Peppermint + Spearmint: Combine peppermint oil with spearmint oil for a strong minty scent that rodents hate.
- Lavender + Lemongrass: Mix floral lavender oil with lemony lemongrass oil.
- Citronella + Lemon Eucalyptus: Blend citronella oil with lemon eucalyptus oil for added complexity.
- Peppermint + Cinnamon: Peppermint and cinnamon oils pair well together.
- Thyme + Oregano: Mixing thyme oil with oregano oil amplifies the herbal scent.
There are endless options for combining different essential oils. Use your nose to experiment and find a combo that’s powerful and complex. Follow dilution guidelines to avoid safety issues when blending different oils.
Tips for Using Essential Oils as Rodent Repellents
Here are some tips for safely using essential oils to repel rodents:
- Always dilute essential oils in water before applying them.
- Use glass spray bottles instead of plastic which can degrade with oils.
- Do test spots first to check for damage or discoloration.
- Place cotton balls with oil in areas rodents frequent like attics and basements.
- Refresh applications every 2-3 days since aroma breaks down over time.
- Combine oils with other deterrents like electronic repellers for added effect.
- Use extreme caution around children and pets since oils can be toxic.
- Never ingest essential oils unless advised to do so by a doctor.
Conclusion
Rodents like mice and rats can be very difficult to control once an infestation takes hold. Using essential oils is one of the safest and most effective natural ways to repel rodents. The strong scents overwhelm rodents’ sensitive noses and make them avoid treated areas.
Oils like peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, thyme, lemongrass, and garlic can effectively drive away rodents when used strategically. Place cotton balls with diluted oil along baseboards, doorways, attics, wall voids, etc. Refresh applications frequently for best results.
Combining different essential oils creates more complex scents that deter rodents even further. Test different oil blends to find one rodents hate. Using essential oils safely and consistently can help combat rodent problems and prevent infestations from developing.