Best Mouse Deterrent

Deterring or repelling mice is the best control, because keeping the disease carrying nuisance animals away in the first place prevents the need for more drastic measure involving traps and poisons. The best mouse deterrent is usually a combination or common sense approaches and some of the effective nontoxic repellents available on the market.

First, common sense: keep food stored in airtight containers to keep away not only rodents, but ants, roaches, silverfish, and even moth larvae that sometimes infest pantries and other places food is stored. Flour, sugar, and other food that typically comes stored it paper is much too easy for bugs and rodents to chew through, so they should either be transferred to airtight containers or stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Pantries and cupboards should be kept free of food crumbs. Pet food and bird food are also known to attract mice and insects, and should also be stored in appropriate containers.

Another common sense approach to creating the best mouse deterrent house it to block up any holes where mice can enter. Many homes build on pier and beam foundation have holes in the floor and walls where water piper enter. These are easy to seal up with spray foam that will not only keep mice and insect out, but will help stop drafts. Attic vents can be covered with find screens to continue to allow the flow of air for circulation, but prevent birds, mice, rats, and squirrels from making a home out of your attic.

The best mouse deterrent that is available for purchase is often a spray variety that contains a taste or smell that is irritating to mice and other similar nuisance animals. Consumers should look for a spray repellent that has essential oils as its active ingredient. The most effective oils are usually peppermint oil or spearmint oil, but other commonly used mouse repellents have cinnamon oil or white pepper. Online reviews are an excellent way to conduct some consumer research and read about which rodent repellents offer the best mouse deterrent qualities.

Peppermint oil can be bought in its pure form, sometimes in the cooking aisle with the vanilla extract and other flavor enhancers, and because it is reputed to have medicinal qualities, it can occasionally be found in the pharmacy. This multipurpose oil can be dabbed onto floorboards or anywhere that mice can possible enter, and its smell and taste should keep them away.

Besides sprays, there are quite a few natural mouse deterrents available in pellet form, which can be used outside around the perimeter of one’s house. These have the same repellent properties as the spray varieties, and using them on both the inside and outside of one’s house will provide twice the deterring action, and should help with any hard to reach spots on either side of the walls.

Other deterrents can involve scare tactics, such as having a cat or dog, or having a well lit and noisy house. Some people opt to leave radios on when they are not at home, or lights on in attics and other dark places. While not foolproof, these can add to the total effectiveness of a combination of methods.