Close the Door on Mice
For some, mice are adorable first pets with cute faces and a penchant for cheese…for others, they’re disgusting rodents intent on making a nest in our pantries. However you see the little guys, no one wants an infestation on their hands, so let’s explore which foods attract them and which give ‘em the boot.
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1. Cheese
Those childhood cartoons were onto something. Mice love cheese for all the same reasons we do—it’s delicious, high in fat, and makes for a great snack. However, cheese also makes a good common trap for mice. So, whether you’re looking to lure them or wondering which foods attract them and their friends, cheese is often the answer.
2. Berries
Mice are particularly irksome around berries. They love raspberries and blackberries, which means they wreak havoc on gardens and your indoor stash. On the plus side, berries make great bait food.
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3. Peanut Butter
Mice love nuts, especially peanuts, walnuts, and almonds. Therefore, it may not shock you that any spreads like peanut butter or hazelnut spread essentially ring the dinner bell for them. It’s the taste, it’s the smell, and it’s also the texture, which allows mice to easily transport small amounts back to their nests.
4. Nuts
You can always sprinkle a couple of loose nuts around, too. Nuts are a highly nutritional option for mice because of their fats and proteins. They’re also often found in bird feeders, which is another popular hangout spot for some.
5. Pet Food
We like to give our pets the best, which is why most kibble brands have a healthy blend of grains, meat, and nutrients. The thing is, that combo also attracts unwanted guests. You may just find that pet food left in bowls or outside of cabinets can become a rodent’s buffet.
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6. Rice
When you think about it, rice is the perfect food for mice. The grains are small, which means easier transportation to the nest, and it’s high in carbs, which gives them more energy. Not that you want active mice in your house, but this is a good reminder to store grains properly.
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7. Honey
We now know that mice love sticky foods, making honey yet another culprit for their gatherings. Not only are mice drawn to the high-sugar content, but the scent also carries pretty far. Don’t leave unsealed jars or spills around!
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8. Cereal
The quickest way to a mouse’s heart is with grains. Cereals and oats are classic favorites, making proper storage a must in the kitchen—mice can easily chew their way through cereal boxes or oat bags. However, if you need to lure them, either of these foods are solid options.
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9. Meats
While this isn’t their first choice, mice are still omnivores. They’ll gravitate towards popular meats like bacon or lean proteins such as chicken and turkey. It’s not uncommon for them to dig for scraps in your garbage or even make their way inside for leftovers.
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10. Chocolate
Who doesn’t love the taste of chocolate? That delectable, sweet taste mixed with sugar and fat? Maybe we have more in common with mice than we think. In fact, mice are so in love with the taste that chocolate has become a popular bait food in traps.
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Now that we know which foods attract mice, let’s dive into which ones send them packing.
1. Vinegar
Mice hate vinegar’s acidic smell, making it a go-to natural deterrent. Spray a vinegar solution around high-traffic areas to keep them out. You can also scare away unwanted visitors by pouring vinegar into bowls and leaving them around the house.
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2. Peppermint
Mint is so much more than a breath refresher—it’s a natural deterrent with a strong smell, and mice hate it. Strategically placing spearmint leaves or cotton swabs soaked in essential oil can ward away critters. You can also make a spray solution and apply it to problem areas.
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3. Cinnamon
That cinnamon stick may better a cup of coffee, but it completely ruins a mouse’s day. The strong scent deters any invasions and can be used in either stick or powder form to keep them away. Sprinkle some powder around doorways or windowsills to really send a message.
4. Black Pepper
Those little noses can’t handle black pepper—the dominant compound piperine irritates their senses and scares off any potential house calls. Sprinkling a little in high-traffic areas can get rid of any lingering mice and prevent newcomers.
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5. Onion
Onions and garlic are pungent even to humans, so imagine how unappealing the scents are to mice. Critters won’t come near your house if you place onion slices near entry points, however, you’ll need to be more careful with this method as onions and garlic are often harmful to pets, too.
6. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper’s spicy aroma and taste aren’t appealing to mice. Sprinkling a touch around doors, windows, or popular entry points keeps unwanted guests at bay. You can also mix a solution to spray in the home or garden.
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7. Lavender
Lavender is pleasing enough to people, but mice aren’t onboard—which is a win-win for us! Using the scent to our advantage means homes smell amazing and are also kept mouse-free. You can also use the essential oil the same way you would peppermint.
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8. Cloves
Cloves are strong, spicy, and a natural deterrent for mice. They tend to avoid areas laced with cloves as the scent proves overwhelming for their senses. You can use clove oil or whole ones near doors or in corners of a room.
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9. Bay Leaves
If you have bay leaves at home, feel free to stick them in cabinets or storage areas to repel mice. The smell deters them from making a nest in your pantry, but on a more grim note, can also lead to their demise should they snack on them.
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10. Citrus
Citronella or citrus-based scents have scared away mice for years. Turn to essential oils, fruit peels, or even lemon juice to keep them out of your pantries and your home smelling fresh. You can also use citronella candles!
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