What smells do mice hate?

Mice have a very strong sense of smell and are repelled by certain strong scents, though scent alone is rarely enough to eliminate a full infestation. The smells mice hate most are strong, pungent, and irritating to their sensitive noses. Peppermint oil is the most commonly cited natural repellent, as its strong menthol scent overwhelms their olfactory senses, and many people soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near entry points. Other strong scents that mice dislike include cloves, cayenne pepper, ammonia which mimics the smell of predator urine, vinegar, and eucalyptus oil. Some people use dryer sheets, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Predator scents like cat or fox urine from garden stores can also deter mice outdoors. It is important to understand that while these smells may make mice avoid a specific small area for a short time, they will not make mice leave a house that provides food and warmth, and the smell fades quickly and needs constant reapplication. Pest control professionals consider smell repellents as a minor supplemental measure, not a primary solution. The only reliable long-term deterrents are sealing entry holes with steel wool and caulk, removing food sources, and using traps or professional exclusion.