Do Lavender Plants Repel Mice? Unveiling the Truth

Lavender plants are not only known for their beautiful purple flowers and calming scent, but they also hold a surprising secret: they can be natural deterrents for mice! Of course, we all want to keep our homes free of rodents, but sometimes, the most effective solutions are found in nature.

Lavender plants, in particular, have properties that can help to repel mice, making them an eco-friendly option to consider in your battle against these pesky intruders.

Mice are attracted to our homes for a variety of reasons such as warmth, shelter, and sources of food. Incorporating lavender plants into your home and garden provides a comfortable and organic method of deterring mice from setting up residence in your space.

So, why Do Mice Hate Lavender?

Lavender Overwhelms Mice’ Sense Of Smell

As I mentioned earlier, lavender plants are believed to have a unique rodent-repelling scent! Lavandula angustifolia is a specific species known for its strong aroma. The plant’s essential oil is concentrated and gives off an odor that can be pleasant to humans but overpowering and deterring to rodents.

You might be wondering why this is the case. An article from the Journal of Current Protocols For Neuroscience tells us that mice use their olfactory system (their sense of smell) for essential survival tasks including navigating, foraging for food, avoiding predators, kin recognition, bond formation, parental care, and mate selection.

The potent smell of lavender makes it impossible for mice to perform these critical survival tasks. This is excellent news for you because it offers a natural and eco-friendly solution to keeping them away from your home.

You can read more about how lavender plants repel mice here!

Lavender induces fear in mice

Mice typically have a very keen olfactory system, however, their sensitivity to lavender’s intense aroma means that they instinctively avoid it. I can totally relate because we all have certain smells that make us go “yikes!”

When mice enter an area where lavender is present, it can induce anxiety and fear because they are no longer able to detect predators. They’re likely to skedaddle out of the area and be hesitant to come back.

Methods to Use Lavender for Repelling Mice

As a nature and wildlife specialist, it’s my duty to provide you with the most effective natural methods to repel mice from your home. Lavender is one of those plants that not only adds beauty to your yard, but serves as a mouse deterrent too!

Let’s explore some ways to keep mice at bay using lavender.

Growing Lavender Plants in the Yard

If you are looking for a natural way to keep those pesky mice away, consider growing lavender plants in your yard. Mice dislike the scent of lavender, so having this fragrant plant around will help deter them from exploring your property.

• Start by choosing the right lavender variety for your region.
• Plant them near your home, especially at entry points to create a scented barrier.

For more guidance, check out our article on the different ways to use lavender outdoors.

Nurturing the lavender plants will require the following steps:

1. Ensure proper soil preparation. Lavender thrives in well-drained soil.
2. Make sure they get at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
3. Water the lavender plants once or twice a week.
4. Prune them yearly to maintain a compact shape and encourage healthy growth.

To get your lavender plants started, try out 1400 English Lavender Seeds for Planting!

Creating a Scented Barrier with Lavender

Using lavender as a scented barrier around your home is an excellent way to prevent mice from entering your property. There are a few techniques to achieve this without necessarily growing the plants.

1. Lavender essential oil: You can create a scented barrier by applying cotton balls soaked in lavender essential oil like Brooklyn Botany Lavender Essential Oil around entry points, such as doorways and windows.
2. Dried lavender: Place dried lavender sachets near potential entry points to keep mice at bay. Replace them once the scent fades, usually within 2-3 months. Lanmik French Dried Lavender Sachets work great for this method! We have a fantastic guide on using dried lavender to keep mice away!
3. Lavender sprays: Another option would be to make your own lavender spray using essential oils or purchase a commercial one. Spray it around your home to deter mice. SpaRoom Aromatherapy Non-Aerosol Room Air Freshener and Linen Spray may not be specifically targeted toward mice, but the lavender scent works just the same!

If you’d like, take a look at our article on how to use lavender oil to keep mice away for more ways to use lavender oil.

Remember, mice are attracted to your home in search of food, shelter, and warmth. So, sealing gaps, maintaining cleanliness, and keeping your yard free of debris are some additional steps to ensure a mouse-free home.

Alternative Plants and Scents to Protect Your Home From Mice

As someone passionate about using natural methods to keep my home rodent-free, I personally recommend trying out alternative plants and scents as well. In this section, I will cover some highly effective options to repel mice, just like our lovely lavender plants!

Here is a brief overview of some of the best plants to repel mice:

Mint and Peppermint as Mouse Repellents

One favorite plant of mine for repelling mice is mint. In particular, peppermint has a strong odor that mice cannot stand! Not only does it smell fabulous to us, but it serves as an effective and environmentally friendly way of keeping those pesky rodents at bay.

Start growing peppermint plants with Back to the Roots Mint ‘Peppermint’ Seed Packet.

Fun fact: Did you know that peppermint oil is so powerful, it can even mask the scent of pheromones that attract mice to your home? Next time you catch a whiff of that delightful smell, remember it’s doing double duty!

We have a fantastic article that dives into peppermint and its ability to repel mice. Check it out – will peppermint plants deter mice?

Citrus

Mice truly dislike the tangy aroma of citrus fruits. They find it rather repulsive, while we find it a refreshing addition! Consider planting lemon or orange trees, or using citrus essential oils, as a way to deter those unwelcome tiny guests.

Citrus peels are another simple way to keep mice away using this wonderfully tart scent. Place them on paper plates or in mesh bags near entry points and mice hot spots. Check out our article on how to use citrus peels to keep mice away for more inspiration!

It’s quite an appealing natural solution if I do say so myself!

Eucalyptus

You may be familiar with eucalyptus as an excellent remedy for congestion, but did you know it’s also a fantastic mouse repellent? Its strong scent is quite the turn-off for mice. Eucalyptus trees or essential oils are great ways to prevent mice from snooping around your house.

For this method, try using NaturoBliss 100% Pure Natural Undiluted Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Create a DIY spray or soak cotton balls in the oil for an eco-friendly mouse deterrent.

Fascinating tidbit: Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia and provide a natural habitat for koalas! Talk about a cool plant with multiple purposes.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass has proven to be an effective mouse deterrent. The plant itself naturally repels mice and is easy to grow in your garden. Plus, the smell is quite pleasant for us humans.

Pro tip: Try growing lemongrass around your home’s perimeter to create a rodent-repelling barrier. Instantly, your home becomes a no-go zone for critters!

Check out our piece on how to get rid of mice using lemongrass for more ways to use this wonderful plant and its oils!

Catnip

Catnip is not just a fun treat for your feline friends! It turns out that it’s also a powerful mouse deterrent. You can plant it around your home’s perimeter, and mice will find it as unappealing as we find their presence!

There are so many ways to use catnip! If you’d like, you can read about it in our article on how to use catnip to naturally repel mice.

Wintergreen & Spearmint

Wintergreen and spearmint also make it onto the list of mice-repelling superheroes. These plants provide not only a natural barrier against rodents but also an aromatic addition to your garden.

Daffodils

Now let’s talk about daffodils! Besides giving your garden a splash of color, these vibrant flowers can act as a deterrent for mice as well. So let your garden bloom and enjoy rodent-free living.

Surprisingly, there are a variety of ways to use daffodils to keep those whiskered rascals out of your yard! You can read about how to use daffodils to keep mice away here.

Additional Plants That Repel Mice

Citronella, clover, garlic, and onions are some of the plants that can help you in your quest to repel mice naturally. You’ll be amazed how nature has placed these fragrant helpers all around us!

By strategically planting lavender and other repelling plants throughout your property, you can create a natural barrier against mice. Keep in mind that these are just some of the many plants that can help you in your pursuit of a mice-free home.

Preventing Mouse Infestations

Identifying Signs of Mice Presence

Do you know that identifying signs of mice presence is essential in preventing them from making your home their haven? Watch out for these signs:

• Droppings
• Gnaw marks
• Nesting materials
• Mouse noises: squeaking, scurrying

Sealing Entry Points and Removing Food Sources

Worried about mice infestations? Seal those entry points! You can keep those pesky mice at bay by simply plugging small holes with steel wool or patching holes in inside and outside walls. Additionally, it’s crucial to clean up food and water sources in and around your house!

Remember, aside from using natural methods to repel mice, it’s crucial to keep your home clean and tidy.

If all else fails, you can always contact a pest control professional to help you in your mouse-repelling journey. These professionals can assess how mice are getting in and how to keep them out for good! To connect with a local professional in your neighborhood, use our nationwide pest control finder.

That’s A Wrap!

Speaking from personal experience, lavender plants indeed have a lot to offer when it comes to repelling mice!

Why are lavender plants so efficient? Well, scientifically speaking, it’s because they contain a compound called linalool with potent natural repelling properties. Mice detest the smell of linalool, encouraging them to seek refuge elsewhere.

So, for those of you seeking natural methods to repel mice, here’s what you can do:

• Plant lavender around the perimeter of your home.
• Place dried lavender in linen closets and in the garage.
• Use lavender essential oil as part of your DIY mice-repellent spray.

Keep in mind that cleanliness and proper storage of food can make a huge difference in deterring mice from the comfort of your home. Make sure to:

1. Seal all food containers properly.
2. Keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs.
3. Close and seal trash bins every single night.

It’s clear that lavender plants can keep pesky mice at bay! Stay focused on your goal of creating a mouse-free environment, and remember, using natural means like lavender is a sustainable, environmentally friendly option. Happy planting!

References

Adaszyńska, M., Swarcewicz, M., Dzięcioł, M., & Dobrowolska, A. (2013). Comparison of chemical composition and antibacterial activity of lavender varieties from Poland. Natural product research, 27(16), 1497-1501.

Ruscoe, W. A., Brown, P. R., Henry, S., Van de Weyer, N., Robinson, F., Hinds, L. A., & Duncan, R. P. (2023). Effects of harvesting and stubble management on abundance of pest rodents (Mus musculus) in a conservation agriculture system. Pest Management Science, 79(12), 4757-4764.

Trullas, R., & Skolnick, P. (1993). Differences in fear motivated behaviors among inbred mouse strains. Psychopharmacology, 111, 323-331.

Yang M, Crawley JN. Simple behavioral assessment of mouse olfaction. Curr Protoc Neurosci. 2009 Jul;Chapter 8:Unit 8.24. doi: 10.1002/0471142301.ns0824s48. PMID: 19575474; PMCID: PMC2753229.