Here’s How Cedar Keeps Mice Away (And Why It Works)

I LOVE the scent of cedar. It’s such an amazing scent – especially when applied as cedar mulch! Maybe that’s why I love spring so much…
Cedarwood has long been appreciated for its insect-repelling qualities, but its effectiveness against mice remains a topic of interest. When it comes to using cedar in closets or other confined spaces, there’s a possibility that the strong scent might be unpleasant for mice, discouraging them from nesting in those areas.
However, it’s essential to understand the overall impact of cedar and what forms of cedar scent might be most useful in repelling mice.
By using cedar to its full potential, you may be able to keep mice without resorting to any chemicals! Experimenting with various forms of cedar scent, along with other preventative measures, could result in a (finally) mouse-free living space!
Key Takeaways:
- Cedar’s scent may help to repel mice in confined spaces such as closets
- Experiment with different forms of cedar scent to find the most effective option
- Combine cedar scent with other natural preventative measures for the best results (like closing small gaps and keeping your home clean)
How Cedar Works To Repel Mice
One of the top reasons mice are repelled by cedar is its natural aroma.
Cedar contains natural compounds such as phenols and hydrocarbons, which give it that distinct scent. Mice have a highly developed sense of smell, and they simply can’t bear the pungent aroma of cedar! Their little noses just can’t take it!
So, how can you use cedar to prevent mice from invading your home? Below are a couple of methods:
- Cedar Closets: Cedar closets not only keep your clothes fresh, but they also serve as a strong deterrent for mice! Amazing, right!? By simply outfitting your closets with cedar panels or cedar sachets, you create an environment that mice will be eager to avoid.
- Cedar Chips: Another versatile and natural method to repel mice is using cedar chips! These chips can be spread around the foundation of your home, in the basement, or any other area prone to mice invasion. This will make sure that mice think twice before venturing into your cozy abode.
- Cedar Mulch: Pretty much the same as cedar chips – you can spread cedar mulch around the perimeter of your home outdoors, like your garden! I personally like to replenish my garden 1-2 times per year with beautiful cedar mulch.
When using cedar as a mouse repellent, it’s important to remember that the effectiveness is based mainly on the scent. Over time, the scent of cedar will naturally fade, which means that the repellent function will become less effective.
Don’t worry, though! You can simply refresh your cedar chips or sachets by lightly sanding them to release more of the essential oils in the wood or replacing them with fresh ones!
Effectiveness of Cedar-based Repellents In Keeping Mice Away

Cedar chips, blocks, and the scent of cedar are commonly used as a natural, aromatic method to repel mice. The scent works by disrupting the mouse’s sense of smell, making them feel uncomfortable and less likely to set up a nest nearby. Mice prefer an environment that remains undisturbed, like a cedar-free area!
Cedar Product | Effectiveness |
---|---|
Cedar Chips/Mulch | Moderate-High |
Cedar Oil | High |
Cedar Blocks | High |
Cedar Hangers | Low-Moderate |
Cedar Essential Oil | High |
Cedar Chips/Mulch
Cedar chips are small pieces of cedar wood that can be placed in areas where mice are likely to be found. While they are moderately effective at repelling mice, they may lose their potency over time and need to be replaced. Cedar chips are also like cedar mulch, and the scent of cedar mulch is SO strong and can be applied outside to make your garden look beautiful!
Cedar Blocks
Cedar blocks are small blocks of cedar wood that can be placed in areas where mice are likely to be found. They are highly effective at repelling mice and can last for several months before needing to be replaced.
Cedar Hangers
Cedar hangers are wooden hangers that are infused with cedar oil. While they are moderately effective at repelling mice, they may lose their potency over time and need to be replaced.
Cedar Essential Oil
Cedar essential oil is a highly concentrated form of cedar oil. It can be applied to cotton balls or other absorbent materials and placed in areas where mice are likely to be found. The strong scent of cedar essential oil is known to repel mice and other rodents. It is one of the most effective cedar products for repelling mice.
Limiting Potential Mouse Damage And Entry Points

Repelling mice is not only about taking action when they have entered your home but can be done by utilizing preventative measures. This includes understanding where they might access your home and how to keep them from doing so.
Mice Love To Get Inside Your House’s Siding
Mice, always on a quest for shelter and food, can cause considerable damage to your home! They’re known for targeting various areas such as attics, garages, and even your furniture. These little rascals can chew through different materials like vinyl, sheet metal, siding, and even brick! Yep, you read that right – brick.
Mice can create entry points by gnawing their way through these materials, so it’s essential to regularly inspect your home for any openings. Spotting these entry points early can save you from having some uninvited guests, and some gnawed-upon belongings.
Preventing Access
To prevent mice from accessing your home, you can seal up any openings. A combination of steel wool, hardware cloth, spray foam and wire mesh can be effective for this purpose – sealing holes is really a MUST. But here’s where cedar can come into play to prevent mice from trying to re-enter.
Using cedar in closets, for example, can help deter mice from nesting in your clothes. However, cedar alone won’t always stand up against determined mice. It’s important to combine the use of cedar with other preventative measures.
If you’re keen on using cedar indoors as a mouse repellent, consider:
- Placing cedar blocks in drawers or closets
- Adding cedar chips to storage areas
- Using cedar oil as an additional scent barrier
But there’s more to it than meets the nose! Make sure to regularly replace or refresh the cedar to maintain its effectiveness. Remember, the stronger the cedar scent, the more powerful these methods are at repelling mice.
Keep in mind – while cedar is a natural choice, it’s essential to take a holistic approach to repel mice from your home. Using a variety of strategies, such as sealing potential entry points and keeping surroundings clean, can make your home less welcoming to these pests.
Other Materials That Repel Mice
Now that we know the ins and outs of using cedar, let’s enhance your home protection with some other materials. Concrete and glass are also tough obstacles for mice to gnaw through. You can also try using low-gauge aluminum as an added layer of protection. Aluminum window screens, flashing, or panels can help deter mice from entering your home.
If you want to go the extra mile (who doesn’t?), consider incorporating copper gauze in your arsenal. Copper gauze, like our favorite Rodent-proof Copper Mesh, is a fantastic choice! The metal’s natural propensity to repel rodents makes it an ideal option for sealing gaps and openings around pipes, vents, and other potential entry points.
Just remember, every home is unique! So get creative with these materials and find the combination that works best for you in keeping mice at bay. With a pinch of scientific knowledge and a dash of elbow grease, your home can be a mouse-free haven in no time.
Why Mice Are Inside Your Home In The First Place!
Mice are attracted to environments that provide them with food, water, and shelter. They have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them find food sources in your home, especially if there’s clutter around. Mice are also adept climbers, so don’t be surprised to find them scaling vertical surfaces and getting into even the highest cupboards.
Cedar can deter mice due to its scent, making cedar closets (or putting cedar in them) or utilizing cedar chips is potentially effective at repelling them. However, it’s important to note that cedar’s effectiveness may vary for each individual case. So, while cedar may provide some relief, it may not completely solve the problem!
Preventing Future Mouse Infestations

Here are some additional preventative measures to keep your home mouse-free:
- Store food in sealed containers to reduce smells that attract mice.
- Regularly clean your home, focusing on areas like your kitchen, pantry, and garden.
- Remove clutter and seal off any potential entry points for mice, like gaps around pipes or vents.
- Maintain your garden, trimming overgrown areas where mice may find shelter.
To maximize the benefits of cedar in preventing an infestation, use cedar in combination with other natural repelling methods:
- Plant mint around your home’s perimeter to deter mice with its strong aroma.
- Use live traps to catch and safely release mice from your home.
- Set up ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sound waves to disrupt mice’s nesting behavior.
Remember, knowledge is power! The more you know about mice behavior and preferences, the better equipped you are to tackle a potential infestation. Incorporating cedar in your preventative measures can be an effective, natural way to help keep your home free of these unwanted guests. Just be sure to watch out for those cheeky intruders!
Choosing The Right Cedar Mouse Solution For Your Needs

Cedar’s pros include being a natural and eco-friendly solution. But, there are cons too: some say cedar loses its effectiveness over time. Keep in mind, results may vary, so it’s important to find what works for you!
There are many cedar products available, like:
- Natural Cedar Shavings
- Cedar Hyde Cedar Blocks
- The Crown Choice Natural Cedar Oil Spray
- Lavande Sur Terre Cedar Sachets
Making cedar part of your anti-mouse arsenal can be affordable too. You can find plenty of reasonably-priced options on Amazon.
That’s A Wrap!
OK – let’s have a quick cedar-riffic recap here…
Mice have a strong sense of smell, and they generally do not like the scent of cedar! That being said, a cedar closet or the aroma of cedar oil can make your space less welcoming to these rodents. While cedar is not a 100% deterrent, it can be an effective natural method for repelling mice.
Best ways to use cedar as a mouse repellent:
- Cedar chips can be scattered around the perimeter of your home and in areas where you suspect mouse activity.
- Cedar oil can be strategically applied to key entry points, like cracks or holes in walls, to discourage mice.
- Cedar-lined drawers or storage boxes can help keep mice away from clothing, linens, or other household items.
Remember, using cedar should be part of a holistic approach to mouse control. Besides focusing on cedar, don’t forget to address other factors like sealing access points and maintaining clean living spaces.
Finally, enjoy the pleasant aroma of cedar throughout your home, knowing that it’s working in harmony with your efforts to deter unwanted mice!
Zack is a Nature & Wildlife specialist based in Upstate, NY, and is the founder of his Tree Journey and Pest Pointers brands. He has a vast experience with nature while living and growing up on 50+ acres of fields, woodlands, and a freshwater bass pond. Zack has encountered many pest situations over the years and has spent his time maintaining and planting over 35 species of trees since his youth with his family on their property.

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