8 Plants To Add To Your Yard To Repel Mice

Are you tired of uninvited mice wandering into your yard and causing damage? Well, it’s time to tap into the power of Mother Nature and use plants to keep those pesky rodents at bay.

Mice, just like any other creatures, have preferences when it comes to the plants they are attracted to and those they tend to avoid. With a bit of creativity and a green thumb, you’ll have a lush, beautiful yard free from these unwelcome guests.

Now, let’s dive into the world of flora to find out how you can use the power of plants to keep your yard free of mice.

Natural Plants to Deter Mice

North Dakota State University notes that landscaping with onions is a great, easy way to deter mice. There are so many other natural plants and scents that mice don’t want to come near, which you can use to your benefit.

1. Mint and Peppermint

Mint plants are a natural and effective way to deter mice from your garden! Mice find the strong aroma of these plants overwhelming. Planting mint or peppermint around your yard helps create an invisible barrier to mice.

You can also use a natural product containing mint, like the Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Spray to enhance the effect.

2. Lavender

Lavender, with its lovely scent, isn’t just for relaxation. Mice strongly dislike the smell of lavender. Planting it in your garden helps keep mice away while providing a beautiful and calming aesthetic.

3. Garlic and Onions

Although garlic and onions are a tasty addition to many recipes, mice have a hard time enjoying their pungent aroma. Planting garlic and onion sets around the yard can deter them from entering your property. Added bonus: your garden will have a flavorful and aromatic touch!

4. Rosemary

Your garden can benefit from the herbaceous flavor of rosemary not only in culinary dishes but also as another plant that repels mice! Mice are deterred by rosemary’s strong scent. So go ahead and plant some rosemary in your garden to keep mice at bay.

5. Sage

Sage emits a pungent odor that mice find unappealing. Planting sage not only helps your garden smell fresh, but it also provides a deterrent for pesky mice. You get a dual purpose – a plant that works for both cooking and rodent prevention!

6. Daffodils

Did you know that daffodils are more than just pretty flowers? These attractive spring blooms contain a natural compound called “alcium galanthamine“, which is toxic to mice. Their presence will definitely encourage mice to stay away from your garden!

7. Lemongrass

Lemongrass has a delightful, citrusy scent which is repellent to mice. Since it is a fast-growing plant and easy to maintain, it’s an ideal addition to your yard. Not only will you have a great-smelling garden, but also a natural way to deter rodents.

8. Marigolds

Those lovely marigolds that make your yard so colorful also serve as a warning sign for mice! The smell of marigolds can deter mice from entering your property. As a bonus, these cheerful flowers can also help keep other insects and pests at bay, making your garden safer and more appealing.

Maintaining a Clean Yard

Eliminate Food Sources

Believe it or not, mice are like mini vacuum cleaners for your yard! They absolutely adore grains, fruits, berries, nuts, and vegetables. To minimize their feasting, keep a keen eye on fallen fruit and promptly remove it. Be vigilant about clearing away any food sources, such as leftover birdseed or uncovered trash.

Reduce Shelter Availability

Mice just can’t resist shelters provided by overgrown vegetation, woodpiles, or debris. Chop, mow, and trim your way to a mice-free yard! That means keeping shrubs trimmed, clearing tall grass, and removing unnecessary clutter.

Proper Compost Management

Attention, green-thumbed homeowners! Compost heaps and bins are like all-you-can-eat buffets for mice. But don’t worry, you don’t have to stop composting! Instead, just keep your compost in a closed container and avoid adding dairy or meat products. Also, turn your compost pile frequently to deter the mice.

Seal Cracks and Holes

Mice aren’t great climbers but masters at squeezing into tight spaces. To prevent them from accessing your property, seal any cracks and holes in walls or fences with caulk or mesh. It will be an unpleasant surprise (in a good way) when they find no way to invade your property.

Physical Barriers

Hardware Cloth

Mice can be quite crafty when it comes to finding their way into our yards, but fear not—hardware cloth is here to save the day! This sturdy, galvanized wire mesh can be used to protect the base of your trees, bushes, and gardens. Just wrap it around these vulnerable areas, and presto, you have a mouse-proof barrier!

We recommend LAN JIA Hardware Cloth.

Gravel

Tickle some stones, and you have an effective (but slightly uncomfortable) barrier against mice! Scientists agree that mice are not big fans of gravel, as its rough texture dissuades them from digging and nesting. By adding a layer of gravel around your gardening areas and lawn, you’re effectively telling mice, “You shall not pass!”

For example, use gravel around sheds, for edging gardens, and at the base of trees.

Woodpiles and Mulch Management

If there’s one thing mice love, it’s a good woodpile or cozy mulch pile. But don’t worry, you don’t have to give up these essential resources—you just need to get a little creative! Strategically placing woodpiles and managing mulch can help keep mice at bay:

1. Keep wood stacked well away from your home, sheds, and gardens
2. Store wood off the ground on racks or pallets
3. Turn your mulch regularly to discourage nesting

Traps and Predators as Mice Repellent

Snap Traps

Did you know that snap traps are a classic and effective method for catching those pesky rodents? Just place a small amount of bait (peanut butter works wonders!) on the bait pan and place the trap on the floor against the wall. Make sure to set it up in a T-shaped formation with the baited end next to the wall.

There are also other kinds of traps, like live-catch, that can be much more humane and sustainable.

Electric Traps

For a more high-tech option, consider using electric traps. These innovative devices lure mice in with bait and quickly eliminate them via electrical shock. Just dispose of the mice after the trap has done its job, keeping your home and property free from unwanted guests.

Cats and Other Natural Predators

Cats are likely the most well-known predators of mice. Talk about natural-born hunters! Having a cat (or allowing your neighbor’s cat) to patrol your property is an effective way to deter unwanted guests. But don’t worry if you’re not a cat person! Some other natural predators of mice include:

Predator	Threat Level
Owls	High
Snakes	Moderate
Birds of Prey (like hawks)	Moderate
Foxes	Low

That’s all for now

Okay, friends, that’s just about it for today.

Keeping mice at bay with plants can be a natural and effective approach! Incorporating plants that mice dislike into your yard provides a pleasant and environmentally friendly way to deter them. Homeowners have a variety of options for managing the pesky invaders! Here are some key points:

• Mice prefer yards with plenty of hiding spots, food sources, and easy access points.
• Choosing the right plants can create an unappealing environment for mice, without using harmful chemicals.

Remember, a little landscaping can go a long way in keeping those pesky mice from turning your yard into their playground.

Happy planting!