The Best 15 Natural Scents To Keep Mice Out Of Your Compost

Composting is an eco-friendly way of turning organic matter into nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch, but sometimes it can attract pests, such as mice, to your yard. Mice are attracted to the tasty morsels found in compost heaps, offering them an easily accessible food source.

Knowing this, you might be looking for natural ways to repel mice from your compost without resorting to harsh chemicals or traps.

One effective method involves using natural scents to deter mice from your compost pile. Certain scents are repulsive to rodents, and including these in or around your compost can help keep them away. Not only do these natural scent repellents protect your compost, but they are also environmentally friendly and safe for both humans and other animals.

Understanding Mice and Compost Bins

Identifying a Mouse Infestation in Compost Bin

Before taking action to repel rodents from your compost bin, it’s important to determine if you indeed have an infestation. Signs of mice in your compost pile include droppings, tracks, gnawed materials, and possibly even seeing the creatures scurrying around.

They may also create a nest or burrow in the compost pile, which provides a warm and comfortable environment for them to live.

To make it more difficult for mice and rats to access your compost bin, consider using a bin with a secure lid, fine mesh wire, and an elevated design. This keeps the compost contained, minimizing possible entry points for the rodents to infiltrate.

Common Attractions for Mice in Compost

Mice are drawn to compost piles for various reasons. Firstly, it offers a nutrient-rich environment for them to thrive. Compost bins are filled with decomposing organic materials, creating a buffet for these pests.

Additionally, compost piles provide a warm and insulated habitat for rodents to nest and burrow. To keep rodents out, maintain a balanced compost pile that encourages aerobic decomposition and generates enough heat to discourage nesting.

By understanding rodent behaviors and what attracts them to compost bins, you can effectively use natural scents and other methods to deter these pesky creatures from infesting your compost pile.

Preventive Measures To Keep Mice Out Of Compost

In this section, you’ll learn about some useful ways to keep rodents from accessing your compost.

Securing and Sealing Compost Bins

To prevent mice and other rodents from getting into your compost, start with a sturdy compost bin that has a secure lid. If your bin has a door, make sure it’s properly closed when not in use. The University of California tells us that mice can squeeze through openings slightly larger than 1/4 inch, so even the tiniest gap can let these intruders in your compost!

For an added layer of protection, consider placing a fine wire mesh or screen around the sides and base of the compost bin. This will help keep rodents out while allowing air and moisture to circulate within the compost.

Remember that mice are excellent climbers! Trim any branches or plants that are near the compost bin to prevent rodents from using them as a bridge to access the bin. Making it harder for mice to climb onto the compost bin will also discourage them from trying to find a way in.

Proper Food Waste Management

One of the main reasons mice are attracted to compost piles is the presence of food waste, particularly from kitchen scraps. Here are some tips on how to manage food waste in your compost to reduce the chances of rodent attraction:

• Bury your food waste deep within the compost pile. This helps to keep the scent of decomposing food away from rodents and makes it less accessible.
• Avoid adding dairy products, meat, and greasy foods to your compost pile, as they can attract rodents more easily.
• Regularly turn your compost pile to mix in the food waste and keep the decomposition process going. This not only keeps the scent of decomposing food diluted but also helps to maintain optimal composting conditions.
• Use a covered container to collect and store your food scraps before adding them to the compost. This can minimize the odors that might attract rodents.

By using these preventive measures along with natural scents, you can keep rodents from accessing your compost and maintain a healthy and efficient composting environment.

15 Natural Scent Repellents for Mice In Your Compost

1. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has long been known to repel mice due to its strong and refreshing scent. The oil contains a compound called menthol, which is a natural deterrent for rodents. When mice catch a whiff of peppermint, they’re likely to scurry away because they can’t smell anything else, including potential food or predators!

There are several ways to use peppermint oil to deter mice from your compost pile.

• Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle filled with water and spray the mixture around the perimeter of your compost pile.
• Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them strategically around the compost pile. Try MAJESTIC PURE Peppermint Essential Oil for this method!
• Mix peppermint oil with water and dish soap to create a natural mouse-repellent spray that can be used to coat the surface of your compost pile.

2. Cedar

Cedar has been used for centuries as a natural repellent for pests, including mice. The reason why cedar and cedar oil repel mice is due to the presence of natural compounds called thujaplicins. These compounds have a strong scent that is unpleasant to mice because they mask the scent of food and other mice.

Additionally, cedar wood and cedar oil contain natural oils that can repel insects and other pests, making it an effective and natural option for deterring mice from your compost pile.

Here are some ways you can use cedar to deter mice from the compost pile:

• Place cedar chips or shavings around the perimeter of your compost pile. This will create a barrier that mice are unlikely to cross. Suwimut 24 Pack Cedar sachet bags work great for this method.
• Use cedar oil to create a natural mouse-repellent spray. Mix a few drops of cedar oil with water and spray the mixture around the compost pile.
• Line the bottom of your compost bin with cedar planks or shavings. This will create a natural barrier that mice will be reluctant to cross.

3. Cloves

The scent of cloves and clove oil is a natural and effective way to repel mice. Cloves contain a compound called eugenol, which has a strong and pungent scent that rodents find unpleasant. When mice come into contact with the scent of cloves, they are likely to turn away and avoid the area altogether.

Here’s how to use cloves to repel mice from compost bins and piles:

• Scatter whole cloves around the perimeter of your compost bin or pile. This will create a barrier that mice are unlikely to cross.
• Mix ground cloves like SPICE TRAIN Ground Cloves with water to create a natural mouse-repellent spray. Spray the mixture around the compost bin or pile to keep mice away.
• Place cotton balls soaked in clove oil around the compost bin or pile. The scent of the oil will repel mice and keep them from entering the area.

4. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus contains a compound called cineole, which has a powerful scent that is unpleasant to rodents. When mice come in contact with this strong aroma, they have a hard time locating food and the scent of predators, making them less likely to remain in the area.

Here are a few ways to use eucalyptus to repel mice from compost bins:

• Place eucalyptus leaves or branches around the perimeter of your compost bin or pile. This will create a barrier that mice are unlikely to cross.
• Use eucalyptus oil to create a natural mouse-repellent spray. Mix 10-15 drops of eucalyptus oil with water and spray the mixture around the compost bin or pile. Try out NaturoBliss 100% Pure Natural Undiluted Eucalyptus Essential Oil for a natural-smelling spray that mice can’t stand!
• Like our other oils, you can soak cotton balls in eucalyptus oil and place them around the compost bin or pile.

5. Lavender

Like the other scents on our list, lavender repels mice due to its strong and overpowering scent. Lavender contains a compound called linalool, which has a potent aroma that can overwhelm mice.

To use lavender to repel mice from the compost, consider the below options:

• Place lavender plants or sachets around the perimeter of your compost pile. Lavande Sur Terre’s French Lavender Sachets are pre-made and ready to use!
• Create a DIY spray by adding 15 drops of lavender essential oil to a spray bottle full of water. Spray this concoction around your compost to keep mice away.
• Use the cotton ball method by soaking cotton balls in lavender essential oil and placing them strategically around your compost. Place them in sachets with rocks to keep them held down if you’re worried about them blowing away!

6. Ammonia

Ammonia is a compound that is commonly found in urine, and the scent is often associated with predators in the animal kingdom. When mice come into contact with the scent of ammonia, they perceive it as a threat and will avoid the area.

Here are a few ways to use ammonia to repel mice from compost:

• Soak cotton balls in ammonia and place them around the perimeter of your compost pile. The scent of the ammonia will repel mice and keep them from entering the area.
• Soak rags in ammonia and place them strategically around your compost.
• Pour a small amount of ammonia into a container and place it near the compost pile. The scent of the ammonia will repel mice and keep them from entering the area.

7. Mint

Mint actually refers to many different plants in the Mentha genus. This includes peppermint and spearmint, among others. Mint plants contain a compound called pulegone, which has a super strong aroma that mice try to avoid.

Here are a few ways to use mint to repel mice from the compost pile/bin:

• Place fresh mint leaves or sachets around the perimeter of your compost pile. This will create a barrier that mice are unlikely to cross. Try Joanssore Natural Mint Sachets for this method.
• Create your own DIY spray by combining 15 drops of mint essential oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
• Soak cotton balls in mint oil and place them around the compost pile.
• Plant mint around the perimeter of your compost pile.

8. Cinnamon

The pleasant scent of cinnamon is a reminder of the holidays for most. For mice, it’s a signal to skedaddle elsewhere! Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde – it’s what gives cinnamon is wonderful scent! However, mice are the scrooges of this scent and would rather be elsewhere when it’s present.

Here are a few ways to use cinnamon to repel mice from outdoor compost bins:

• Sprinkle ground cinnamon around the perimeter of your compost bin. This will create a barrier that mice are unlikely to cross. Cinnamon sticks are another great option, like FGO Organic Korintje Cinnamon Sticks.
• Use cinnamon essential oil to create a natural mouse-repellent spray by mixing a few drops of cinnamon oil with water and spraying the mixture around the compost bin.
• Soak cotton balls in cinnamon oil and place them around the compost bin.
• Mix cinnamon with cayenne pepper and sprinkle the mixture around the perimeter of your compost bin.

9. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin – this is what makes our tongues tingle and our mouths burn when we eat hot peppers. When mice come into contact with the scent of cayenne pepper, it can activate pain receptors, especially if ingested. Cayenne peppers can also be irritating to a mouse’s respiratory system, making them stay away from the area.

Here are a few ways to use cayenne pepper to repel mice from the compost:

• Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the perimeter of your compost pile/bin.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper powder to 1 cup of water and place in a spray bottle to use around the compost.
• Mix cayenne pepper with cinnamon and sprinkle the mixture around the perimeter of your compost pile/bin.

10. Garlic

Garlic is a plant that is not easily eaten by animals. This is because it has a secret defense mechanism – allicin. When garlic plants are damaged or disturbed, they release this extremely potent scent. Now, we humans love it, but mice find it far too powerful for their little noses!

Here are a few ways to use garlic to repel mice from compost:

• Crush garlic cloves and scatter them around the perimeter of your compost pile. Crushing the cloves is important because this releases their strong scent.
• Soak cotton balls in garlic oil and place them around the compost pile.
• Plant garlic around the perimeter of your compost pile. Every few days, go around and crush the leaves of the garlic plant to release the scent.

11. Onions

Onions have a very similar defense mechanism as garlic. The only difference is the scent released. The super strong smell of onions has a repellent effect on mice as it overpowers the scent of food and other mice, making them want to scurry elsewhere.

To use onions to repel mice from compost, try these methods:

• Chop up onions and scatter them around the perimeter of your compost pile.
• Create a potent spray by placing chopped onions and garlic in a pot of boiling water. Reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes and then let cool completely. Strain the mixture and place it in a spray bottle to use around the compost.

12. Basil

Like cloves, basil contains eugenol. This strong-smelling chemical can help to repel mice from compost piles and bins. Basil can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• Place fresh basil leaves or sachets around the perimeter of your compost pile.
• Mix 15 drops of Handcraft Basil Essential Oil into a spray bottle full of water for a DIY mouse-repellent spray.
• Soak cotton balls in basil oil and place them around the compost pile.
• Plant basil around the perimeter of your compost pile.
• Mix chopped basil with water and spray the mixture around the compost pile.

13. Citrus

The scent of citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, contain a compound called d-limonene that mice find unpleasant. Additionally, the acidic nature of citrus fruits can be irritating to the respiratory system of mice, making it an effective and natural option for deterring them from your compost pile.

The scent of citrus can be used in various ways to repel mice from your compost pile or bin:

• Place citrus peels around the perimeter of your compost pile.
• Use citrus essential oils to create a natural mouse-repellent spray. Mix 15 drops of the chosen essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
• Soak cotton balls in citrus oil and place them around the compost pile.
• Place whole cloves into citrus fruits for a double-whammy of overpowering smells that are sure to keep mice away!

14. Predator Scents

Mice fall prey to various predators in the wild. If we can trick them into thinking a predator is near the compost, they are unlikely to venture too close.

Here are a few ways to utilize the scent of predators to keep mice out of the compost:

Here are a few ways to use the scent of predators to repel mice from compost:

• Place cat litter around the perimeter of your compost pile. The scent of the litter will mimic the presence of a predator and repel mice.
• Use predator urine, such as PredatorPee Original Fox Urine, around the perimeter of your compost pile.
• Place used cat or dog bedding around the perimeter of your compost pile.

15. Vinegar

Vinegar has a similar effect on mice as cayenne peppers and ammonia. If you’ve ever gotten your nose too close to a bottle of vinegar, you know what I mean! Mice have an incredible sense of smell, so if this is potent to us, imagine what they think.

Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar that gives it that tangy and strong scent. Not only is the scent a deterrent, but when mice get too close, it can irritate their respiratory system, making it an effective way to repel them from the compost.

Here are a few ways to use vinegar to repel mice from compost piles:

• Mix vinegar with water at a 50/50 ratio to create a natural mouse-repellent spray. Spray the mixture around the compost pile to keep mice away.
• Soak cotton balls in vinegar and place them around the compost pile.
• Pour vinegar into a container and place it near the compost pile. The scent of the vinegar will repel mice and keep them from entering the area.
• Mix vinegar with essential oils, such as peppermint or lavender, to create a more powerful DIY spray.
• Soak a rag in vinegar and place it around the perimeter of your compost pile.

Keep in mind that no single scent repellent is guaranteed to work for everyone – it’s crucial to experiment with different options and find the most suitable combination to prevent mice from intruding your compost.

Other Natural Methods To Keep Mice Out Of The Compost

Using Pets for Rodent Control

Cats and dogs are natural predators of rodents, including mice. If you have a pet, consider using their keen senses for keeping rodents at bay. By simply having a cat or dog around your compost area, mice might detect their presence and avoid exploring the nutrient-rich space.

Some dogs, like terrier breeds, are especially adept at mice-hunting. No need to say, “get a cat,” now!

Hot Composting and Bokashi Bins

Mice are attracted to compost because it provides warmth and food. To make your compost less appealing, you could use hot composting methods. Hot composting requires turning your pile frequently to maintain high temperatures that break down materials faster. This not only accelerates the process but also makes it less attractive to rodents.

Another option is utilizing a Bokashi bin or Bokashi bucket. These provide an enclosed environment for your compost, which makes it harder for mice to access. The fermented compost created in a Bokashi system breaks down quickly, minimizing odors and deterring rodents.

To get started with a bokashi bin, check out Biorfe 2 Bucket Bokashi Compost Starter Kit.

Effective Trapping Methods

While physical barriers might keep mice away from your compost, sometimes traps are necessary. Here are some natural and non-toxic trap options to consider:

Type of Trap	Ease of Use
Snap Trap	Moderate
Electronic Trap	Easy
Live Catch Trap	Moderate
Multiple Catch Trap	Moderate
Bucket Trap	Moderate

Professional Pest Control

When natural scents and traps don’t seem to be controlling the mouse infestation around your compost, consider calling in a professional. Pest control specialists can identify where mice are coming from and how to keep them away.

To connect with a local professional, check out our nationwide pest control finder!

Using a combination of natural scents, pets, hot composting, Bokashi bins, and effective trapping methods can help keep mice away from your compost pile. And remember, if the situation becomes too much, you can always reach out to a professional for assistance!

Final Recommendations

If you’re looking to repel mice from your compost area using natural scents, here are 15 different options you can try:

1. Peppermint oil: Mice hate the strong smell of peppermint. Place a few drops on cotton balls and scatter them around your compost.
2. Cedar essential oil: Soak cotton balls in cedar essential oil and place them around entry points where mice might invade your compost.
3. Citrus: mice detest the potent scent of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit.
4. Clove oil: Mice detest the smell of clove oil. Apply it to cotton balls and position them near potential entry points.
5. Eucalyptus oil: Mice avoid the scent of eucalyptus oil. Apply on cotton balls and arrange around your compost area.
6. Lavender oil: Another scent that mice dislike is lavender oil. Add it to cotton balls and spread them near your compost.
7. Ammonia: Mimicking the smell of predator urine, ammonia keeps mice away. Pour some in a shallow container and place near your compost.
8. Mint plants: Plant mint around your compost area to repel mice with its powerful scent.
9. Cinnamon: Mice are put off by cinnamon’s strong aroma. Sprinkle cinnamon powder around your compost.
10. Cayenne pepper: Mice hate the pungent smell of cayenne pepper. Scatter it around the edges of your compost.
11. Garlic: Mice detest the smell of garlic. Crush garlic cloves and spread them around your compost.
12. Onions: Mice loathe onion scents. Place sliced onions near the compost to keep mice at bay.
13. Basil: Mice do not enjoy the scent of basil, so planting it around your compost can be a helpful deterrent.
14. Predator scents: Tricking mice into thinking predators are nearby is a great way to keep them out of the compost.
15. Vinegar: Vinegar is a common household item that has a strong scent that keeps mice from getting into the compost.

Mice are drawn to compost because it provides a food source, shelter, and a warm environment to burrow. Consequently, properly sealing your compost and eliminating food sources is crucial to reducing rodent issues.

Covering your compost with a tight lid and using a sturdy container prevents easy access for mice. Additionally, pay attention to your home’s exterior (windows, walls, and entry points), and ensure gaps are sealed to further deter mice.

The better mouse-proofing strategies you implement, the less likely you will face a rodent crisis in your compost.