The 15 Best Scents To Use To Keep Mice Away From Your Deck

Mice can cause considerable problems, especially when they choose to invade outdoor spaces such as decks. To effectively deter these furry foes, it’s essential to choose the right scents that will keep them away.

Understanding mice and their acute sense of smell is crucial in finding the perfect solution to their unwelcome presence. With a variety of smells that mice find unappealing, we will delve into the world of essential oils and other natural repellents to help make your deck a mouse-free zone.

In this article, we will explore the X best scents that can effectively keep mice from taking up residence on your deck.

Why Scents Are Effective At Repelling Mice From The Deck

Mice have an incredible sense of smell, which they heavily rely on to navigate their environment, find food, and communicate with one another. An article from Human Molecular Genetics found that mice have about three times as many olfactory receptor proteins as humans.

Their keen sense of smell is vital in avoiding danger, including detecting the scent of potential predators. While this heightened sense can be advantageous for mice, it can also be used against them as a natural method to repel them from certain areas, like your deck.

Why Mice Are Attracted To Decks

It turns out that mice might be attracted to your deck for a few reasons.

• Shelter: Firstly, decks provide a cozy, sheltered space for them to nest and breed.
• Chewing materials: Also, the wood that decks are made of can act as an alluring gnawing surface for mice to satisfy their chewing instincts, as wood is a perfect texture for them to grind down on.
• Food: Additionally, food scraps and clutter left on your deck can be an open invitation to mice, providing both sustenance and nesting material.

Gaining a better understanding of mice and their extraordinary sense of smell can help you in your efforts to keep your deck free from unwanted furry invaders.

15 Best Scents To Keep Mice Away From Deck

If you’re looking to keep mice away from your deck, there’s a scientifically proven method in using scents that these rodents detest. Below, we’ll go over 15 scents that can repel mice from the deck:

1. Ammonia

Ammonia is a compound that is naturally produced by the breakdown of organic matter, including urine and feces. When mice smell ammonia, it signals to them that there is a predator nearby, as many predators, such as cats, also produce ammonia in their urine. This triggers a fear response in mice, causing them to avoid the area where the ammonia scent is present.

Additionally, the strong and pungent odor of ammonia can be overwhelming to mice, making it an effective natural repellent.

2. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a natural scent that mice find overwhelming and unpleasant. The strong aroma of peppermint oil is thought to interfere with the mouse’s ability to detect other scents, making it difficult for them to find food and shelter. MAJESTIC PURE Peppermint Essential Oil is an excellent tool to repel mice from the deck and can be used in many different ways (more on that later!).

The scent of peppermint oil is also associated with danger for mice, as it is often used to deter rodents. This triggers a fear response in mice, causing them to avoid areas where the scent of peppermint oil is present.

3. Eucalyptus Oil

Mice dislike the smell of eucalyptus oil because it contains a compound called cineole, which is unpalatable to rodents. Eucalyptus oil has a strong and pungent aroma that is overwhelming to mice, making it difficult for them to navigate their environment and find food and shelter.

Try out MAJESTIC PURE Eucalyptus Essential Oil for this method!

4. Cinnamon

Like the other scents on our list so far, cinnamon has a strong odor that can overwhelm a mouse’s sense of smell. This makes it difficult for them to find food and sense predators, which means they’re unlikely to stick around the area.

The chemical component of cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, is a key constituent within cinnamon to deter mice. It’s what gives cinnamon its spicy aroma that we love, but mice hate.

Cinnamon essential oil is an option. You can also set reed diffusers on your deck, such as AROMATIKA Reed Diffuser Cinnamon.

5. Menthol

Menthol is found in peppermint and other mint-related plants. Its strong scent is similar to peppermint, making it an effective natural mouse deterrent. Here are a few reasons why mice hate the smell of menthol:

1. Overwhelming scent: Mice have a very sensitive sense of smell, and the strong aroma of menthol can be overwhelming to them, making it difficult for them to navigate their environment.
2. Irritating to the respiratory system: Menthol can irritate the respiratory system of mice, causing discomfort and making it difficult for them to breathe.
3. Disrupts communication: Mice use pheromones to communicate with each other, and the scent of menthol can interfere with this communication, making it difficult for them to find food and shelter.

Menthol can be found in some peppermint-scented products. You can also use room fresheners such as EuroSpa Aromatics Store Menthol Crystals.

6. Cedarwood Oil

Mice dislike the scent of cedarwood oil because it contains natural compounds called sesquiterpenes, which are unpleasant for rodents. Like other scents, cedarwood also packs a powerful scent that can overwhelm a mouse’s olfactory system.

7. Clove & Clove Oil

The main chemical ingredient found in cloves is eugenol, which has been found to be highly repellent against mice. Cloves also work great when combined with other repellent scents such as peppermint or eucalyptus, making a doubly effective mouse repellent!

Clove oil and whole cloves like SPICE TRAIN Handpicked Cloves Whole can be used to deter mice.

8. Lavender

Lavender contains natural compounds called terpenes, which are known to be disliked by rodents like mice. These compounds are released into the air when lavender is crushed or its oil is extracted. Mice have a highly sensitive sense of smell and find the strong aroma of lavender overwhelming and unpleasant.

9. Rosemary

Like lavender, rosemary contains terpenes that have a repellent effect on mice. The scent of rosemary, though pleasant to us, is too spicy and strong for a mouse. When they smell the presence of rosemary, they’re likely to scurry off to a different area.

10. Citronella

Citronella is a natural essential oil that is commonly used as an insect repellent. However, it is also an effective natural mouse repellent. Mice find the strong aroma of citronella overwhelming and unpleasant, making it difficult to locate food or other mice.

Try lighting a citronella candle on your deck to keep mice away. TIKI Brand 28 Ounce Citronella Wax Candle works great!

11. Camphor

Camphor is a white, crystalline substance that is derived from the wood of the camphor tree. It has a strong, pungent odor that is overwhelming to mice and other rodents. Camphor is a natural and effective way to repel mice because it acts as a respiratory irritant, causing discomfort and making it difficult for mice to breathe.

Try placing Soul Sticks Camphor Tablets around the deck to repel mice.

12. Thyme

Thyme is an herb that is commonly used in cooking and has a strong, pungent aroma. It contains natural compounds called thymol and carvacrol, which are repellent to mice. Thyme is used as a mouse repellent because its strong scent is overwhelming to mice and makes it difficult for them to navigate their environment and find food and shelter.

13. Citrus

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, contain natural compounds called limonene and citronellal, which are effective in repelling mice. Limonene is a naturally occurring chemical that gives citrus fruits their characteristic scent. It acts as a respiratory irritant to mice, causing discomfort and making it difficult for them to breathe.

Citronellal is another natural compound found in citrus fruits that is effective in repelling mice. It has a strong, pungent odor that is overwhelming to mice and makes it difficult for them to navigate their environment and find food and shelter. 

14. Hot Peppers

If you’ve ever put your nose too close to a bottle of hot sauce, then you understand why this is an excellent mouse repellent. Hot peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin – it’s what gives hot peppers their kick! However, capsaicin also triggers pain receptors in mice, meaning they’ll skedaddle as soon as they get a whiff!

15. Vinegar

Like hot sauce, getting your nose too close to a bottle of vinegar can nearly knock you out! This strong scent is from the acetic acid that is found in vinegar. It’s also what helps to repel mice.

Areas around your deck that have the scent of vinegar will make it difficult for mice to navigate, find food, and locate scent trails left by other mice.

Now that we know the 15 best scents to keep mice away from the deck, let’s check out how to use these scents effectively.

How to Use Scents as Repellents On The Deck

Essential oils have been known to act as effective repellents against mice. Some popular oils that help repel mice include peppermint oil, clove oil, and eucalyptus oil.

Necessary Supplies

To start, you’ll need a few supplies:

• Essential oil or scent of your choice (peppermint, clove, eucalyptus, or any of the ones listed above)
• Water
• Small spray bottle
• Cotton balls or small cloth squares

Creating A DIY Spray

First, create a solution by mixing five parts water with one part essential oil. For example, if you’re using peppermint oil, mix five ounces of water with one ounce of peppermint oil in a small container. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle.

Where To Spray

Now, with your spray bottle in hand, target areas where mice might be entering or inhabiting in your deck. These typically include gaps, holes, or crevices around the deck’s foundation and walls.

Spray the essential oil solution generously around these areas, ensuring that the scent is noticeable. Replace the scent weekly by spraying again in the chosen areas. If the deck is unprotected from the elements, spraying after heavy rain is beneficial to keep the scent strong!

Using Cotton Balls

Along with spraying, you can also place cotton balls or small cloth squares soaked in the essential oil solution around the deck. This is particularly helpful in areas that are difficult to reach or spray directly, such as tight corners. Replace these soaked materials every few days to maintain a strong scent that is effective in repelling mice.

By incorporating these simple steps and using essential oils as repellents, you can help keep mice away from your deck and maintain a more enjoyable outdoor living space.

Other Natural Mouse Repellents To Use On The Deck

Here are a few other natural mouse repellents you can use around the deck to keep those tiny intruders away. These are slightly less effective than the ones discussed before, but still pack a punch.

Consider using these scents in combination with some of the ones listed above for a powerful mouse deterrent.

• Dryer sheets: Mice are not fans of the scent found in dryer sheets. Place them around your deck area to keep them away and maintain a fresh scent for yourself.
• Kitty litter: Even if you don’t have a cat, having kitty litter around can act as a deterrent. Mice can sense the presence of a predator from the scent of their waste.
• Chili oil: Similar to cayenne pepper, mice detest spicy scents. Applying chili oil to strategic areas can help deter mice from invading your deck.
• Black pepper: If you’re out of cayenne, black pepper can also work wonders in repelling mice with its strong spicy scent.
• Amaryllis: You can plant these beautiful flowers around your deck, which will not only add visual appeal, but also help repel mice with their scent.
• Garlic: Mice run from the pungent smell of garlic, so scattering cloves or garlic powder on your deck will help deter them.

Protecting The Deck: Blocking Mice Entry Points

Sealing openings is your top priority. Make sure to inspect doors and windows. Any cracks or gaps larger than a dime are just invitations to our uninvited guests. Use steel wool, metal flashing, or caulking to seal off these spots. Don’t use rubber or plastic fillers as mice can chew through them with ease.

To keep mice away from the drain pipe, you might want to install a mesh wire or metal grating over it. This will help keep the mice from entering while still allowing water to flow freely.

Here are the most common entry points for mice on the deck and how you can seal them up:

Deck Entry Point	Ways to Block
Gaps in the deck boards	Fill gaps with steel wool or caulking
Holes in the deck structure	Fill holes with steel wool or caulking
Gaps around pipes or wires	Seal gaps with expanding foam or caulking
Openings around door frames	Install door sweeps or weatherstripping
Gaps between the deck and the house	Install flashing or seal with caulking
Vegetation touching the deck	Trim vegetation away from the deck
Clutter or debris on the deck	Keep the deck clean and free of clutter

By blocking these entry points, you can prevent mice from accessing your deck and potentially entering your home. It’s important to regularly inspect your deck for any potential entry points and take steps to block them as necessary.

Other Ways To Keep Mice Away From Deck

Remove Food Sources

Keeping your deck free of mice involves proper shelter and food disposal. Mice are attracted to food sources, including fruits and vegetables that might be lying around near your deck. To prevent these pesky rodents from inhabiting your deck area, ensure that you remove any potential food sources and maintain a clean environment.

Proper Garbage Disposal

Properly disposing of your garbage is crucial when it comes to repelling mice. Always seal your trash in tightly closed garbage bags and place them inside trash cans with secure lids. Additionally, try to keep the garbage cans as far from the deck as possible and clean them frequently to minimize odors that could attract mice.

Remove Shelters

Another important aspect of proper shelter and food disposal involves limiting access to sheltered spaces where mice may nest. Mice often seek shelter in cluttered environments or areas with accessible hiding spots. Eliminate any potential shelter by organizing and decluttering areas around your deck.

This includes removing piles of leaves, wood, or other debris that could provide an ideal nesting location for mice.

Professional Pest Control

If you’ve tried natural methods and scent repellents and nothing seems to be working, it may be time to contact a pest control specialist. Our nationwide pest control finder can help you connect with a local pest pro.

When you hire a professional, they use experience and knowledge to identify where mice are coming from, what’s attracting them, and how to keep them away.

Expert Recommendations and Advice For Mice Control On The Deck

Experts agree that utilizing scents to keep mice away from your deck can be an effective, natural method. But there are plenty of other recommendations and advice that experts have to keep mice off your deck.

Here are a few final bits of advice for mouse control:

Here are some expert recommendations and advice for keeping mice away from a deck or porch:

1. Keep the area clean: Mice are attracted to food sources, so it’s important to keep the area around your deck or porch clean and free of food debris. This includes regularly sweeping or vacuuming the area and disposing of any food waste in a sealed trash can.
2. Trim vegetation: Mice can use vegetation to access your deck or porch, so it’s important to keep vegetation trimmed away from the area. This includes trimming trees, bushes, and other vegetation that is close to the deck or porch.
3. Block entry points: It’s important to block any potential entry points that mice can use to access your deck or porch. This includes filling gaps in the deck boards, sealing gaps around pipes or wires, and installing door sweeps or weatherstripping.
4. Use natural repellents: There are several natural repellents that can be used to repel mice, including peppermint oil, lavender, and cedarwood. These can be used in sachets or sprays around the deck or porch to repel mice.
5. Use traps: If you have a mouse infestation, it’s important to use traps to catch and remove the mice. Live traps can be used to catch and release mice, while snap traps can be used to eliminate them.

By following these expert recommendations and advice, you can keep mice away from your deck or porch and prevent them from entering your home.

That’s A Wrap!

Mice can be quite the nuisance on your deck, but thankfully, there are various scents that can deter them from invading your space. Here are 15 scents that can help keep mice away:

1. Ammonia: Mice strongly dislike ammonia, as it smells like the urine of predators. Using it around your deck can help repel mice.
2. Peppermint oil: Mice aren’t a fan of this natural remedy. Apply peppermint oil where you suspect mice activity.
3. Eucalyptus oil: Another aromatic scent that mice find unpleasant. Be sure to use it around your deck to deter them.
4. Cinnamon: This spice’s strong smell is offensive to mice. Shake some cinnamon around the deck edges.
5. Menthol: Mice find this powerful scent unbearable, making them steer clear of areas where menthol is present.
6. Cedarwood oil: This essential oil contains compounds that irritate mice and keep them at bay.
7. Clove oil: Mice find the scent of clove oil very unpleasant, and using it can help deter them from your deck.
8. Lavender oil: Mice typically dislike the scent of lavender, and using it can discourage them from your deck.
9. Rosemary oil: The strong aroma of rosemary can be an effective deterrent for mice.
10. Citronella: This fragrance used in bug repellents also deters mice, making it a useful addition around your deck.
11. Camphor: Mice dislike camphor’s pungent scent, keeping them away from areas where it is present.
12. Thyme oil: The little critters find this essential oil quite unpleasant, making it a useful mouse deterrent.
13. Citrus oil: The strong scent of citrus fruits like lemons or oranges can help repel mice from your deck.
14. Hot pepper: The intense scent of hot peppers like cayenne or jalapeno will deter mice from approaching your deck.
15. Vinegar: Although not the most pleasant smelling for humans, vinegar can be effective in repelling mice, as they dislike its pungency.

Mice are attracted to decks because they offer shelter, warmth, and possible food sources. They also rely on their sense of smell for navigation. By using scents they find repulsive, you can disrupt their navigation and make your deck an unappealing environment for them.

Now that you know the various scents that can keep mice away from your deck, you can confidently enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about unwanted rodent intruders. Protect your deck and prevent mice infestations with these naturally effective scents.