Mice are pests that can cause many problems in our homes. They nibble on anything they can get their hands on, whether electric cables or wooden furniture. In addition, these rodents also transmit various diseases.
To avoid these inconveniences and protect our home, it is essential to find natural and economical solutions to repel these undesirables. Discover three plants whose repellent odors will help keep mice away without using chemicals.
Peppermint: an aromatic plant with repellent properties
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is well known for its medicinal properties, especially to relieve digestive disorders and headaches. But it also has repellant qualities against mice. Indeed, the strong smell of this plant is very unpleasant to them. To take advantage of this feature, you can:
- Plant peppermint around your house, in the garden or in pots on your balcony.
- Place sachets of dried mint in your cupboards and near areas where you have spotted mouse tracks.
- Use peppermint essential oil on pieces of cotton or cotton wool balls that you will place in strategic places.
Do not hesitate to renew these tips regularly to maintain the repellent effect.
Garden spurge: a poisonous plant to repel rodents
Also called “mole grass” because of its repellent properties against these animals, Garden spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) is a plant that produces an irritating and toxic latex that can repel mice. To use it as a natural repellent, here are some tips:
- Plant garden spurge near entrances to your home and around areas where mice are likely to pass.
- Wear gloves when handling this plant, as its latex can cause skin irritation.
- Remember to prune spurge regularly to prevent it from becoming invasive.
However, be careful if you have children or pets, as garden spurge is poisonous and can cause health problems if ingested.
Basil: a culinary plant with repellent properties
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an aromatic herb much appreciated in cooking for its fragrance and flavors. But did you know that it can also keep mice away? Indeed, the smell of basil acts as a natural repellent against these rodents. Here’s how to use it:
- Plant basil in your garden or on your balcony, especially near the entrances to your house.
- Place fresh or dried basil leaves in your cupboards and where you have spotted signs of mice.
- Repeat these tips regularly to maintain a sufficient level of odor to repel mice.
Thus, in addition to enjoying its culinary benefits, basil will help you protect your home against mouse invasions.
Other repellent plants to know
Although less known, other plants also have repellent properties against mice:
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): plant it around your house or use its dried flowers in sachets.
- Laurel sauce (Laurus nobilis): use its fresh or dried leaves to scare away rodents.
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): this tropical plant gives off a repulsive odor for mice. Plant it in your garden or use its essential oil on pieces of cotton.
- Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): Plant this hardy perennial around your house and near places where you have spotted mice.
Thus, by using these natural repellent plants, you can effectively protect your home against mice, without resorting to chemicals that are harmful to the environment and health.
