Have you ever wished for a more humane solution for your mouse problem than snap traps and expensive poisons? If you’re constantly battling rodents invading your space, leaving droppings by your walls, and chewing holes in pasta boxes in your pantry, you’re far from alone: Mice are one of the top household pests in Canada.

Mice can wreak serious havoc on your residence as well as your life. Learn more about professional mice removal in Waukesha services and gain an understanding of why and how natural mouse repellents can backfire.

What Are Natural Mouse Repellents?

Some household substances and chemicals are unpleasant to mice, and they’re commonly used as DIY solutions to rodent problems. These are a few natural mouse repellents you may encounter:

• Ammonia: Have you ever smelled cat urine? It’s an unmistakable scent that’s high in the chemical ammonia. Using ammonia as a natural repellent may make mice scurry away as they think predators are near. Unfortunately, it doesn’t smell great to humans either, it can be toxic when combined with bleach, and it probably won’t work long-term.
• Mothballs: Mothballs contain a chemical called naphthalene, which is used to keep bugs (usually moths) away from closets. Naphthalene can contribute to several physical symptoms including dizziness, nausea, and urination problems.
• Essential oils like peppermint and cloves: These often come in sachets or small packs designed to repel mice with their odor. Mice tend to dislike these scents. While these products may make your home smell nice and not cause overall harm, they might not repel mice everywhere (like in the walls).

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use Natural Mouse Repellents

Ultimately, most natural mouse repellents aren’t a long-term solution for pest control for several reasons. Mice can squeeze through tiny, tiny spaces, and it’s unlikely that the scents will repel them forever. Consider the following reasons as well before choosing the DIY route.

1. You Might Not Solve Your Problem

If you’re wondering how to get rid of mice naturally, DIY solutions with potentially dangerous chemicals aren’t your best bet. The scents fade over time, they have to be regularly replaced, and mice will likely find a way around these obstacles.

Employing a professional pest control service is a better option for sealing up holes that mice are entering through, trapping and removing existing mice, and helping you identify why mice are choosing your home to settle in. For example, your home might provide a food source, a safe space for nests, or a place to hide from extreme temperatures.

2. You Might Put Your Kids and Pets at Risk

Naphthalene in mothballs is a common household product, but it’s not considered safe for long-term exposure. Using mothballs as a DIY mouse repellent can put your children as well as your curious pets at risk of kidney damage, breathing problems, and potential cancer if they ingest this toxic substance. The same goes for essential oils and other strong scents or substances you may leave around the house.

3. You Might Unintentionally Poison Other Wildlife

Even if you plan to keep your DIY mouse repellents away from your family and your pets — perhaps in the garage — you’re still putting other wildlife at risk. Stray cats, birds, and deer might be curious enough to ingest or play with something you’ve put out to deter mice.

Call Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control To Schedule Your Inspection

Though mice may be cute, they can cause serious damage to your home and carry many diseases. Don’t touch them or try to handle wildlife removal by yourself. Contact Skedaddle for safe, effective, and humane mice removal in Waukesha and the surrounding areas. We look forward to serving you!