Dealing with Mice: Peppermint Oil, Dryer Sheets and Other Crazy Tricks to Try

There are things that everyone shares: the need for food, the search for love, and the intrusion of mice into our homes. But don’t despair! There are several ways to deter and remove mice. Read on to learn about a few of the more well known, if a little out-there, methods.

Peppermint Oil And Cotton Balls

The smell of peppermint is lovely for humans, but terrible to a mouse’s nose. Put a few drops of pure peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them where you’ve noticed evidence of mice. Be careful to change those balls for fresh ones at least once a week once the smell wears off, cotton balls are great material for a mouse nest.

Dryer Sheets

Another strong smell that will discourage mice from your home is dryer sheets. Place fresh ones around mouse hangout points, or stuff them into entry holes. Same thing here, though: make sure to remove them once the smell wears off. Nothing looks nicer for a nest than an unscented dryer sheet.

Mousetrap! The Glass Bowl Version

One humane and cost-effective choice is to build a live trap by balancing a glass bowl on an upright coin. Put some chocolate or peanut butter high up inside the bowl. When the mouse reaches for the treat it’ll upset the coin and drop the bowl to the floor, trapping itself. Then slide stiff cardboard over the bowl opening and carry the mouse at least 1km from your home before releasing it. Or you can go the store-bought route but either way, check all traps at least once a day.

Plug Those Holes!

With the mouse gone, there’s two things left to do. First, clean up after it (remove its droppings and sanitize the area) to discourage a return. Then close all its doors. Block any holes bigger than a pencil with caulking, steel or copper wool, or even aluminum foil all of these are tough to chew through.

And that’s it! Keep an eye out, and call in help if it becomes too much to handle these steps are most effective for a small number of rodents. If you need more help, give me a call for some reliable pest control referrals – 602-320-4253.

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9451 E Becker Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85260

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$460,000

3 Beds

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1,259 SqFt

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MLS # 6692644

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RARE FIND. Ground floor condo with garage and 1 covered parking space. Home features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, full-size washer & dryer, 20'' tile and wood look laminate flooring, walk-in master shower, raised vessel sinks, glass shower doors, window coverings. New HVAC in 2018, water heater 2019, Windows replaced in 12/22, resurfaced patio in 3/24, Retractable door screens front and back in 2024, Dry bar and cabinets added in 2/23. HOA includes tennis courts, swimming pools, hot tubs, clubhouse with fitness room. Walk to shopping, restaurants, and grocery stores. Entertainment venues and golf courses close by. Short drive to Mayo Clinic and MLB Spring Training, near Scottsdale Greenbelt Trail. Near church and schools.

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17719 N 113th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85378

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$460,000

3 Beds

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1,934 SqFt

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MLS # 6663313

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Welcome to the Gated Community of Canyon Ridge West! This stunning home offers privacy with no neighbors behind and boasts a sparkling pool with a soothing waterfall feature, along with a convenient RV gate and added parking for all your outdoor storage needs. Inside, vaulted ceilings with tubular skylights and neutral tile floors create a spacious ambiance. The flexible layout includes a private den and ample living space. New HVAC in 2024! *Edited Neutral paint photos added.

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10718 E Secret Canyon Road Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$459,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,646 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685607

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Nestled near the Superstition Mountains this property offers a variety of special features and accommodations like: flexible floor plan, plantation shutters, mountain view, quiet gated community, ***sparkling pool (w/mesh child safety pool fence included)***, automatic sun shade, office den, newly remodeled kitchen and floors throughout the house, ***quality slab granite countertop***, farmhouse kitchen sink and faucet, ***new bathroom vanity countertop & faucet***, 2 car garage, ***new roof***, fireplace AND its a corner lot so no neighbors to the right of this property. Single story homes surround this lot so those looking for privacy this is where it's at! It's also near hiking trails so for those looking to do some desert exploring its perfect! Don't wait too long!

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20599 W Nelson Place Buckeye, AZ 85396

$459,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,623 SqFt

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MLS # 6677655

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You don't want to miss out on this move-in ready beauty. Located in the stunning and sought after subdivision of Verrado in Buckeye. The home is in immaculate condition from ceiling to floor. Wood-like tile flooring though all the main living & walking areas. Your new kitchen offers granite countertops, breakfast bar, contemporary light fixtures, upgraded cabinetry with lots of storage space, and stainless steel appliances. The backyard has no maintenance landscaping, covered patio, and plenty of room to relax and entertain. Don't miss out on this one! It won't last long on the market. Thanks for stopping in.

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