Mouse Repellent: 7 Natural Tips to Keep Mice Out of Your Home (Matches & Tomato Hack Included!)

Tired of unwanted mice sneaking into your house? Skip the chemicals and try these natural, effective methods to keep them far away. These 7 simple tips use ingredients and items you likely already have at home — including a surprising combo: matches and tomato!

1. Matches & Tomato Hack

Mice are highly sensitive to strong, sharp smells. Here’s a classic trick:

Place a few match heads (the sulfur end) inside a hollowed-out tomato.
Position the tomato near entry points or places where you’ve seen mice.

Why it works:
The sulfur from the matches combined with the acidity and scent of the tomato creates a smell that naturally repels mice without harming them.

2. Peppermint Oil Spray

Mice hate the strong scent of peppermint.

Mix 10-15 drops peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
Spray along walls, corners, and entry points.

3. Vinegar & Water Solution

Another scent mice dislike:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
Wipe down floors, countertops, and areas where mice may roam.

4. Bay Leaves

Scatter a few bay leaves in cupboards, pantry corners, or under appliances. The smell confuses and repels mice, and they’ll avoid chewing on them.

5. Steel Wool + Cayenne Pepper

Block small holes or gaps with steel wool, then sprinkle cayenne pepper around it. Mice can’t chew through steel wool, and the pepper adds an irritating deterrent.

6. Cloves or Clove Oil

Place whole cloves in small sachets or soak cotton balls in clove essential oil and set them near baseboards, under sinks, and in cabinets. The strong aroma keeps mice away.