Mint: Good for Mojitos and Mouse Prevention

Mint. It's good for mojitos, but did you know it's also good for mouse prevention?

Mice are pervasive. Despite your best efforts to keep them out of your home, they manage to skirt traps, scale walls and breed faster than you can blink.

The good news is that there's a better alternative to toxic baits and violent traps, and it happens to be a pleasant addition to many adult beverages: mint. Mice (and other rodents such as squirrels, rats and chipmunks) are allergic to mint, and because of their acute sense of smell, will avoid those areas. It's like rodent kryptonite.

There are a number of ways you can use mint to reduce rodent invasions. One approach is to place a few potted mint plants in your kitchen. You'll enjoy the smell just as much as mice detest it.

For a more potent smell, place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil throughout your kitchen and in your drawers. If you use this plan of attack, be sure to refresh the cotton balls every few days so the smell stays strong, and only use full-strength oil (extract won't work).

Next, put a few drops of peppermint oil in your cleaning liquid and wipe down your counters to prevent unwanted guests in your cooking area. The full-scale attack doesn't have to end in the kitchen. Spray the mixture under the furniture, bed, air conditioning / heater units and water heater. Pay special attention to areas where you suspect mice (or rats) are getting in. Since this combination is nontoxic, you don't have to worry about kids or canines getting caught up in rodent wars.

When you're done, reward yourself by mixing up a refreshing strawberry mojito or whipping up a batch of tasty mint truffles to share with your holiday guests. 

Related Pro: Local Mice Exterminators