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Household Tip of the Day
Cloves are an excellent spice to use as a deterrent to keep mice from entering a home. Here are some tips on how to use cloves to protect your house and garage from mice.
Cloves contain a compound called eugenol. It is a strongly scented natural oil that makes food taste delicious but repels mice.
A cotton ball soaked with 7 to 10 drops of clove oil can fill small holes. Steel wool is also an excellent material to use. Fill all cracks along utility pipes, lines, vents, and wires.
Readymade mouse repellent sachets can also be used. These contain combinations of various natural substances.
In corners, closets, attics, basements etc. sachets are perfect to use. Simply fill small bags made from leftover fabrics, clothing, and towels with 2 or 3 tablespoons of whole cloves. Easier still is to use small readymade muslin bags. These little scented bags can be placed behind furniture, appliances, even trash cans. Replace the sachets once a month.
Clove water spray can be made by putting 10 to 12 drops of clove oil into a cup of water. Shake well and spray along baseboards every 2 to 3 weeks.
Mice also are attracted to water. Place clove sachets, clove oil-soaked pieces of fabric or cotton balls, or spray clove scented water around water heaters or other areas where moisture can accumulate. A dehumidifier in a basement can help keep the areas dry too.
Keeping food in mice-proof containers, and maintaining a clean, dry home can work wonders in repelling pests without poisonous chemicals.
For more information on mice control read:
Click here for a great assortment of natural mice repellents at Amazon.
Author Marilyn Pokorney
Copyright Marilyn Pokorney 2025
