Switch to natural ingredients to repel mice to avoid the health hazards from chemical-based repellents. Find out does Eucalyptus oil repel mice?
Eucalyptus essential oil smells fresh to us. But to mice and other rodents, eucalyptus smells like danger. In this article, we will tell you how does eucalyptus oil repel mice and how effective it is.
Why Are Mice Dangerous?
Mice, plural for mouse, are small rodents with round ears, pointed snouts, and long tails. The most common species of mice are the house mouse or Mus musculus. Mice have high adaptability and can suit themselves to any environment. That’s why you will find mice in every continent except Antarctica.
Due to their small size, mice can quickly enter your homes and offices. And as they are generally nocturnal, you won’t be able to identify a mice infestation until they would have caused some damages. Apart from feeding on your food and chewing small holes in furniture, wood, walls, and other places, mice also carry diseases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mice are the bearer of various health risks:
- Mice bring with them parasites such as fleas and ticks.
- They can cause serious fire hazards as they chew electric wires.
- Their feces also attract several diseases.
- They are also responsible for the very dangerous Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
- Mice also cause Lyme disease, which can affect your joints, heart, and the nervous system.
Eucalyptus Oil and Its Benefits
Eucalyptus tree, native to Australia; the leaves of which are dried, crushed and further distilled to obtain the oil. The eucalyptus oil is primarily used for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties.
Other benefits of eucalyptus oil include:
- Relives cough
- Lowers blood sugar
- Blocks asthma symptoms
- Soothes cold sores
- Prevents tooth decay and plaque buildup
- Reduces back and joint pain
Does Eucalyptus Oil Repel Mice?
A 2014 research has proved the ability of eucalyptus oil to repel various rodents. When concentrated eucalyptus oil was sprayed on multiple food items daily, the food consumed by rodents was significantly reduced.
In the study, healthy adult house rats were exposed to 5%, 10%, and 20% concentrated eucalyptus oil solutions. Further, three different methods of application were used to apply the oil on multiple food items. By the end of the experiment, it was evident that the food with eucalyptus oil was consumed much less compared to the untreated food items.
What You Need
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Water or Rubbing Alcohol
- Spray Bottle
- Dish Detergent
- Cottom Balls (optional)
How To Use
- Mix two teaspoons of eucalyptus oil with one cup of water or rubbing alcohol.
- Add in a few drops of dish detergent and mix it well.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Now spray this mixture in areas you suspect mice might be living.
- You can also dip cotton balls in the mixture and place them in the corners of your room.
- Spray the mixture on all doors to keep the mice from coming inside your houses.
- You can also burn concentrated eucalyptus oil in oil burners or oil diffusers.