Pros And (Deadly) Cons You Should Know Before Using This Flower To Deter Mice
Nothing makes a homeowner more stressed than finding mice in their yard or home. From the chewed wires to the contaminated food, this rodent is seriously troublesome. While there are plenty of chemical deterrents and mouse traps available, many decide to go a more natural route to keep these pests away from their home. Homeowners are choosing to use flowers — specifically Chrysanthemums — to get rid of mice humanely. But is it the best option?
While Chrysanthemums add color to your garden and can act as a natural repellent for a variety of pests (including mice), there are some deadly cons to consider before investing in this option. Mainly, Chrysanthemums are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. The pyrethrins in the plant — which are the compound that makes this plant repel those pesky mice — can cause your beloved animals to experience vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, loss of coordination, and skin irritation. Beyond the significant risk to pets, it's important to remember that while Chrysanthemums can deter mice from entering your home or garden, they are ineffective against an existing mouse infestation. Before deciding to buy Chrysanthemums from your local nursery, it's best to weigh all of the pros and cons associated with this approach of mice deterrence.
Pros and cons of using Chrysanthemums to deter mice
Chrysanthemums are a beautiful choice to decorate your garden or porch steps, thriving best in the late summer and fall months. Using a natural plant-based option versus a chemical one can certainly appeal to those seeking an eco-friendlier solution. Many homeowners don't want to risk harming mice with a mouse trap, so using a beautiful plant instead offers a humane alternative to keep these unwelcome visitors at bay. Not only that, but Chrysanthemums can keep ants away from invading your home and garden, making them a versatile addition. They are also known to deter spiders, and some studies suggest they may even help repel cockroaches and ticks. This multi-pest deterrence makes them a valuable and natural pest control option for a variety of common household invaders.
While there are plenty of reasons to use Chrysanthemums to stop mice from entering your home, there are some cons to be aware of. Chrysanthemums can be deadly for dogs or other animals that have access to the plants outdoors. Additionally, while chrysanthemums can act as a mouse deterrent, they are unlikely to solve a severe or established infestation. This means that alternative methods might still need to be used to solve your rodent problem. Finally, Chrysanthemums prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to fully thrive. If your garden conditions aren't suitable, the plants may not thrive, reducing their effectiveness as a rodent deterrent. Also, be aware that this flower is one of the worst for allergies, so if you or anyone in your household suffers from seasonal allergies, you might want to consider alternative methods of pest control.