The Natural, Non-Toxic Hack To Get Rid Of Mice That's Already In Your Kitchen

Finding a mouse or two scurrying around the home is a stressful experience for anyone. While the immediate urge may be to reach for a snap trap or poison bait, those options come with some major downsides if you prefer to get rid of mice humanely or have pets or small children to worry about. Fortunately, there is a natural, non-toxic alternative to deter these little unwanted houseguests, and you probably already have it in your kitchen: vinegar. 

While this hack will not be a silver bullet for a full-on infestation, many find it a fairly effective deterrent when there are only a few mice to manage. Vinegar works by overwhelming a mouse's keen sense of smell, letting them know your home is no longer a desirable place to be. It is best used as a preventative measure or for very small issues and should typically be one part of an integrated approach. Likewise, you should note that this method can take time for the mice to get the hint and decide to leave. But, persistence is the key here, so reapply vinegar regularly to eventually eliminate the problem.

For this method to work, you will also need to spot and seal any and all mouse-friendly entry points (even super small cracks). Also, seal up any open food in your kitchen, including pet food, in airtight containers. Restricting resources, paired with routine vinegar applications, gives you a better chance of keeping mice out of your home.

For this natural deterrent, white vinegar is your best choice, due to its strong and highly pungent aroma. To create your own mouse-repelling spray, you can either use full-on vinegar or dilute it with water for a less intense smell (for you), and put it into a clean spray bottle. Once you have your solution, scout out the areas with the highest mouse activity and give them a thorough spritz. You should be on the lookout for signs like chew marks, droppings, or nesting materials. Remember that the scent will be stronger at first and dissipate as it dries; we recommend reapplying regularly.

If you are out of luck and do not have any white vinegar on hand, you could use apple cider vinegar; it works as an alternative but is not as strong or effective. The scent is somewhat sweeter and less harsh than white vinegar, so it might not be enough to deter truly determined mice. As a last resort, if you aren't getting good results from the vinegar (or if you hate the scent), you can use peppermint oil, a pleasant-smelling essential oil that'll keep your home free of mice. You could even try a mix of essential oils. Just be aware that essential oils may be a no-go if you have kids or pets. Certain oils can be toxic if ingested or cause skin irritation, so use them with caution.