Mice can become a real nuisance when they invade your home, especially during California’s cooler months. Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals or traps, many Californians are turning to nature’s own pest control—plants.
Certain herbs and flowers give off scents that mice find unbearable, making them a smart and eco-friendly way to protect your space.
1. Peppermint
Peppermint carries a refreshing aroma that humans love, but mice absolutely hate it. The strong menthol scent overwhelms their sensitive noses and drives them away from areas where the plant grows.
Many California gardeners plant peppermint near doorways, patios, and along foundation walls. It thrives in the state’s Mediterranean climate and spreads quickly, creating a natural barrier.
You can also crush fresh leaves and place them in problem areas indoors for extra protection.
2. Lavender
With its calming fragrance and beautiful purple blooms, lavender does double duty in your yard. While people find it soothing, mice are repelled by its intense floral scent and will avoid it.
This drought-tolerant plant is perfect for California landscapes, especially in drier regions. Plant it near entryways or around the perimeter of your home for best results.
Dried lavender bundles work indoors too, keeping closets and pantries mouse-free naturally.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s also a powerful mouse deterrent. Its woody, pine-like scent is overwhelming to rodents and keeps them at bay.
California’s warm, sunny climate is ideal for growing rosemary year-round, whether in pots or garden beds. Place it near windows, garage doors, or outdoor seating areas where mice might try to enter.
Bonus: you’ll always have fresh herbs on hand for cooking while keeping pests away from your home.
4. Marigolds
Marigolds bring cheerful color to any garden, but their pungent smell is a natural mouse repellent. The strong odor from their leaves and flowers makes mice think twice about sticking around.
These hardy annuals grow easily throughout California and bloom for months with minimal care. Plant them along garden borders, near vegetable patches, or around sheds to create a protective barrier.
They also repel other pests like aphids, making them a gardener’s best friend.
5. Daffodils
Daffodils are more than just a sign of spring—they’re toxic to mice and other rodents. The bulbs contain compounds that are poisonous if eaten, so mice instinctively avoid them.
California gardeners often plant daffodils around flower beds and lawns to protect other plants from rodent damage. They thrive in the state’s mild winters and add a splash of bright yellow each season.
Just remember to keep pets away from the bulbs as well for safety.
6. Sage
Sage offers a bold, earthy aroma that works wonders at keeping mice away. Its strong scent is too much for their sensitive noses, making it an effective natural repellent.
This Mediterranean herb loves California’s dry summers and well-drained soil, making it easy to grow almost anywhere in the state. Plant it near entryways, patios, or garden sheds where mice might sneak in.
You can also dry the leaves and scatter them indoors for added protection.
7. Garlic
Garlic’s sharp, pungent smell is a powerful deterrent for mice and other pests. Planting garlic around your garden creates an invisible shield that rodents won’t cross.
California’s climate supports garlic growth beautifully, especially when planted in fall for a summer harvest. Place cloves near vegetable gardens, compost bins, or chicken coops to keep mice from scavenging.
You’ll also enjoy a steady supply of fresh garlic for your kitchen while protecting your property naturally.
8. Catnip
Catnip might attract cats, but it sends mice running in the opposite direction. The plant contains nepetalactone, a compound that repels rodents while driving felines wild with joy.
It grows easily in California gardens and spreads quickly, so give it plenty of space. Plant it near outdoor storage areas, garages, or along fences where mice tend to travel.
If you have cats, they’ll love it—and your mouse problem will disappear at the same time.
9. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrin, a natural insecticide that also repels mice and other rodents. Their bright blooms and strong scent make them both beautiful and functional.
These fall favorites thrive in California’s cooler autumn weather and add vibrant colors to any landscape. Plant them around porches, decks, or near the foundation of your home to keep mice at bay.
They’re also effective against fleas, ticks, and other unwanted pests, making them a multi-purpose garden addition.