Mice might seem harmless, but they can cause real problems for Ohio homeowners—chewing through wires, contaminating food, and nesting in hidden corners. Instead of reaching for traps or chemicals, why not let nature do the work?
Certain plants naturally repel mice with their strong scents, offering a safe and eco-friendly solution that also beautifies your yard.
1. Peppermint
Mice absolutely hate the sharp, cooling scent of peppermint, making it one of the best natural deterrents around. Plant it near doorways, foundations, or anywhere you’ve noticed mouse activity in your Ohio home.
Peppermint grows quickly and spreads easily, so consider planting it in pots to keep it contained. You can also crush fresh leaves and place them in problem areas indoors.
This hardy herb thrives in Ohio’s climate and offers the bonus of fresh mint for teas and recipes all season long.
2. Lavender
With its calming fragrance loved by humans, lavender has the opposite effect on mice—they find the smell overwhelming and will steer clear. Ohio gardeners can plant lavender along pathways, near entryways, or around the foundation of their homes.
Lavender prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, conditions that are easy to find in most Ohio yards. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making maintenance simple.
Dried lavender bundles can also be placed indoors to keep mice away while adding a pleasant aroma to your living spaces.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary’s woody, pungent aroma is wonderful for cooking but works as a powerful mouse repellent too. Planting rosemary near your home’s exterior or in containers by doorways can discourage rodents from entering.
This Mediterranean herb adapts well to Ohio’s growing conditions, especially in sunny spots with good drainage. Rosemary can even be brought indoors during winter months to continue its pest-deterring duties.
Snip sprigs regularly to encourage bushy growth and use them fresh in your kitchen—it’s practical pest control with culinary benefits.
4. Marigolds
Marigolds are more than just cheerful garden additions—their distinctive scent repels mice and other unwanted critters effectively. Ohio homeowners often plant marigolds around vegetable gardens and near home foundations to create a natural barrier.
These annuals are incredibly easy to grow from seed and thrive throughout Ohio’s warm growing season. Their bright blooms also attract pollinators while keeping pests at bay.
Plant marigolds densely for maximum effect, and enjoy their long-lasting color from spring through fall while mice stay away from your property.
5. Daffodils
Daffodils aren’t just a sign of spring in Ohio—they’re also a natural mouse deterrent thanks to toxic compounds in their bulbs and foliage. Mice instinctively avoid these cheerful flowers, making them perfect for planting around your home’s perimeter.
Plant daffodil bulbs in fall for a beautiful spring display that also protects your property year-round. They’re incredibly hardy and multiply over time, expanding your natural defense system.
Combine daffodils with other bulbs for a colorful, layered garden that keeps rodents away while delighting your neighbors.
6. Garlic
Garlic’s intense odor doesn’t just enhance your cooking—it’s a serious mouse repellent that works wonders around Ohio homes. Plant garlic cloves in fall or early spring near foundations, garden beds, or anywhere mice might enter.
Garlic thrives in Ohio’s climate and requires minimal care once established. As it grows, the pungent smell intensifies, creating an invisible barrier that mice won’t cross.
Harvest the bulbs in summer for kitchen use, and leave some in the ground to continue their pest-control duties throughout the year.
7. Catnip
While cats go crazy for catnip, mice can’t stand it and will avoid areas where it grows. Ohio homeowners can take advantage of this by planting catnip around their property’s edges and near potential entry points.
Catnip is a member of the mint family and grows vigorously in Ohio’s climate with little attention needed. It spreads quickly, so consider planting it in designated areas or containers.
If you have outdoor cats, they’ll enjoy the plant while it simultaneously keeps mice away—a win-win for Ohio pet owners.
8. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums contain natural compounds called pyrethrins that repel mice and many other pests effectively. These fall-blooming beauties are popular across Ohio and serve double duty as decorative plants and rodent deterrents.
Plant mums in late summer or early fall near entryways, porches, and foundation walls where mice might try to sneak inside. They thrive in Ohio’s autumn weather and provide stunning color when other plants are fading.
Chrysanthemums come in countless varieties and colors, so you can create an attractive, pest-free border that suits your home’s style perfectly.