If you want to get rid of mice in your home, most home remedies — peppermint oil, ultrasonic devices, dryer sheets — don't work well or only help briefly. The only genuinely effective home approaches are based on sealing entrances, removing food sources, and setting traps.

What Actually Works: A Tiered Breakdown

• Tier 1 — Actually Eliminates Mice: Snap traps, live traps, exclusion (steel wool + caulk to seal entry points). These address the problem directly.
• Tier 2 — May Deter, Won't Eliminate: Peppermint oil, predator urine, cloves, cayenne pepper. Short-term effect only — mice adapt within days.
• Tier 3 — Does Not Work: Ultrasonic repellent devices, mothballs, dryer sheets. No reliable evidence of effectiveness.

Key Home Strategies That Work

• Seal all entry points: Mice squeeze through a hole the size of a pencil (6mm). Use steel wool, copper mesh, or caulk around pipes, vents, doors, and foundations
• Remove all food sources: Airtight containers, no crumbs, no pet food overnight, clean under appliances
• Remove water sources: Fix leaks, don't leave pet bowls out overnight
• Declutter: Clear basements, garages, and attics of paper, cardboard, and fabric piles
• Use snap traps: Still one of the most effective tools — bait with peanut butter, place along walls, check daily

The Truth About Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil can temporarily discourage mice from entering an area for 2–5 days, but mice adapt quickly. It is not a solution for an active infestation — at best it's a short-term deterrent for areas where mice haven't yet established a presence.

The Truth About Ultrasonic Devices

Studies have consistently found that ultrasonic repellent devices do not effectively deter mice and rats over time. Mice habituate to the sound within days. The FTC has previously warned manufacturers about unsupported effectiveness claims for these products.

When to Call a Professional

If mice are still present after two weeks of consistent effort, or if the infestation is large, contact Anchor Pest Services at (603) 785-0118. Professionals can find hidden nests and entry points that homeowners typically miss.