Mice invasion: How to keep them out with a simple household trick

Autumn is the time when mice can appear in our homes. They seek safe shelter and food. Although they look cute and play an essential role in the ecosystem, nobody wants them within their four walls.

A mouse is a small mammal from the rodent family. It reaches from 2.5 to 12.5 centimetres. It weighs no more than 30 grams. In summer, you can find it in fields or forests. In the autumn, when it gets colder, it looks for warm, safe shelter. It sneaks into sheds, stables, basements or attics, creating a nest. It reproduces at an alarming rate. A female can have ten litters a year.

Although it poses no threat to human or pet life, it must be removed immediately. Mice carry numerous diseases and leave behind smelly droppings.

There are many ways to deal with mice. In such situations, most of us reach for special traps. This method is effective, though very inhumane, as the trapped animal dies slowly.

How to get rid of mice without using traps? The mammal is very sensitive to smells. Some aromas attract it, while others repel it. Cinnamon is among the latter. The spice emits a very strong aroma that repels mice. How to use it in the fight against pests? Get a few sticks of cinnamon (the best ones come from Ceylon). Place them where you notice mice activity. After a few days, they should leave the house.

For particularly stubborn individuals, you can use cinnamon essential oil. You can buy it at any pharmacy. Add a few drops to water, and pour the prepared solution into a spray bottle. Spray the baseboards and floors; the cinnamon aroma will fill the entire house. Besides cinnamon oil, you can also use peppermint or lavender essential oil, as well as chamomile infusion.