The Pantry Item That'll Help Keep Mice Out Of Your Home

If you've got a bunch of unwanted houseguests scurrying around and helping themselves to your snacks, there's a neat and natural trick you can try to send the mice packing, and it's considered to be a universally-beloved kitchen staple. The answer to all your problems is vinegar. This pungent liquid works because its strong smell messes up the rodent's super-sensitive sniffers and makes them want to skedaddle out of your home. It also covers up any scent trails that they may be following in search of potential mates. On top of that, it's cheap, easy to use, and non-toxic, so you don't have to worry about keeping an eye on your fur and-or human babies. 

That being said, it's not a foolproof method for getting rid of mice, and you shouldn't expect instant results, especially if you've got more than a couple of critters roaming your turf. It might take a little time for the pint-sized rodents to get the hint. So while you're at it, be sure to seal up any mouse-friendly entry points and stash your snacks in airtight containers. Combining these steps with the vinegar trick will give those mice a not-so-warm welcome. Also remember that vinegar might not be a silver bullet for a major mouse invasion. If things are getting out of hand, don't be afraid to call in the pros, since they know all the tricks of the trade.

To repel mice with this household staple, all you need is some plain old white vinegar, water, and an empty spray bottle. Just mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and give it a good shake to make sure it's all blended together. Then you get to play detective. Once you've scouted out the places where you've spotted mouse activity, just spray your au naturale rodent repellent in those areas and let it air dry. Alternatively, you can use strategically-placed vinegar-soaked cotton balls instead of a spray. Just replace them once they lose their potency. White vinegar also doubles as a way to keep your house clean, so you could simply clean with it regularly to keep mice away.

If you don't have any white vinegar on hand, you can also try apple cider vinegar. Unfortunately, it's not going to be as effective, since the levels of acetic acid are lower than what you get with white vinegar. Further, before you start spraying vinegar all over the place, there are a few things to keep in mind. If the strong scent isn't your jam, try using peppermint oil or a mix of essential oils including eucalyptus and lavender. These oils have a way of making mice rethink their life choices without making your home smell like salad dressing. Just remember that some essential oils can be a no-no if you've got furry friends or children in your home.