Will This Easy Cinnamon Hack Really Send Mice Running From Your Garden Shed?

Having rodents invading your garden shed can be exasperating, as they can damage the structure and munch on stored bags of bird seed. You may be wondering what to do if you keep seeing mice in your shed, and though there are countless methods to try to repel these rodents, some swear by cinnamon oil. Several online blogs, as well as some pest control companies, claim that the strong smell of cinnamon oil is irritating to mice and will have them running. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of scientific evidence to support that cinnamon oil effectively repels mice; however, some research shows it can be toxic to them when consumed and might even attract them to bait.

Despite the lack of research on the repellency effects of cinnamon oil on mice, this hack could be an easy option to test for yourself in a pinch, though there's no guarantee it'll be effective. It is possible that if the mice eat the cinnamon oil, it could harm them. But if this essential oil proves unsuccessful as a repellent, there are a few more conventional ways of humanely getting rid of mice.

Though there may not be much scientific research supporting this hack, some anecdotal evidence supports cinnamon's usefulness. Some gardening and pest experts tout that cinnamon oil can repel mice due to the cinnamaldehyde the spice contains. It's believed that this active ingredient bothers the mucous membranes of the mice, causing them to scurry away from the area. One of the most common methods of repelling mice with cinnamon oil is to create a spray. Add 10 to 15 drops of the essential oil into a spray bottle filled with water, and spritz this around your shed to see if it really does keep mice away. This will need to be reapplied rather often to prevent the scent from fading. Additionally, you may want to spray both the inside and outside perimeter of the structure.

Another option is to soak cotton balls in cinnamon oil and set them throughout your shed, especially in spots where you've seen the mice. While this can be an interesting experiment, keep in mind that it's not a permanent solution that will allow you to never worry about mice again, and you may not get the results you were hoping for. Luckily, there are other ways to help keep these pests out of your shed.

Cinnamon oil might work for some, but a 2018 study found that it could be used as bait to attract mice to traps. Additionally, the Cornell Cooperative Extension shows that cinnamaldehyde can be toxic to mice and other rodents. Because of this, it may be best to try other pest control options. With severe infestations, you'll likely need to contact a professional for help, but if you're dealing with a few pesky mice, you may opt to drive them out of your space on your own. Check your shed for even the tiniest of openings in the walls, foundation, or around windows, and seal them with caulk. This will help to prevent the rodents from continuing to sneak inside your shed. Wire mesh can also be used as a barrier. 

Since mice tend to enjoy cluttered areas where they can nestle in and hide, try organizing your shed to avoid piles of boxes and supplies. Cleaning your shed every so often may also help to make the area less appealing to pests. If you store bird seed in your garden shed, try keeping it in a tightly sealed plastic container. This will make it difficult for mice to use your seed as a food source. While cinnamon oil may not be the most tried-and-true way to repel mice, it is a plausible strategy to prevent these animals from rummaging through your garden shed.