9 Best Mouse Repellents – Humane Protection against Rodents

Finding a repellent that not only works but is also safe enough to use is a daunting task, but we've done it for you.
By
Phyllis McMahon
Phyllis McMahon
Research Writer
Phyllis teaches English Literature at a local college and loves writing in her free time. She’s also a great cook – her British beef Wellington is something the best res read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Chas Kempf
Chas Kempf
Expert Consultant
Chas works in a professional pest control company and knows all the nuances of this job. Also, he’s a fantastic tennis player and loves to organize BBQ parties for his fam read more
Last updated: August 12, 2023
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Mice seem cute and nice with their funny ears and small black eyes until you see them running wild around your house and garden. Chewing through things and making holes everywhere is also a part of their favorite repertoire. They are very persistent guests, and getting them out may be quite difficult, especially if you don’t want to take on the task of killing them.

There’s a way to spare their lives but also have your home mice-free! That is getting the best mouse repellent that will suit your situation. For your convenience, we’ve reviewed the latest technology and formulas to choose the nine most effective products. We’ve looked at application types, coverage, and safety to make sure you find what’s right.

Quick Summary

Top 9 Mouse Repellents Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7775 people in the past 30 days
9.8
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9.5
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9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
1
Editor’s Choice

Tomcat Rodent Repellent

Features
  • Type: spray
  • Usage: indoors and outdoors
  • Dimensions: 3.75 x 8.25 x 11.38 inches
  • Coverage area: where it is used

More features: 4 sizes, 30 days effect, essential oils formula

Tomcat repellent is our Editor’s Choice for good reasons! Let’s begin with the fact that it’s a versatile product that is used both indoors and outdoors, so you can cover your home and touch up the garden to eliminate the chances of mice ever coming close to your property. Apart from mice, it also works on rats, which can be an even bigger problem once they appear on your doorstep. Other good news is that Tomcat formula, while being resistant to rain and long-lasting is safe to use around kids and pets. It will prevent rodents from entering and nesting on the territory covered, but you won’t notice it being around since it’s odorless. The one-gallon bottle is enough to cover around 2,550 square feet, and its ComfortWand is designed to make application easy and even. It’s a ready-to-use formula, so you don’t need to dilute it.

The Tomcat Rodent Repellent Ready-to-Use is often compared to the Tomcat Rodent Repellent Granule. But the latter is designed for outdoor use alone and has a much smaller outreach than the former. If you want a rodent repellant with a wide coverage of up to 2,550 square feet, this is an ideal choice.

    What are its best features?
  • Safe essential oils formula
  • Works on mice and rats
  • Do not harm pets
  • Easy application
    What could be improved?
  • Needs to be reapplied every other month
  • Where’s oil, there are chances for stains
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7839 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
Features
  • Type: ultrasonic
  • Usage: indoors
  • Dimensions: 2 x 3.5 x 6 inches
  • Coverage area: 7000 sq. ft.

More features: electronic, digitally processed, rodent targeting switch, different frequency ultrasonic sounds

CLEANRTH CR008 is another longtime favorite. It’s an ultrasonic rodent-repelling system that works from any 120V outlet. Chemical-free, it won’t cause allergies or have any smell in contrast to essential oil-based formulas, which may irritate people with sensitivities. High-intensity technology can reach up to 7,000 square feet, so once you plug it inside your house, it will also reach the outside territory. But if your garden is the main problem, then it can be used with an extension cord that will help to target particularly hard-to-reach areas and small corners anywhere. Another unique feature is a Turbulent Storm Technique, which prevents mice from becoming immune to the sound and also can work well on other rodents.

The CLEANRTH CR008 Advanced Ultrasonic Rodent Repelling System is ideal for home use, but like our Editor’s Choice, it’s also great for outdoor use. The difference is that the CLEANRTH model is recommended for those that want to cover a wider range than just 2,500 square feet. This dominant repelling system will cover up to 7,000 square feet,which is enough for your house or yard.

    What are its best features?
  • Doesn’t cause any irritation
  • Works immediately
  • Easy to use
    What could be improved?
  • It may annoy some pets
  • Clicks, if switched to the highest setting
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7404 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
Features
  • Type: ultrasonic
  • Usage: indoors
  • Dimensions: 5.59 x 4.41 x 4.02 inches
  • Coverage area: not specified

More features: sounds, impulse and ultrasonic waves, 6 ft. cable length, 12 LED strobe lights, 4 sound modes, 18,000 – 65,000 Hz ultrasonic frequency, 110 dB noise level, 3 speakers

Loraffe rodent repellent is bigger than some other options and needs more space because of its cord. But, while it’s a bit less convenient, the results are really decent. It has high-frequency intensity ultrasound, with three speakers helping to target more space. There’s a switch that helps to choose the most convenient regime as well as turn on and off the LED strobes, which target the eyesight of mice. You can use the device anywhere inside your house or office, and it won’t disturb you or your pets. Though it is worth mentioning that the highest intensity regime may annoy particularly sensitive animals, it’s something that happens with all of the ultrasonic speakers, and the problem can be solved by switching to a lower frequency.

The Loraffe Plug-in Rodent Repellant is quite similar to the Loraffe Wireless Under Hood Rodent Repellant, as they are both ideal for home, car, and RV use. The main difference is that the latter is wireless and has a battery lasting up to 45 days. With the Loraffe Plug-in, you don’t have to worry about charging but can leave it plugged in at any time. The Loraffe Plug-in also has different sound modes to choose from while the wireless model has just one.

    What stands out?
  • High-intensity LED strobe lights
  • Targets rodent’s eyesight
  • Four different sound modes
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Larger than some other options
  • The high-intensity regime can irritate pets
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2760 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.5
4
Best Compact Repeller

Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

Features
  • Type: ultrasonic
  • Usage: indoors
  • Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.3 x 2.3 inches
  • Coverage area: 800 – 1200 sq. ft.

More features: 3 power modes

Neatmaster repeller is great for indoor areas, such as homes, warehouses, hotels, and offices. It has three different modes to choose from, depending on your situation. If the infestation is severe, it’s usually advised to choose the Red setting, which provides an ultrasound so intense, a human ear can hear it. For cases of mild infestation, there’s a Blue setting that only mice and, sometimes, pets can hear. Green setting is great for preventive measures when you want to keep unwanted guests away. Neatmaster has a decent coverage area, but if a house has thick walls, then it will be more effective to have a device in each room.

The Neatmaster is a great choice for those who need a plug-in for a smaller room. Although the Loraffe is also a plug-in repellant, the Neatmaster is more designed for a smaller space of about 1200 square meters. It also comes with three functions and the low frequency cannot go through walls.

    What makes it special?
  • Neat design
  • Only needs to be plugged in to start working
  • Effective against spiders as well
    What cons did we find?
  • Doesn’t work through walls
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6898 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.4
Features
  • Type: ultrasonic
  • Usage: outdoors
  • Dimensions: 15.35 x 9.13 x 4.88 inches
  • Coverage area: 3229 sq. ft. for each piece

More features: 2.5V/1000mAh solar panel, 4 pieces

Pestless repeller is a perfect option for outdoors. It’s designed to help with garden and lawn infestation specifically, which also helps to keep pests away from your house since they won’t be able to get close to it. Built for large areas, it can cover up to 3,229 square feet and is on guard both day and night owing to its solar heads. Since it’s an ultrasonic device, it won’t hurt mice or other unwanted guests, just scare them off. Apart from mice, it also works well on snakes and moles.

While you have to plug in the Loraffee and Neatmaster models, the PestlessUpgraded Ultrasonic Pest Repeller offers consistent power with the solar panel andbattery. The design expands the running time from whenever it’s plugged in to 24/7,especially with the improved solar head for protection round the clock.

    Why did it make our list?
  • What we liked (as a list)
  • Easy to set up
  • Works 24/7
  • Covers large areas
    What is not ideal about it?
  • What could be better (as a list)
  • Needs sun to work
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4923 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.3
Features
  • Type: ultrasonic
  • Usage: vehicles/indoors
  • Dimensions: 3.15 x 1.02 x 3.94 inches
  • Coverage area: not specified

More features: variable ultrasonic frequency, 2 LED strobe lights, 3 AA alkaline batteries, 25,000 – 55,000 Hz ultrasonic frequency

This is an ultrasonic device designed to keep your car mice-free. Unsurprisingly, they can get even there and chew on cords damaging everything around them. So, if there’s a slight suspicion of a new habitant appearance in your vehicle, it’s better to act fast. What makes Loraffe repeller effective is a combination of an LED flashlight that targets the eyesight and ultrasonic waves that drive little pests away. It can be used in all types of transport, but any small space can benefit from it. Loraffe Under Hood Animal Repeller runs on batteries and has an auto standby regime to save power while driving.

While the Loraffe Plug-in has a longer running time than the Under Hood repeller with a 45-day battery, the latter stands out by being the best choice for cars. With its portable size and wireless design, you can easily keep pests away from your car. This isn’t possible with the plug-in model. The Loraffe Under Hood also comes with fluctuating ultrasonic sounds that keep pests away.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Portable
  • Easy to use
  • Battery saving mode
  • Low-power alarm
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Works in small spaces
  • Needs new batteries every couple of months
  • Some people find flashlights annoying
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6020 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
Features
  • Type: spray
  • Usage: vehicles/indoors
  • Dimensions: 9.13 x 3.46 x 2.8 inches
  • Coverage area: where it is used

More features: cinnamon & peppermint scent, 16 oz. volume

Grandpa Gus’s Repellent Spray prevents mice and rats from nesting in or around your house. It is a plant-based formula that consists of peppermint and cinnamon. Apart from having a nice scent, it helps to protect the wiring of your home from small rodents’ teeth. Made with water, it doesn’t leave stains, so it can be used around décor and furniture. To apply Grandpa Gus’s spray effectively, it’s recommended to shake it well first, then spray on an area you wish to protect. It’s better to leave it wet till it dries on its own and spray again afterward. You’ll need to reapply it once in a while, especially after cleaning or if the weather becomes humid.

Grandpa Gus’s Double Potent Rodent Repellent Spray solves the only downside of the Tomcatrepellent which was named the Editor’s Choice. It does not leave any stains where you spray it and doubles as an air freshener. This makes it ideal for those who don’t want to stain their floors and furniture while getting rid of rodents.

    What do we love it for?
  • Smells nice
  • It can be used anywhere
  • Extra-strength formula
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Needs to be reapplied often
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8974 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.1
8
Features
  • Type: scent pouches
  • Usage: indoors
  • Dimensions: 5 x 4.75 x 4.75 inches
  • Coverage area: 8 sq. ft. for each piece

More features: two options with 4 and 12 pieces, up to 30 days effect, plant-based

Fresh Cab Botanical Rodent Repellent is a great product for preventing mice from appearing at your doorstep. The only thing you need to do is strategically place pouches around your house. One pouch can be used for around three months and covers 125 square feet. It’s made with balsam fir oil, which is a decent non-toxic, environmentally friendly option compared with more mainstream solutions. The company that makes Fresh Cab repellent claims to be the only producer meeting federal EPA standards for professional pest control, as well as a highly ethical workplace. The only setback seems to be that it might not be an ideal option when it comes to severe infestation cases. Nevertheless, if your situation isn’t too serious, it can work well when used in 1 pouch per 8 square feet ratio.

The Fresh Cab Botanical Rodent Repellent is another plant-based choice like the Grandpa Gus’s model, although it’s an ideal choice for those who don’t want to use the liquid. The Fresh Cab can last for up to 30 days, giving it more staying power than the Grandpa Gus’s. This also means you don’t get the sticky residue that is often found when you use Grandpa Gus’s.

    What do we love it for?
  • Fairly priced
  • Ethical company
  • Plant-based and eco-friendly
  • Made in the USA
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Small coverage per bag
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7515 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
Features
  • Type: scent packs
  • Usage: indoors
  • Dimensions: 2.75 x 5 x 8.88 inches
  • Coverage area: not specified

More features: 5 pieces, mint scent, up to 30 days of effect

Victor M805 Scent is another option that comes in the form of scented bags. They can be placed or hung anywhere and are especially great for enclosed spaces, such as cupboards, small sheds, or even cars. Inside the bags, you’ll find small granules infused with mint oil that has a nice long-lasting smell. You’ll need to replace this mouse repellent once every month or when you notice that its aroma has faded. Victor brand itself is an old and respectable business that has over a century of rodent control experience under its belt. It offers a variety of different products that deal with mice, but scent pouches seem to be the most humane ones.

The Victor’s M805 Scent-Away Natural Rodent Repeller Packs are quite similar to the Fresh Cab Botanical Rodent Repellent, as they both last for up to 30 days and are highly effective. But, the Victor’s M805 Scent-Away comes with a peppermint aroma infused in the granules unlike the Fresh Cab which has no aroma. If you want a repellent with a nice scent for 30 days, this is an ideal choice.

    What are its best features?
  • Affordable
  • Simple instructions
  • Doesn’t make mice suffer
    What could be improved?
  • Mostly for small areas

Things to Consider

Repellents are a great option if you wish to get rid of mice but don’t want to use poisons or traps. It’s not only more humane towards rodents but much safer for you, your household, pets, and kids. There are no risks of someone accidentally eating or inhaling toxic substances, and the chances of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery suddenly taking place are quite low.

When you choose a mouse repellent, it’s reasonable to begin by mapping out your situation. Is it your home, car, or garden? How severe is the infestation? There are preventative options, as well as powerful and more serious ones. Different technologies and chemical formulas exist for you to pick the one that won’t irritate your senses or cause allergies. Luckily the market is rich with products for every case and every budget.

Types of repellents

Mice repellents are supposed to force little unwanted guests from your property, and there are two common ways to do so. The first one is using an ultrasonic device. The sound of it is very unpleasant for rodents while almost unrecognizable for human ears. Loraffe Plug-in Rodent Repellent from our list works is a great example of what to expect. It has several different settings that range from mild to stronger ones, perfect for more serious situations, aka having more mice. There’s also an ultralight that hurts little parasites’ vision. There are products like Pestless Upgraded Ultrasonic Pest Repeller that are designed for outdoors, and smaller devices, such as Loraffe Under Hood Animal Repeller, that is made for vehicles or very small spaces.

The second most popular option is to use essential oil blends. There is a large variety of sprays and sachets that repel mice and other rodents, such as rats, with their smell. Usually, they are made with mint since it’s known to be very effective when one deals with infestations or wants to prevent them. Grandpa Gus’s Double or Victor M805 Repeller Packs are similar when it comes to their active ingredients but different in application.

Some people prefer to use different types of repellents for different areas of their property, for example, spray bedroom floors, put a sachet in a cupboard, and switch on an ultrasonic device in a kitchen or garden. If you’re very anxious about the risk of mice taking over your house but don’t want to kill them, it’s absolutely fine to try different combinations. Though, when an infestation is serious, it might be the time for electronic mouse traps.

Coverage area

Consider the size of your property when you choose a repellent. Some devices are very effective but are limited in how far they can reach. Bags or sachets also have an amount of ingredients, only enough to cover several square feet, so it’s wise to read the instructions and then decide how many you need.

Some solutions are designed with specific places in mind. There are ultrasonic devices, such as Pestless Upgraded Ultrasonic Pest Repeller, that can be installed around your garden or the ones with a perfect frequency for a car. Sprays are very versatile if you’re not sure where to apply a repellent, though they usually last for about a month or till the next cleaning day.

Effectiveness

This is probably the most difficult one to evaluate, especially if it’s the first time you have dealt with mice. Most products work well if applied properly and routinely when one wants to prevent an infestation. But if it’s already happening, it’s essential to understand the damage level.

Let’s say you’ve seen a stray mouse outside your door. Most likely, it will be enough to spray floors and walls inside your home to prevent it from getting in. A powerful ultrasonic device is your best friend if you hear little bustards running around or suddenly find their droppings on the furniture. To increase safety, especially if you suspect bigger rodents, choose from the best rat bait stations. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Safety

9 Best Mouse Repellents – Humane Protection against Rodents
Some products, such as those that use scents or tastes, can be harmful if used incorrectly. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label and keep these products out of reach of children and pets.

We’re discussing repellents that are much safer than other options, like rat traps, for example. But nevertheless, it still needs to be used with caution. First of all, consider your allergies. Essential oils that some liquid solutions are made with rarely can cause reactions, but some people can be very sensitive to them, even if it’s just a smell. Pets, on the other hand, can be in more danger, as it’s proved by research that concentrated oils can cause many symptoms, ranging from low body temperature to depression. So, it’s important to choose a repellent that is approved for households with animals.

When it comes to ultrasonic devices, some people report that they can hear them, which can be unpleasant but isn’t harmful. Though animals are more sensitive to it as well, so it’s better to observe their behavior and not leave them alone with a working repellent.

It may sound obvious, but read instructions and follow them. Even safe products can malfunction or cause allergies. Don’t use these products for anything outside their original purpose.

Cost

There is good news here! It’s easy to find a repellent in every price range. Mouse repellents can be a bit more expensive than some rodent poisons or traps, but they are safer and, in many cases, even more effective. To avoid overpaying, it’s crucial to understand your situation well. If you know where the mice are, how high the risk of infestation is, and other such factors, you can confidently choose a product that will fit your needs.

Sometimes it’s better to go for a more expensive and effective option right away and not to risk the mice problem growing.

Benefits of mouse repellents

It was said many times before, but it’s worth repeating that mouse repellents are safer than any other conventional devices and poisons. Made with essential oils, some of them smell really nice and work on insects as well as rodents. If it’s not enough, they are also more humane and environmentally friendly.

Yes, it’s understandable that you may not care if pesky intruders are dead or alive, especially after they terrorized your home and chewed on the car wires in what seems like an attempt at cold-blooded murder. They’re vicious! But you don’t want them to get poisoned and go die somewhere in the wall of your house, because that way they will haunt you after their untimely demise (aka smell really badly) forever, or until you drill many holes, find their little bodies and arrange decent funerals. To send them running with an ultrasonic sound seems to be easier.

FAQ

Are mouse repellents safe for pets?

Yes, they are designed to be safe for pets. But there are reasons, of course, why this question is important. Most liquid and sachet repellents are made with essential oils, which are potentially harmful to animals if they are too potent. Respectable brands provide their customers with information about ingredients and their safety for both people and animals. Typically, you won’t find oils concentrated enough to harm anyone in quality products. But if you have doubts, it’s better to observe your pet’s reaction before applying the product on a larger scale. It’s always better to keep repellents out of reach of pets to make sure they won’t try to eat them.

While some customers report that ultrasonic devices can be heard by their pets and irritate them (usually, such reports are about cats), they can’t hurt them. If you suspect that your furry friend can be uncomfortable and stressed because of the sound, choose a device with a lower frequency.

Do mouse repellents work?

Yes, they work and are very effective as well. However, to get the desired result, it’s important to choose a product wisely and use it correctly. It’s essential to establish where you need to apply a repellent and how much of it you need to use. It should be able to reach mice to make them leave your property. For example, if you have mice living under the hood of your car, it will be useless to have an ultrasonic repeller working in your living room.

When in doubt, or in a state of severe anxiety caused by the thought of mice climbing the walls of your house, use a combination of different repellents, such as sprays, pouches, and ultrasonic gadgets.

Our verdict

We’ve reviewed a variety of mice repellents to save you from many hours of tedious research and as many pictures of mice walking around people’s homes as if they pay rent. The audacity!

To get rid of little intruders, we would choose Tomcat Rodent Repellent. It’s recommended itself as the most effective and fast, all because of its long-lasting formula and simple application. Our other favorite is CLEANRTH CR008 Advanced Repelling System which boasts modern ultrasonic technology and smart design. It has very impressive coverage of 7,000 square feet while not taking up too much space itself.

Last but not least in our top three of the best mouse repellents is Loraffe Plug-in Rodent Repellent. While looking like a small spaceship, it offers great protection with a choice of four sound modes and twelve LED lights, just enough to present your unwanted guests with an eviction notice!

References

1.
House Mouse Prevention and Control
The house mouse (Mus musculus) is considered one of the most troublesome and economically important pests in the United States. House mice live and thrive under a variety of conditions in and around homes and farms. House mice consume food meant for humans or pets.
2.
Mouse Control
Mice are much smaller than rats, but they can still do a lot of damage. They destroy food, books, furniture and even appliances with their gnawing, urine and droppings. Worse, mice in the home have been linked to a number of human diseases, including asthma. Because of their small size, they can fit through crevices as small as 1/4 inch wide, making them hard to control.
3.
Rats and mice - Canada.ca
Government of Canada information on pests: what they are, what they can do, and pest control tip
9,8
Total Score
Tomcat Rodent Repellent - Editor’s Choice
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