Mice: Identification, Control & Prevention in Garden & Home

Mice live near humans, contaminating food in gardens and pantries. Small rodents: large ears, black eyes, gray/light brown, 1/2 oz, 5–7" body + 3–4" tail. Musky odor; nocturnal.

Damage

Tunnel and chew. Partially eaten potatoes/carrots; newly sown seeds consumed. Indoors: small holes in fabrics. Droppings indicate infestation.

Control

• Dryer sheets in linen closets/stored clothes.
• Protect bulbs: cages or crushed gravel in planting holes.
• Wrap tree trunks with tree wrap/hardware cloth at base.
• Ammonium repellents (garden center).
• Humane or snap traps with peanut butter on runways.
• Sonic deterrents in garden.

Prevention

• Seal home entry points: steel wool in foundation cracks/holes.
• Remove food/water: clean pet dishes, secure garbage.
• Avoid straw/fluffy mulch (nesting material).
• Repellent plants: mint, pennyroyal, garlic, onion.
• Camphor, lavender, wormwood (dried lavender at health stores/garden centers).
• Get a cat—scent alone deters.
• Rodent-proof bulbs for spring flowers.