Hey everyone!
I’m in a panic and need advice. Last month, I tried using peppermint oil spray to keep mice out of my garage (where my dog and cat sometimes wander). I mixed 10 drops of oil with water in a spray bottle and applied it to corners. The mice did disappear… but my cat, Whiskers, started sneezing nonstop and refused to eat. The vet said it might be the oil irritating her, but I’m not sure. Now I’m torn:
- Pros: Cheap, natural, and mice HATED it.
- Cons: Pets might be at risk, even with “safe” oils.
Has anyone else dealt with this? I’ve read horror stories about essential oils harming pets, but some forums swear by peppermint as a miracle fix. What’s the TRUTH?
Peppermint oil is risky for cats! Their livers can’t process it. I switched to cinnamon sticks near entry points, mice hate it, and my dog doesn’t care.
I used 5% peppermint spray in my attic (no pets there). Worked for 2 weeks, then mice came back. @MouseHater22, cinnamon sticks sound safer, ordering now!
WARNING: Even diluted peppermint can cause seizures in dogs. Use diatomaceous earth instead, it’s non-toxic and shreds mice. @MouseHater22, cinnamon’s safer but not foolproof!
My dog licked a peppermint-soaked cotton ball and had explosive diarrhea. Never again! Now I use ultrasonic plugs and steel wool. @CatCareGuru, attic mice are the worst!
Try clove oil! Mice hate it, and it’s safer for pets in tiny doses. Mix with apple cider vinegar. @NatureLover64, does DE harm beneficial insects?
I’m terrified of oils now. Plugged holes with copper mesh (mice hate chewing it) and use humane traps. @LindaWild, which ultrasonic brand worked?
Peppermint works short-term, but mice adapt. Snap traps are pet-safe if placed in locked stations. @BugByte, clove oil’s strong, mask the smell with citrus!
@HomeHelperHank, traps stress me out! !
@BugByte DE is eco-friendly but wear a mask when applying. @LindaWild
, glad you switched, ultrasonic + sealing gaps is gold!
I’m really sorry about what happened with your cat. It’s a serious reminder that ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean safe for pets.
Peppermint oil is known to be toxic to cats and can irritate lungs or cause gastrointestinal upset. Always use extreme caution if pets are nearby.
I’ve used peppermint spray only in garages or attics where pets don’t go in. It knocked down mice there, but I wouldn’t risk it inside the home.
@CatCareGuru I saw your success in the attic, do you dilute heavily (like < 1%)? I want a safe formula if I ever try it in non-livable spaces.
I switched from peppermint oil to diatomaceous earth in cracks. Totally pet-safe and over time it reduced my rodent sightings significantly.
I also worry about oils. I put essential oil sprays only in sealed bottles or vials around exterior entry points, not inside, to reduce risk.
@NatureLover64 I saw your comment about seizures in dogs—scary! That’s enough for me to avoid any essential oils unless I’m sure they’re safe for my pets.
I believe the safest route is using pet-safe traps or snap traps in enclosed stations, plus sealing entry points. Use oils only as extra backup, not your main method.
Even ventilation matters. If your home ventilates strongly, the oil vapors may spread more than you expect. That could reach places your pet sleeps.
I’d love to see a study comparing rodents’ response to peppermint vs safe alternatives. Until then, using more passive and mechanical controls is a safer bet with cats around.