Mice have super sensitive noses, way more powerful than ours. The strong citrus smell from orange peels is overwhelming to them. It’s like walking into a room with too much perfume for us. They just want to get away from it as fast as possible.
Plus, orange peels contain natural oils that mice find offensive. These oils are completely safe for you, your kids, and your pets, but mice can’t stand them.
How to Prepare Your Orange Peel Repellent
Getting started is super easy. Every time you eat an orange, save those peels instead of tossing them in the trash. You can use them fresh or let them dry out a bit. Both work great, though dried peels last longer.
If you want to make your orange peels even more powerful, cut them into smaller pieces. This releases more of those strong-smelling oils that mice hate. You can also gently squeeze the peels before placing them to get the oils flowing.
Where to Place Orange Peels for Maximum Effect
You need to think like a mouse. Where would you go if you were a tiny creature looking for food and shelter?
Start by placing orange peels near entry points. Check around doors, windows, and any cracks or holes in your walls. Mice love to squeeze through the tiniest spaces, so pay attention to those areas.
Next, put some peels in your kitchen cabinets, especially the ones where you store food. Tuck them in corners, behind appliances, and under the sink. Basically anywhere you’ve seen mouse droppings or suspect they might be hanging out.
Don’t forget your pantry, garage, and basement. These are like five-star hotels for mice, so make them unwelcome with your orange peel barrier.
How Often to Replace the Peels
Orange peels lose their smell over time. Fresh peels work best, so you’ll want to replace them every few days. I know that sounds like a lot, but think about it. You’re probably eating oranges regularly anyway, right?
Once the peels dry out completely and don’t smell strong anymore, swap them out for fresh ones. You’ll know it’s time when you can’t smell that citrusy scent anymore. If you can’t smell it, neither can the mice, and that defeats the whole purpose.
