A cinnamon trick to keep mice out of your home this fall

Fall is the time when mice can appear in our homes. They seek safe shelter and food. Although they look cute and play an important role in the ecosystem, nobody wants them within their four walls.

A mouse is a small mammal from the rodent family. It ranges from 1 to 5 inches long and weighs no more than 1 ounce. In summer, you can find it in fields or forests. When it gets colder in the fall, it looks for warm, safe shelter. It sneaks into sheds, stables, basements, or attics, creating a nest. It reproduces alarmingly — a female can have ten litters a year.

Although mice pose no threat to human or pet life, they must be removed as soon as possible. Mice carry numerous diseases and leave behind smelly droppings.

There are many ways to fight mice. In such situations, most of us reach for special traps. While effective, this method is very inhumane, as the trapped animal dies slowly.

How can you get rid of mice without using traps? The mammal is very sensitive to smells. Some aromas attract it, while others repel it. Cinnamon is among the latter. The spice emits a very strong aroma that repels mice. How do you use it in the fight against pests? Get a few sticks of cinnamon (the best ones come from Ceylon). Place them where you notice mouse activity. After a few days, the mice should leave the house.

For particularly stubborn individuals, you can use cinnamon essential oil. You can buy it at any pharmacy. Add a few drops to water and pour the prepared solution into a spray bottle. Spray the baseboards and floors; the cinnamon aroma will fill the entire house. Besides cinnamon oil, you can also use peppermint or lavender essential oil, as well as chamomile infusion.