Updated July 2026 Quick answer: Mice may temporarily avoid strong scents such as peppermint and pepper-based compounds, but smells rarely keep mice away permanently. If mice have access to food, warmth, water, or nesting material, they may tolerate an unpleasant odor. The most reliable approach is to combine repellents with traps, cleanup, and sealing entry points. Smell or Product Worth Trying? Main Limitation Peppermint spray Yes, as a temporary deterrent The scent fades and must be reapplied Botanical repellent pouches Possibly, in enclosed areas Results vary and pouches require replacement Dryer sheets Not as a primary solution The scent fades More…