10 Wildlife Deterrents Debunked!

Does Irish Spring Soap Keep Mice Away?

Probably not. This ongoing internet-fueled rumor stems from the idea mice don’t like strong scents, and thus the particularly perfumy Irish Spring bar soap should keep them at bay.

“While mice do tend to avoid certain scents, if they’re already established in a home, a soap’s scent will probably not convince them to leave,” says Meg Pearson, training manager at Critter Control. This is also true for placing soap under the hood of vehicles, which sometimes works the other way, ending up as a rodent snack.

The best way to keep mice away? Eliminate food, water and shelter, and seal up entry points around your home. DIY or commercial sprays with peppermint essential oils also work decently but need to be reapplied often.

For your vehicle, park it in the garage or leave the hood up at night. If they’re eating your auto wiring, you’ve got several protective sleeve covering options.