How can I make a peppermint tincture at home to repel mice? - briefly
Combine fresh or dried peppermint leaves with high‑proof vodka (about 1 part leaves to 5 parts alcohol), seal the mixture, store it in a dark location for 7‑10 days while shaking daily, then strain the liquid; apply the resulting tincture to cracks, baseboards, and suspected nesting spots to discourage mice.
How can I make a peppermint tincture at home to repel mice? - in detail
To create a peppermint-based extract that discourages rodents, gather the following items: fresh peppermint leaves (or dried if fresh is unavailable), high-proof alcohol such as vodka or grain spirit (minimum 40 % ABV), a clean glass jar with a tight‑fitting lid, a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, and dark glass bottles for storage.
Begin by washing the peppermint thoroughly and patting it dry. Roughly chop the leaves to increase surface area, then fill the jar about one‑third with the plant material. Pour the alcohol over the herbs until the jar is full, ensuring the leaves are completely submerged. Seal the container and store it in a cool, dark place for a minimum of two weeks; shake the jar gently once daily to promote extraction.
After the steeping period, filter the liquid through the strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container, discarding the solid matter. Transfer the filtered tincture into dark bottles, label them with the preparation date, and keep them sealed away from direct sunlight.
For practical use, dilute the concentrate with water at a ratio of 1 part tincture to 4 parts water, then apply the solution to areas where mice are active. Common application points include gaps under doors, baseboards, pantry shelves, and the exterior of stored food containers. Reapply every three to five days, or after heavy cleaning, to maintain efficacy.
Safety considerations: handle alcohol with care, avoid ingestion, and keep the tincture out of reach of children and pets. If using dried peppermint, increase the quantity of plant material by roughly 30 % to compensate for reduced oil content. Regular monitoring of rodent activity will indicate whether the concentration or frequency of treatment requires adjustment.