of smell, and strong odors can influence their behavior.
However, there is limited evidence that simply planting mint, lavender, or another aromatic herb will reliably prevent mice from entering a home.
If mice are finding food, warmth, water, and shelter indoors, those benefits can easily outweigh an unpleasant smell.
The most effective mouse-control measures generally involve sealing gaps, removing accessible food, reducing clutter, and using appropriate traps when necessary.
What About Spiders?
Spiders are often included on lists of pests supposedly repelled by mint, lavender, citrus, and other strong scents.
Evidence for reliable whole-plant spider repellency is limited.
Reducing the insects that spiders feed on may indirectly reduce spider activity, but plants alone are unlikely to eliminate spiders from a building.
Why You Should Not Fear Every Insect
Many insects play essential ecological roles.
Bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and other insects may pollinate plants, decompose organic material, or serve as
