Can a Tea Bag Really Keep Mice and Spiders Away? Here’s the Truth

If you've ever seen a mouse darting across the floor or noticed a spider hiding in the corner, you're certainly not alone. Many homeowners deal with these unwanted visitors, and like many, you might prefer natural solutions over chemical-based ones. A popular DIY remedy circulating on the internet claims:

“Place peppermint tea bags around your home, and you’ll never see mice or spiders again.”

At first glance, this sounds almost too simple to be true. But what’s the real story behind this claim?

Peppermint: Helpful, Yes — Magical, No

Peppermint is known for its strong and refreshing scent, which many pests find unpleasant. This is why peppermint oil is often touted as a natural repellent for mice and spiders.

However, here’s the important detail:

Peppermint tea bags alone are unlikely to eliminate mice or spiders.

A brewed tea bag has only a mild scent compared to the potent concentration of peppermint essential oils. While the scent may discourage some insects or rodents from hanging around a specific area, it won’t be strong enough to drive them out of your home entirely or prevent them from returning.

That being said, peppermint can still play a role in a natural pest-prevention routine—just not as the sole method of defense.

A Safer, More Effective Peppermint Method

If you prefer using natural remedies, here's a method that’s more effective:

What to Do:

1. Brew a few peppermint tea bags (this will release the scent, though it’s not a potent pest control).

2. After brewing, allow the tea bags to dry completely.

3. Place the dried bags in the following areas:

   • Corners

   • Under the sink

   • Behind appliances

   • Entry points where pests could sneak in

Boost the Effect: Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to each bag every few days to enhance the scent and improve its pest-repelling properties.

While this method won't “eliminate” pests, it can help keep them at bay as part of a larger pest-prevention strategy.

For Best Results, Combine These Methods

Peppermint can contribute to pest control, but truly effective results require more than just a pleasant smell. Try combining it with these additional pest prevention tactics:

• Seal Cracks and Entry Points: Ensure there are no gaps in walls, doors, or windows where pests can enter.

• Clean Up Crumbs and Food Residue: Pests are often attracted to food sources. Keeping surfaces clean will help eliminate this temptation.

• Store Food in Airtight Containers: This prevents pests from having easy access to food.

• Use Traps: If needed, set up mouse or spider traps to catch and monitor pests.

• Reduce Clutter: Pests love to hide in cluttered areas, so keep spaces tidy and organized.

• Call a Professional: If the pest issue becomes persistent, it's worth seeking help from an expert.

These steps are much more reliable for ensuring a pest-free home than relying on peppermint alone.

The Bottom Line

While peppermint tea bags won’t magically banish mice or spiders in just a few days, their scent can be a helpful addition to a natural pest-repelling strategy. Think of it as a gentle deterrent, rather than a solution by itself.

If you enjoy simple, natural methods, peppermint is certainly worth trying—just make sure to combine it with practical, proven pest-control habits for the best results.