The Weird DIY Mouse Repellent That Actually Worked (And It’s Safe Around Kids!)

I was fed up.

For weeks, I’d been hearing scratching noises behind the walls and in the kitchen corners at night. I tried everything—snap traps, glue traps, and even poison baits. But nothing seemed to work long-term.

Worse? I have young kids at home. Leaving out toxic traps or chemicals just didn’t sit right with me. I was constantly worried that a tiny hand or curious pet would find something dangerous before the mice did.

Then, during a backyard chat, my neighbor leaned in and said:

“Try Colgate and tomato paste.”

I blinked.
“Like… toothpaste? With tomatoes?”
She nodded.
“It’s weird, but trust me.”

I laughed at first. It sounded like some off-the-wall internet myth. But by then, I was desperate enough to try anything.


The DIY Mix That Changed Everything

That night, I followed her simple instructions:

🧴 The Recipe:

  • 1 tablespoon of Colgate (white toothpaste)
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • Optional: a sprinkle of baking soda (for extra smell control)

I stirred the mixture until smooth and placed a small spoonful on a piece of cardboard. I set two of these in kitchen corners, behind the stove, and near the pantry.


What Happened Next Surprised Me

I went to bed thinking, Well, at least the kitchen smells minty now…

But the next morning?
Total silence.

✔️ No scratching behind the fridge.
✔️ No new droppings.
✔️ No chewed-through snack bags.

I checked the usual hiding spots — under the sink, behind appliances, in dark corners — and saw nothing. No movement. No mess. No mice.

And it stayed that way.


Why Does Colgate & Tomato Paste Work?

It sounds like an odd combo, but here’s the logic:

✅ Toothpaste (Colgate)

  • The strong menthol and fluoride smell overwhelms the rodent’s sensitive nose.
  • It acts as a natural repellent, making the area uncomfortable for them.
  • Some say ingesting even a small amount is enough to drive them away for good.

🍅 Tomato Paste

  • Acts as a bait to attract them.
  • Mice are drawn to the smell of food, and tomato paste masks the scent of the menthol just enough to entice them.
  • Once they nibble, they’re repelled by the overwhelming mint and bitter taste.

Together, the mix confuses and drives away mice, without harming them — or your family.


Safe, Cheap, and Shockingly Effective

This isn’t just effective — it’s also:

  • ✅ Non-toxic (no worries about kids or pets getting hurt)
  • ✅ Easy to make (two pantry items!)
  • ✅ Budget-friendly (no expensive traps or exterminators)

And best of all, you’ll know it’s working fast. Most people see results in a single night.


Where to Place It

  • Behind the stove
  • Under the sink
  • Pantry corners
  • Inside cabinets
  • Anywhere you’ve seen droppings or scratching

Refresh the mix every 2–3 days if needed.


Final Thoughts

I never thought I’d be praising a mix of Colgate and tomato paste, but here we are.

If you’re tired of:

  • Poison traps
  • Snap traps
  • Glue boards
  • Cleaning up mouse droppings every morning…

…and you’re looking for something safe, smart, and weirdly effective — give this mix a try. It worked for me, and I’ll never go back to toxic methods again.

Sometimes, the simplest solution is sitting right in your bathroom drawer and fridge door.