One mouse in a cage seems adorable. Dozens of them scurrying through various nooks and crannies of your home isn't so adorable. Mice and rats can leave behind a lot of unpleasant things, from urine and feces (and the diseases that are spread through them) to chewed-up wiring and insulation. Needless to say, it's a problem that merits a bit of control.

If you're wondering how to deal with your rodent problem without resorting to toxic poisons and pesticides, you'll want to read the following.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Mice and rats both have an extraordinarily sharp sense of smell. This means that certain odors that are perfectly pleasant to human beings may be completely obnoxious to rodents. Peppermint essential oil is one such odor you can use against both types of rodents. All you'll need to do is add several drops to a cotton ball and place each cotton ball in several areas of your home. Add more oil-soaked cotton balls when you notice the aroma has started fading.

Cloves

Cloves are another odor that rodents find overpowering. You can use clove essential oil just as you would peppermint essential oil in the above example. You can also use whole cloves, although the aroma they put off isn't as powerful as clove in its essential oil form. If you plan on using whole cloves, be sure to wrap them in a thin rag or an old cotton t-shirt before placing them around the house.

Dryer Sheets

You can also use strategically placed dryer sheets to ward against mice and rats. Rodents can't tolerate the odor of dryer sheets, either (although some humans might empathize in that regard). The only downside to using dryer sheets is that mice and rats can repurpose them as nesting material when the smell wears off.

Humane Traps

Humane traps are the way to go if you're not comfortable with capturing rodents with traps that could potentially maim or kill them. There are several types of humane traps available, including traps with multiple chambers that allow you to catch several rodents at a time. The only potential downside that comes with humane traps is the need to relocate any critters you've caught.

Cats and Dogs

Man's best friend and that furry feline lying on your keyboard could be the keys to getting rid of bothersome rodents naturally. Most cat and dog breeds are natural predators of rats and mice, with both relishing the opportunity to hone their hunting skills against their smaller, sometimes craftier quarry. 

For more tips, contact a company like A-Alert Exterminating Service Inc.