Sometimes, despite our best efforts, those filthy little creatures scurry their way into our homes. Living in the city, I’m certainly no strangers to mice (unfortunately). Before you run out to get traps or chemicals to handle your furry little problem, check out some natural ways to get rid of mice, courtesy of Curbly:

1. Peppermint Oil: this is a very strong smell for mice and they’ll run away from it. Try dousing cotton balls with peppermint oil and placing them around openings/cracks where you think the mice might be coming from.
2. Steel Wool: stick steel wool in mouse holes. They’ll have a very difficult time chewing through that.
3. Kitty Litter: place trays of kitty litter around the outside of your home where you think mice could enter. This smell should send them running.
4. Preventive Measures: keep you home (specifically your kitchen) clean and free of crumbs.

Take a look at more pest control ideas over at 11 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mice.