To keep pests away, using strong smells to 'overpower' their sense may be all you need. The pest control experts from Eliminated LTD shared a number of scents and smells which both rats and mice hate, making sure they stay away from your home. LavenderAccording to the experts, mice and rats "hate the smell of lavender" so using a lavender-scented spray, essential oils, or even growing a lavender plant will help repel them. According to the experts, citrus oils such as lemon and orange are also "very effective at keeping rats and mice away" from an area or object. As a result, they'll "avoid areas" where it's present or try to "stay away from it" as much as possible.