Rodents probably find some types of tastes and odors objectionable, as we do, but chemical repellents are seldom a practical solution to mouse infestations because the drive to find food and water is powerful. It has been suggested that substances such as moth balls (naphthalene) or household ammonia, in sufficient concentration, may have at least temporary effects in keeping mice out of certain enclosed areas, but these are not registered by the EPA as mouse repellents, and concentrations that would affect mice are dangerous to humans and their pets as well. Mice habituate rapidly to new odors, objects, and sounds, so expect to find a temporary effect of whatever you try, but the key word is "temporary."
Ro-pel® is registered for use in repelling house mice and other rodents from gnawing on trees, poles, fences, shrubs, garbage, and other objects. The active ingredients have a taste that is "... extremely bitter and very unpleasant" (http://hpd.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=2016001).
Little information is currently available on its effectiveness against house mice. In general, "... bitter substances that fail to induce gastrointestinal malaise are largely ineffective as repellents for herbivores" (D. Nolte et al. 1994. 16th Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings). In other words, if there is not a consequence of ingestion, there is no reason to avoid eating a substance.
There also seems to be no evidence that ultrasonic type devices work to evict mice that are established in a home.
Other solutions to rodent problems, including rodent-proof construction and methods of population reduction, are usually more permanent and cost-effective than the use of repellents.
For more information, visit
http://icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/HouseMice.asp.
