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Home / Knowledge base / FAQ / Fresh Cab®

Fresh Cab® FAQs

You can purchase Fresh Cab Rodent Repellent online here or in-store. EarthKind products are found in many retail stores across the US.

Fresh Cab pouches can last up to 90 days, but the length of time they last depends on the environment they are used in as well as the reason they are being used. In an area with a lot of airflow or cooler temperatures, the scent may diminish sooner. The scent will last longer in a space that’s totally enclosed such as a pantry. If you’re dealing with a current infestation, you’ll want to replace the pouches in 30 days to keep the scent in the area strong. If you’re using the pouches for prevention, they will not need to be replaced as quickly. The rule of thumb is to replace the pouch when the scent diminishes.

EarthKind’s Fresh Cab pouches are made in the USA with plant-based ingredients including balsam fir oil, fragrance oil, and plant fibers. The essential oils work together to create a scent that will overwhelm a rodent's nose and cause them to leave the area.

Rodents tend to infest areas adjacent to the living areas of a home or building. People, and the common living areas they occupy, are often avoided by rodents. We recommend using the pouches in overlooked areas like behind appliances, attics, basements, crawlspaces, closets, garages, etc…

For example, if you are seeing signs of mice in the kitchen, consider placing pouches behind the stove, the fridge, and in storage spaces rather than directly on the kitchen table.

Although scent-based repellents aren’t made with harmful chemicals, some people may find the aroma overwhelming. Instead of placing the pouches where you spend the most time, use them in the places where rodents are likely to live, feed or nest.

As indicated on the package, pouches may be disposed of in a regular trash receptacle. Prompt disposal is important because rodents may view the natural plant fibers contained in the pouch as a food source after the balsam fir scent has dissipated.

Fresh Cab was invented to repel mice from truck and tractor cabs, preventing expensive rodent damage to high-value property and equipment. Stay Away Rodent is intended for use in and around the home, making rodents ‘stay away’ from the spaces where we live, work, learn and play. Both products have the same active ingredient (balsam fir oil) and may be used interchangeably.

Yes, Fresh Cab is a popular choice for use in cars, motorhomes, farm and recreational vehicles.

To use Fresh Cab in your Automobile: 

Place 1 pouch in the trunk, 1 in the passenger compartment and 1 under the hood when in storage (please be sure to remove pouch from under hood before operating vehicle). Replace when scent has diminished. 

Fresh Cab botanical rodent repellent has only been tested for efficacy in repelling mice. Although most rodents share a similarly highly developed sense of smell, there is no substantiated proof of efficacy. Many customers have reported success using EarthKind rodent repellents to repel other rodents and pests such as voles, squirrels or chipmunks, but the results have not been tested or proven.

We do not recommend using this product in the direct vicinity of household pets. Its use is for enclosed (non-living) areas such as under the sink, behind appliances, behind garbage cans or cabinets in the garage, crawl spaces, sheds, campers, etc. which is where rodents tend to look for nesting sites.

The reason is that Fresh Cab® is made with essential oils, which can be very strong to tiny and ultra-sensitive noses of birds, and some small dogs, cats, etc. It won’t harm them, but could give them a headache that they are unable to tell you about.

The plastic bag and the staples.

You could, however, we do not recommend it as the efficacy of both systems are being compromised. Glue boards, traps, and baits usually have food attractants encased/affixed/attached to attract a rodent. Fresh Cab repels with an odor that is offensive to rodents but not humans. If used in combination with glue boards, traps, and baits, starving/famished rodents may tolerate the strong aroma of Fresh Cab® for a short time to gain nourishment. Respectively, you may find droppings where the rodent entered and exited quickly, even though you may not find the rodent in the trap. Fresh Cab® has been independent lab tested and proven to prevent rodents from nesting in the treated areas.

This product is natural and contains no common allergens. Independent testing in product safety labs has revealed no allergic reactions. However, people can have an allergic reaction to just about anything.

If you feel like you are having a reaction to the product move to a well-ventilated area and have the product removed.

Yes. In order to get EPA registered the product effectiveness must be proven. Independent laboratory testing has proven the product to be very effective and our customers agree! In fact, we have a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Unlike chemical or toxic products, EarthKind products do not leave a chemical residue that may last for months. A little care is necessary because it may stain furniture or finished surfaces because of the essential oil ingredients. We recommend not placing the pouches directly on stained or finished surfaces.

Fresh Cab is intended for use indoors and in enclosed spaces. If used outdoors, the increased rate of air exchange and potential exposure to moisture may reduce the lifespan and efficacy of the product.

EarthKind rodent repellent pouches are designed for indoor use and in enclosed spaces. The product may still work in outdoor spaces, but will not last as long or be as effective in areas with a high rate of air exchange. If the product gets wet, its effectiveness may diminish.

Simply distribute Fresh Cab pouches around any uninhabited and enclosed area where rodents tend to hide, feed or seek nesting sites, i.e. garages, sheds, attics, cellars, cottages, RV’s, autos, and farm equipment.

Pay particular attention to areas like walls and other surfaces that may serve as runways, to any area of potential entry, and to potential nesting areas.

For maximum protection, use 1 Fresh Cab pouch for 8 Sqft of floor space in the area to be treated. Infestation does not always include the full SF of an area, so as a way of reducing the number of pouches required, we recommend placing pouches in the areas where activity is seen, and not the full open area in general (re. at entry points, where food/water sources are accessible, and along walls where shelter and possible nesting areas may exist). Fresh Cab lasts up to 30 days, however, length of effectiveness depends on rate of air exchange, temperature and exposure to moisture. For best results, replace every 30 days or when scent has diminished.

Examples of this principle are as follows:

  • RV: use 3 pouches for up to 30 ft. Place near water tank, drains, slide-outs, and cushions. Also place a pouch in each storage compartment below to protect against nesting in those areas.
  • Tractor or Truck: use 2 pouches in the cab and replace when scent has diminished; 4 pouches if it is in storage for the season.
  • Combine: use 4 pouches in the cab when putting away for the year.
  • Garage: use 4 pouches for up to a double garage. Replace every 30 days or when scent has diminished.
  • Tac room: use 1 pouch, Replace every 30 days or when scent has diminished.
  • Auto: use 1 pouch in the trunk, 1 pouch under each seat, and 1 pouch under the hood if in storage. (Be careful to remove pouch under hood before driving.) Replace when scent has diminished.
  • Drop Ceilings, sub-floors, crawl spaces: Use one pouch per 8 sq. feet; Replace every 30 days to prevent re-infestation.

When a rodent enters an area treated with Fresh Cab®, it’s likely looking for food, water, or a nesting site (a baited trap will attract rodents too). Once in the treated area, rodents will quickly discover they can’t tolerate the smell and exit outside for fresh air to clear their sensitive sensory organ.

Since rodents have no control over their bladder or bowels, they may leave droppings behind as they frantically make their way back out the same way they came in. Professional exterminators use Fresh Cab® to chase rodents into areas where they can be easily trapped. It’s highly unlikely that they will nest (or stay) in an area treated with Fresh Cab®.

Fresh Cab® works by its aroma. Rodents can enter an enclosed area before they realize that they can’t tolerate the smell. If this area has a baited trap, it’s likely that a rodent will try to consume food on their way back outside.

Rodents are built for survival, and will cache (store up) food if they are already full. It’s also likely that a rodent stumbled across the trap on their way in-or-out if the trap was not baited, since they can only see a few inches.

Yes, the clear plastic outer wrap keeps your product fresh until you are ready to use and should be removed before placing pouches to allow scent to repel rodents.

We are quite proud of the fact that we test far more effective than other products and that we have a 90% repeat purchase rate. But nothing is 100% effective when it comes to nature. So we are pleased to offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for those rare times that Fresh Cab® doesn’t work. Some of the possible reasons that the product may not be totally effective are:

  • Improper use or not following directions
  • Used outdoors
  • Product gets wet
  • Not enough product used
  • The rare case where a rodent is born without a sense of smell
  • Heavy infestations*
  • Extreme pressure from large rodent population

*Rodents will often times try to re-enter a treated area (a few times) if there is heavy predation in the area. Like most wild animals, rodents protect an area from overpopulation due to limited resources. So, what can happen is the larger/stronger rodents will push the smaller/weaker rodents into areas they don’t want to live in.

If a rodent is faced with certain death by a larger rodent, they may choose the treated area instead of a brutal death. (Note: Fresh Cab® does not kill, but rather causes an area to be extremely unpleasant for them to stay in.)

In some cases, we don’t know why it didn’t work. It’s rare we hear this, so please let us know so we can continue our research to further improve the product.

There are no known safety risks with Fresh Cab®. However, please keep it out of reach of kids and pets to safeguard from any unforeseen risks. Please share the appropriate SDS sheet with your vet or physician.

The shelf life, unopened, is 3 years if stored in original bag, in a cool-dry place, and out of direct sunlight.

Yes. If it is warmer, the scent will evaporate quicker. If it is cold, the scent will last longer. (The oils inside are volatile – that means they evaporate due to environmental conditions).

All of the data we submitted to the EPA was accepted, and the product has no known hazards to human or environmental health. These tests were performed by independent product safety labs to insure that the product would be safe when used as directed. *Note: Promptly remove pouches from the house if you feel a headache or dizziness. Everyone has a different response to scented products, even if they are all natural. Do not place on finished or stained woods, as the pouches may discolor such areas. Remove pouches once the scent has diminished. Since the product is all natural, it could potentially become nest material (or food) for ravenous rodents.

Fresh Cab® is made from:

ACTIVE INGREDIENT:

Balsam Fir Oil,

a botanical pesticide………......……2.0%

INERT INGREDIENTS:

Fragrance Oil, Plant Fibers..…….98.0%

TOTAL……………………………………100.0%

Rodents are considered to be a public health risk because they can carry and pass on human pathogens and diseases. Any product that makes a claim of repelling or killing pests that are considered a public health risk must undergo a series of rigorous performance testing. In order to be EPA registered, products must do what they claim to on their label, as well as have minimal effects on the environment. Be assured that, if a product is EPA registered, the product’s claims on the label are tested and have been proven. Fresh Cab is the only plant-based rodent repellent registered by the Federal EPA for use in indoor/enclosed areas.