Last night I let the dog out and saw mice running on the sides (raised benches) of my deck along side my plants. I have basil, parsley and oregano in pots in that section of the deck as well as some pepper plants and a rose in a large container.

Are mice attracted to these plants? I have googled and read that they don't even care for strong herbs, so I'm perplexed as to what they're interested in.

I want them gone and am trying to figure out what I need to do. I think there were babies in addition to an adult or two. I'm grossed out by them, and obviously don't want them possibly getting into the house. The dog has been sniffing like crazy out there, begging to go out at night, and I think this may be why (hunting).

Getting a cat is not an option.