The smell emitted by the plant is irritating for mice and they try to avoid them. Poo from bobcats, snakes, and cats are also effective mice deterrent because of their distinct smell. That smell scares mice away due to their natural fear on their predators. Pet stores have products that contain this unique smell which you can buy to spread over your house to keep mice away.
1) A myth exists that a cucumber smell comes from rattlesnakes. 2) The Tongue Mountain Range is known for harboring rattlesnakes. 3) The only place I have ever smelled random cucumber is the Tongue Mountain Range. Which leads me to believe the tiny minority, that rattlesnakes do in fact give off a cucumber smell.
Snakes dont really smell, if they are kept clean. Your right about picking up there poop, if you dont they will start to smell. To smell my snakes i have to put the snake right up to my nose, i think they smell a bit like vinigar, but its not a strong smell. No... I have a snake... and you are absolutely right... as long as you clean up after them they do not smell bad. If you sniff them closely (don't ask me why I did this, lol)...