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.
The snake's scales and skin help keep it from losing moisture from its body. Snakes shed their skin and eye covering together. When threatened, many snakes produce a unique scent from musk glands located near the anus. Copperbelly water snakes smell like skunks, while rat snakes and copperheads smell like cucumbers.