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 copperhead is the cause of many snakebites yearly but they are rarely fatal. Bites occur when people accidentally step on or touch the snake, which tends to be well camouflaged in its surroundings. When touched, the copperhead quickly strikes or remains quiet and tries to crawl away. Sometimes when touched, they emit a musk that smells like cucumbers.