mulch or plants that offend rodents or other criters?

I know nothing is 100% - but for example, does cypress or cedar mulch at least offend them?

Any plants that are offensive by odor, or prickles, or whatever? I seem to remember some very tall plant with red flowers tauted as warding off rodents or moles or something, can't recall the name of it.

There have been some garage issues, and I am going to be redoing some of the landscaping around it in the alley.

I was think a lower growing bushy rose bush with lots of thorns...

any other suggestions?

this is not close to the veggies.