How to Use Peppermint Oil for Pest Control

Q: How long does peppermint oil keep bugs away?

Peppermint oil typically repels bugs for 2&#8211;3 hours after application, but its effectiveness fades as the scent dissipates. For lasting results indoors, it helps to reapply every few days or weekly, depending on pest levels and area treated. Outdoors, the scent wears off more quickly due to wind and sun exposure.

Q: How can I use peppermint oil to get rid of ants and other pests in the garden?

Mix 10&#8211;15 drops of peppermint oil with one cup of water and a teaspoon of mild dish soap. Spray the mixture directly onto ant trails, nests, or entry points. Reapply every few days, as rain and sunlight break down the scent quickly outdoors. Avoid spraying directly onto sensitive plants, as peppermint oil can cause damage.

Q: How often should I spray peppermint oil for bug control?

For general pest control, spray peppermint oil every 3&#8211;7 days to keep a strong scent barrier. In areas with heavy pest activity, consider daily applications until infestations are reduced. The frequency may need to be increased for any outdoor area with heavy winds.

Mosquito Joe explains how peppermint oil can help repel pests naturally.

Mix peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle.
Apply the solution to entry points and pest-prone areas.
Reapply regularly for continued effectiveness.
Use caution around pets and children.
Consider professional pest control for severe infestations.

Looking for an eco-friendly way to rid your yard of unwanted pests and rodents? Try using peppermint oil for pest control!

While most humans love the smell of peppermint, common household pests, like ants, spiders, and rodents, will run the other way! Let’s talk about how you can use peppermint oil as pest control and get rid of those unwanted pests.

Why Peppermint Oil Works as a Pest Repellent

Peppermint oil is more than a pleasing scent—it signals to pests that they aren’t welcome! Its strong, minty aroma overwhelms most pests, including ants, spiders, and fleas. It disrupts their sensory receptors, making it harder for them to locate food sources or detect predators. Peppermint oil for insects also masks pheromone trails that other pests may have left as a guide.

Further, it contains menthol and limonene, which are mildly toxic to pests. When it is applied correctly, peppermint oil is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a great option for homes with small children or lots of furry friends around!

Common Pests Peppermint Oil Repels

Peppermint oil repels most common household pests, including:

Ants - The compounds in the oil interact with their pheromone trails, making it so they cannot follow the trail.
Spiders - The potent aroma alone is enough to repel them.
Fleas - The insecticidal properties in peppermint oil really repel fleas and encourage them to find other places to rest or play.
Mice and rodents - The strong peppermint scent deters them from nesting where the scent exists.
Mosquitoes - The menthol content of peppermint oil works as an eco-friendly repellent.
Cockroaches - Just like mosquitoes, it's the menthol content of peppermint oil helps keep cockroaches away.

While peppermint oil can affect them all differently, they have one thing in common: this minty oil makes them run the other way!

How to Use Peppermint Oil for Bugs

The first step is to do a full house pest inspection and identify any problem areas. Most of these little pests will come in through common entryways, including your doorways, windowsills, cracks in the baseboards, and under the sinks.

Once you’ve identified where you need the help, combine 10 to 15 drops of pure peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray that mixture in the areas you want pests to avoid. If you really want it to stick to those surfaces, mix in a few drops of dish soap. This works great to repel insects that crawl into your home and ones that crawl on YOU, so don’t forget about this recipe when making your own mosquito repellents!

If you want longer-lasting effects, soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in dark, hidden places like pantries, cabinets, closets, and attics. When the smell fades in a month or so, replace the soaked cotton balls with new ones.

You can also use essential oil diffusers or combine your peppermint oil pest-repellent solutions with other, more traditional options to achieve the maximum effect.

Benefits of Using Peppermint Oil for Pest Control

Other than being extremely eco-friendly and non-toxic to pets and humans using peppermint oil for insects has several other benefits for pest control, including:

A pleasant, fresh scent
Effectiveness against a range of pests, including insects and rodents
Ease of use
Cost-effectiveness

Additionally, unlike traditional pest control solutions, pests can’t build a chemical resistance to it. Peppermint oil will upset them whether it’s the first time they encounter it or the tenth.

Keep Your Home Pest-Free with this Peppermint Oil for Pest Control

Are you interested in keeping your yard bite-free? Try sprinkling some peppermint oil around your home to see if it helps keep the pests away.

If your pest infestation has grown too large for your DIY peppermint oil solutions, call in the professionals! Whether it's fleas, ticks, ants, or rats, our Mosquito Joe^® services offer a solution for every pest problem.

Our traditional and eco-friendly pest control solutions are all backed by the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee and the Neighborly Done Right Promise^®️, so you can rest assured that we’ll get the job done right!

Are you ready to explore how to use peppermint oil for pest control or other eco-friendly solutions? Your local Mosquito Joe experts are here to help!

Request a free estimate today and learn how to love your space again!

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Using Peppermint Oil for Bugs FAQ

The strong menthol scent of peppermint oil overwhelms the senses of many insects and rodents, making treated areas less inviting for them to live or search for food. Below, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about using peppermint oil for pest control—covering everything from how long it lasts to tips for using it effectively outside your home or garden.

How long does peppermint oil keep bugs away?

Peppermint oil typically repels bugs for 2–3 hours after application, but its effectiveness fades as the scent dissipates. For lasting results indoors, it helps to reapply every few days or weekly, depending on pest levels and area treated. Outdoors, the scent wears off more quickly due to wind and sun exposure.

Does peppermint oil repel mosquitoes?

Yes, peppermint oil can help repel mosquitoes for a short period. Studies show protection can last up to 2.5 hours, but it is not a long-term solution. Reapplication is needed for continued protection. If peppermint oil for pest control isn’t working for you, reach out to a Mosquito Joe location to schedule service.

How can I use peppermint oil to get rid of ants and other pests in the garden?

Mix 10–15 drops of peppermint oil with one cup of water and a teaspoon of mild dish soap. Spray the mixture directly onto ant trails, nests, or entry points. Reapply every few days, as rain and sunlight break down the scent quickly outdoors. Avoid spraying directly onto sensitive plants, as peppermint oil can cause damage.

How often should I spray peppermint oil for bug control?

For general pest control, spray peppermint oil every 3–7 days to keep a strong scent barrier. In areas with heavy pest activity, consider daily applications until infestations are reduced. The frequency may need to be increased for any outdoor area with heavy winds.

Do mint plants keep bugs away?

Mint plants can help deter some insects, but the plants themselves are much less effective than concentrated peppermint oil when used for pest control. The aroma from live mint plants is not as strong or potent as an essential oil, though it may provide some localized benefit. For pest control, peppermint oil is more impactful.