Looking for an eco-friendly way to rid your yard of unwanted pests and rodents? Try peppermint oil 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 a pesticide and get rid of those unwanted pests with this eco-friendly pest control option!
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. It 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 Apply Peppermint Oil for Maximum Effectiveness
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 the 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, peppermint oil 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 Natural Solution
Are you interested in keeping your home pest-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.
