Having used peppermint oil for many many years in my aromatherapy blends and as a repellent for a long time, I’ve written this article as the guide to the question “What does peppermint oil repel”.
I hope it helps you to deter all those bugs and other little beasties and animals that might otherwise invade your home or space.
Here’s the quick list before I get into detail about some of the more common bugs, animals, and other pests this handy repellant works with!
Peppermint oil repels these 36 creatures:
1, Ants
2. Cockroaches
3. Mice
4. Rats
5. Squirrels
6. Skunks
7. Voles
8. Groundhogs
9. Moles
10. Raccoons
11. Woodpeckers
12. Bedbugs
13. Beetles including flour beetles, pulse beetles, black carpet beetles, cigarette beetle, sawtooth grain beetle
15. Rice weevil
14. Centipedes
15. Crickets
16. Earwigs
17. Fleas
18. House Flies
19. Gall midge
19. Gnats
20. Mosquitos
21. Moths
22. Silverfish
23. Slugs
24. Snails
25. Spiders
26. Squash bugs
27. Stink bugs
28. Human head lice
29. Buffalo louse
Ok, so with the quick list in mind, let’s get into detail and start with a very common insect which although is a hard worker out in the garden, can be not so much fun if they make their way indoors!
Ants
Ants can be a real nuisance if they get on your home and not to mention can give you a nasty bite! but they can be repelled by peppermint oil.
How do I repel ants with peppermint oil?
One of the best ways to repel ants is to use peppermint spray around entrances to rooms and also in outside areas. If you’ve managed to locate their nest then you could drop five to ten drops of neat peppermint oil around the nest.
Spray any entrances including window frames and doors by adding 15 drops of peppermint oil and 10 of citronella into a 4 oZ spray bottle.
If you get bitten by an ant then pop a few drops of neat peppermint oil on a cotton wool ball and hold against the bite fir a few seconds. This will help to cool and soothe.
Can I use peppermint oil to repel cockroaches?
Cockroaches in your home can be an awful thing and are best exterminated by experts, But if you have found the odd one or two in your home, you may be able to stop them from taking over. Peppermint oil along with being a natural repellent is also highly toxic to roaches.
The menthone found in peppermint oil which gives the minty aroma is what’s responsible for its cockroach busting effects.
Various scientific studies have found that peppermint oil has a cockroach repelling effect.
How do I repel cockroaches using peppermint oil?
Putting neat peppermint oil along all entrances and exits to your home and topping up daily can help to control them.
Focus also on areas where you are likely to find cockroaches such as gaps in your kitchen where food may fall or outside in garbage areas and around garbage.
Mix 15 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil in a 4oz spray bottle, topped up with water, or malt vinegar and spray on walks, countertops, and other kitchen areas likely to attract cockroaches.
Also, add 5 drops of peppermint oil to a cotton wool ball and place it in kitchen cupboards, along the bottom of walls and closets where there has been cockroach activity.
Mice
For anyone wondering what does peppermint essential oil repel,?you might be aware that mice can be a problem for homeowners, so if you don’t want to use any rodenticides, then peppermint oil is the perfect natural alternative. One of the main reasons peppermint can help repel mice is because they find the smell unpleasant and overpowering.
According to scientific studies, peppermint oil has pest control properties such as
- Antimicrobial disinfectant
- Bactericidal
- Fungicide
How do I repel mice, rats, and other animals using peppermint oil?
Just put a few drops of pure peppermint essential oil around all entrances and exits to your home, as well as anywhere else that you’ve seen signs of mice. This will help to mask the pheromone trail of rodent droppings that can attract other mice.
In fact, rodents in general like mice, and rats can be a real problem for your home too if they’re not taken care of quickly enough.
Peppermint essential oil can also deter larger animals like rats, squirrels, and skunks, along with voles, groundhogs, moles, and even raccoons!
Dab 10 drops of peppermint oil onto cotton balls and place them around your home, or use a spray canister and combine two teaspoons of peppermint oil for every one cup of water and spray it around where you have detected mice or their droppings.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs have been a problem for almost every home at one point or another.
If you want to know how to get rid of bed bugs, then peppermint oil is an essential tool for your DIY oil kit!
How do I repel bed bugs with peppermint oil?
Start by dipping a tissue into some pure peppermint essential oil. Then place this near the areas where you’ve seen bed bugs crawling about at night or where they like to hide during the day.
Continue using this treatment for the next seven days and you’ll see that the bed bugs will either disappear or be greatly reduced. If they do not, then keep using the same process.
Beetles
There are thousands of types of beetles, many of which can invade your home at any time, particularly in warmer months, or when they’re seeking shelter from the onset of winter.
Don’t panic, though! For anyone wondering what peppermint oil repels, you will be pleased to know beetles are on the list!
Simply mix a solution of 50mL of peppermint oil with a cup of water and use it to wipe down the areas where beetles have been spotted or are likely to hide.
Work this process into your daily or weekly routines until you see improvements.
Centipedes
Centipedes are not something you need to worry unduly about, but their habitats and nesting spots might start to infringe on yours if you don’t take proactive measures.
To repel centipedes, simply add 50 mL peppermint oil to a 4oz spray bottle, fill with water and use it wherever you see them.
Even better, bring the bottle with you when you go camping or hiking so that you can get the benefits even when staying outdoors.
Always seal cracks, crevices, holes, and gaps that would let pests in. Exclusion provides a long-term, very effective method for keeping pests out and it is “safe” – no pesticide is used.
Crickets
You will typically hear crickets in your yard at night and mostly during warm summer months. Leaving windows ajar to allow cool air into your rooms overnight will invariably invite wandering crickets.
So when you wake up to the chirping, make sure you close all windows before they find their way in. If they do find their way in, peppermint oil is your best bet at getting rid of them.
How do I repel crickets using peppermint oil?
Add 15 drops of peppermint oil to a 4oz spray bottle and spray liberally around windows and other areas you think they might be creeping in.
Earwigs
Earwigs will often infest your lawn and hiding spaces, causing major damage to your grass. Although these brown or black insects are about one inch long, they do not pose any danger to humans.
How do I repel earwigs with peppermint oil?
To get rid of them, simply mix 50 ml of peppermint essential oil with a cupful of water and pour it down or around the affected areas; you can also spray the solution on these plant-eating bugs that are invading your yard.
Fleas
We all know what a nightmare fleas can pose.
These tiny insects easily jump onto your pets and then into your house, seemingly infesting everything that they touch.
Although we might not be able to repel every single flea that hits our home, we can certainly do something about it.
How do I repel fleas with peppermint oil?
To get rid of these pesky pests, you will need 40 drops of peppermint essential oil and 2 cups of water.
Combine the two ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Apply the mixture to your carpets, furniture, bedding, etc – being generous with it.
You can also add 10 ml of peppermint essential oil into your regular shampoo to repel fleas while keeping your pet clean and fresh smelling.
Houseflies
Flies are a nuisance in every home, and seem so unclean!
How do I repel houseflies with peppermint oil?
To get rid of these pesky insects, simply add 10ml of peppermint essential oil into 1 liter of water.
Use the mixture inside or outside and spray areas that are affected by flies, such as garbage cans or places where food is left out for a long time.
Gnats
Gnats are small insects somewhat like smaller flies. They are attracted to unsealed produce, houseplants or fresh flowers, food and drink spillages, sink drains, and garbage cans.
Damp and decaying material is a favorite stomping ground.
How do I repel gnats using peppermint oil?
To get rid of gnats, add a few drops of peppermint oil into a spray bottle. Fill with water. Spray areas where gnats gather and they will be banished!
Refresh if you see any further build-up – but always look to remove any food debris that is the source of the problem
Mosquitoes
Those dreaded mosquitos. Mosquitos are a pain to get rid of, as they breed in small containers such as flower vases and buckets.
According to research, Peppermint oil can be used as a mosquito larvicide. In an experiment, where When 3 mL of peppermint oil was added to water, the mortality rate of three types of mosquito larvae was significantly increased. In some cases up to 90%.
In the same study regarding human mosquito bite tests, of the five essential oils used in the study, peppermint oil was found to be the most effective.
So unless you want to fill your home with pesticides or invest in an expensive zapping machine, peppermint oil is the best way to naturally repel those mosquitos!
How do I repel mosquitos using peppermint oil?
Use peppermint oil as a repellent by adding 20 drops into a 4oz spray bottle filled with water.
If you love spending time outdoors but hate the thought of getting bitten by mosquitos, peppermint oil is the perfect solution for you!
Moths
Moths are mostly an annoyance when they decide to sit in your closet and start chomping on your best dress! Peppermint oil will do the trick in getting rid of these pesky, flying insects.
The best thing about this solution is that it also helps to freshen your closet! So you can simultaneously get rid of moths, AND have your clothes smelling fresh.
How do I repel moths using peppermint oil?
My favorite way to repel moths with peppermint oil is to combine 50mL of peppermint oil in a spray 4oz bottle topped up with water and spray on the inside of wardrobe doors, back of the wardrobe and on any shelving.
Also pop a cotton wool ball in a small muslin bag with 15 drops of peppermint oil on as a moth repelling wardrobe freshener.
If you love the idea of using essential oils to not only repel bugs but also scent your home, then head over to discover Best Smelling Essential Oils For Your Home to discover some of my favorites!
Silverfish
Damp areas are a favorite hangout for silverfish. They can often make their way into your home in laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
How do I use peppermint oil to repel silverfish?
To use peppermint oil as a silverfish repellent, combine 30 drops of peppermint oil with 1 cup of water. Add the solution to a spray bottle and spray it on areas where silverfish frequent.
Slugs
Slugs usually find themselves in your home more by accident than on purpose.
With the high acidity levels in peppermint oil, one of its best uses is to repel slugs.
Combine 5 drops of peppermint oil with 1 cup of water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it on your plants, where they will absorb it through their leaves.
You can also plant some mint outside in your garden if you find slugs are scoffing your garden goodies!
For more information on using essential oils in your garden, head over to Can I Use Essential Oils For Plants? When, How, Why
Snails
Much like slugs, snails usually happen across your home by mistake. So peppermint oil for snails can also be helpful.
Combine 5 drops of peppermint oil with 1 liter of water, and pour the solution into a spray bottle to use on your plants.
Be sure to avoid sensitive flowers and grasses, as peppermint oil may burn their leaves.
Spiders
Spiders will be particularly attracted to your when the weather outside begins to get colder. They seek warmth, and who would blame them.
To deter spiders, start a regime before the cooler evenings arrive.
Combine peppermint oil with lavender, rosemary, or thyme oils to make a spider repelling spray that is 100% natural. Simply mix 5-6 drops of each into a 250ml spray bottle of warm water and shake well. You can use a larger 500ml bottle if you’d prefer.
Spray this repellant in places where spiders are likely to gather, such as doorways, hallways, window ledges, around roof gutters. Repeat every few days or when needed.
Discover more ways to use Lavender and Rosemary and pop over to my other helpful articles! From diffuser recipes, bath and massage blends, room sprays and more!
Squash bugs
Squash bugs are not nice. So keep your plants maintained and regularly watered to discourage these bugs, but if they do arrive then the strong scent of peppermint oil might well keep them at bay.
It’s also a natural substance that will not harm the plant if diluted.
Stink bugs
Oh my, stink bugs, the worst of the worst. They might be called stink bugs, but at least you can get rid of them with peppermint oil.
Pour 100mL peppermint oil into a glass container and cover it with plastic wrap so that the vapors can permeate. you can also add some crushed peppermint leaves too if you have some growing in your garden.
Place this in areas where you’ve seen the bugs gathered together and leave overnight. Repeat for a few nights or top up when needed to keep up your home’s defenses.
Head lice
Head lice can be a constant battle especially if you have young children! These irritating little bugs are not only extremely uncomfortable, but they can also make you feel quite unwell if there is a particularly bad infestation.
Peppermint oil mixed with tea tree oil is a great natural remedy for removing lice and their eggs.
How can I repel head lice with peppermint oil?
Mix 15 drops each of peppermint oil and tea tree, then add to a 4oz spray bottle topped up with boiled and cooled water or witch hazel.
Mix thoroughly and apply to dry hair morning and evening combing through with a specialized nit comb.
You can also add 5 drops each of peppermint and tea tree to a tablespoon of hair conditioner and leave on for 15 minutes before combing through.
I often like to add both 8 drops of peppermint oil, 8 drops of tea tree, and 6 drops of citronella to 100mL of boiled and cooled water added to a diffuser whilst de-nitting!
To find out more about using diffusers, check out my other article to find out what oils to use, how many drops, and other helpful hints! How To Use. Diffuser, Sizes, Drops: A Guide or you feel like you want to relax after all that nit combing! Then try Relaxing Diffuser Blends, 17 Of The Best
And finally…
So there you have my list of animals, insects, and other creepy crawls that are repelled by peppermint oil!
As a pesticide, the primary active ingredient, menthol, has biocidal properties and is effective at controlling mites, mosquito larvae, and various other pests.
Peppermint oil is an effective antimicrobial. Because of its history as a flavoring agent, peppermint and peppermint are considered safe when used properly.
For more ways to harness the power of peppermint oil in diffusers, for helping with coughs and sneezes, and to discover peppermint oil mixes well with’ head over to my other helpful article!
