Does Peppermint Oil Repel Mice and Other Pests?
Can peppermint oil be used to repel mice?
Peppermint oil produces a scent that mice do not like and makes them stay away. Many people will use peppermint oil throughout their house to try to keep it mice-free. Mice are pesky household critters that can devastate the home interior and gnaw through some favorite snacks hidden in the pantry. For a species that relies on a strong sense of smell over its weak vision, mice find the potent menthol aroma of peppermint oil to be offensive and irritating to their nasal cavities. Results are commonly affected by formulation, concentration, and frequency of peppermint oil use. For example, peppermint oil shows more success when applied daily and in high doses. However, high concentrations of peppermint oil have shown side effects like skin and throat irritation in people. So, be sure to take precautions when using peppermint oil in your home. For a greater likelihood of successful mouse control, contact an Orkin Pro.
Does peppermint oil repel bed bugs?
Peppermint oil can repel and may also kill bed bugs if the oil is sprayed directly on the bugs. In other words, peppermint oil is a natural bed bug contact insecticide, but as time goes by items previously sprayed with peppermint oil do not impact the bed bugs. Therefore, to obtain the most effective, residual, and efficient bed bug control service, contact an Orkin Pro.
How to Use Peppermint Oil for Pests and Rodents
To make a peppermint oil spray, you need pure peppermint oil, water, and dish detergent.
Mix two teaspoons of peppermint essential oil with 1 cup of water and add 3 to 5 drops of detergent. Shake the bottle to mix the solution. Spray the solution in problem areas where you have seen mice activity. You can also wet a few cotton balls with peppermint oil and leave them inside cabinets or in crawl spaces. The smell of peppermint should drive the mice away and lead them to the locations where mouse traps are set.
To use peppermint oil spray for other pests, follow the same methods to make a peppermint oil spray and spray the solution on the pests. If pests reoccur, reapply the peppermint oil spray directly onto the pests and where the pests are observed.
What pests do peppermint oil repel?
Peppermint oil can be used as an environmentally friendly solution for pests but may not be a permanent solution. Contact your local pest control professional to identify the pests and provide the best treatment solution to effectively remove the pests from your home or business.