The other day I woke up in the morning and my eyes were a bit blurry from sleeping but when I cleared my eyes a bit I saw something in the corner of the room on the floor jolt across the room. I wasn’t quite sure what I saw or if it was just a figment of my imagination, it seemed like a massive bug. I thought there’s no way that’s in my home, let alone my bedroom.
I slowly got out of bed and saw this thing scatter across the room out of the corner of my eye. It looked as big as a roach! I was freaked out.. what is this massive bug doing in my room and HOW did it get in here! I waited for it to come out from behind the closet and smashed it and it kept running.. it felt like a scene straight out of the terminator.
Finally with a lot of smashes and chasing I killed this massive bug that was a good 1.5 inches long or so. Absolutely massive. I don’t ever want to see something like that in my home again personally. This led me down a bit of a rabbit hole as to find how I can successfully keep bugs, critters, lice, mice and anything else out of my home WITHOUT chemicals, 100% naturally.
Thankfully the internet is a rich resource of many of these things and I found a few ideas that were valuable but one in particular that seemed like the BEST universal solution to keep bugs, critters and rodents out of the home. A good thing to begin to implement as spring and summer approach and all these things come back to life.
So if you’re looking for a natural way to keep insects away from your home without using chemical bug sprays or store-bought insect repellents, you’ve come to the right place!
Peppermint might be the answer you’re looking for. Not only do insects hate the smell of peppermint, but it’s also been shown to effectively repel a wide range of pests. With just a few easy steps, you can make your own peppermint-based solutions to keep your home free of bugs.
Why Use Peppermint To Repel Bugs, Insects & Rodents?
Most insects find peppermint unbearable due to its strong scent. Stick bugs even emit a milky substance with a peppermint scent to protect themselves from predators. Peppermint has been proven to repel a wide range of pests including beetles, caterpillars, fleas, flies, lice, mice, moths, roaches, and more, making it an effective natural insect repellent.
The Science Behind Peppermint as a Repellent
In 2001, Auburn University researchers conducted a study to test the effects of mint oil on two common species of cockroaches, American roaches, and German roaches. The results were surprising and promising for homeowners seeking a natural and safe way to repel cockroaches. Throughout the 14-day experiment, the mint oil effectively repelled 100% of the roaches, a significant finding. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that applying peppermint oil to the skin can provide protection against mosquito bites for up to 150 minutes.
Use Peppermint At Home (How To)
To keep spiders, ants, mosquitoes, and other insects at bay, you can try using 100% pure peppermint oil, which is readily available at your local health or grocery store. Here are some simple steps to make the most of peppermint’s bug-repelling properties:
- Apply a few drops of peppermint oil onto a cotton ball and place it in areas where insects are often seen, such as window sills or near doors.
- Make a peppermint spray by mixing 5 to 10 drops of peppermint essential oil per ounce of hot water in a spray bottle. Use this mixture to spray down countertops, furniture, curtains, blinds, and hard-to-reach areas. It’s important to test the solution on a small area first to ensure that the oil won’t damage the surfaces you want to spray.
- For outdoor use, apply the mixture directly to your skin, but test it on a small patch of skin first to ensure that it won’t cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
DIY Peppermint Insect Repellent
To create a natural and easy-to-make peppermint solution, follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 16 oz. of water
Instructions:
- Mix 10 drops of peppermint essential oil with 16 oz. of water.
- Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture on countertops, furniture, blinds, and any other areas where insects are present.
To use peppermint oil safely for indoor bug control, it’s important to take the following precautions:
- Dilute the oil: Always dilute peppermint oil with water or a carrier oil before using it as an insect repellent. The recommended ratio is to mix 10-15 drops of peppermint oil with 1 cup of water or carrier oil. This will help reduce the risk of adverse effects on pets.
- Use sparingly: Avoid spraying the diluted peppermint oil solution excessively or in areas where your pets frequently play, sleep, or eat. Focus on targeted areas where pests are likely to congregate, such as near doors, windows, and in corners.
- Store safely: Keep peppermint oil and any mixtures containing it out of reach of pets. Ensure that the containers are tightly sealed to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.
- Observe your pets: Monitor your pets closely for any signs of adverse reactions after using peppermint oil for bug control. If you notice any unusual symptoms or behaviors, immediately discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.
While peppermint oil can be an effective and natural solution for indoor bug control, it’s essential to prioritize the safety of your pets. By taking the necessary precautions, you can minimize the risks and keep your home free of both pests and potential hazards to your furry companions.
Health Concerns with Conventional Insect Repellents
Conventional insect repellents commonly contain DEET, a chemical linked to memory loss and other behavioral changes in rats, as well as eight reported deaths from ingestion or topical application. By choosing natural alternatives like peppermint oil, you can effectively repel insects without exposing yourself or your family to potentially harmful chemicals.
Peppermint oil is a popular natural remedy for indoor pest control as it repels a variety of insects including spiders, fleas, flies, lice, and moths. Its strong scent and natural insect-repellent properties make it an attractive alternative to chemical pesticides. However, using peppermint oil for bug control indoors requires consideration of safety concerns, particularly with pets.
Although generally safe for humans, peppermint oil can pose risks to pets, particularly cats and dogs. Cats have a unique liver metabolism that makes them more susceptible to toxicity from essential oils, and ingesting or prolonged exposure to peppermint oil can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and even tremors or seizures in severe cases. While not as sensitive as cats, dogs can also experience similar symptoms if they ingest or come into contact with high concentrations of peppermint oil. It is essential to consider the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your pets when using peppermint oil for indoor bug control.
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