Yes, spraying diluted peppermint oil around your house is generally okay and effective for deterring pests like spiders, ants, and rodents, but always dilute it with water (and maybe soap) and use caution, especially with pets like cats and dogs, as they are sensitive to strong scents and can get sick from inhaling or ingesting it. Spray sparingly on entry points and keep windows open for ventilation to avoid overpowering smells and potential respiratory irritation for humans, advises Healthline and Poison 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.
Essential oils like peppermint oil can definitely be irritating to the eyes, nose, mouth, throat and lungs and digestive tract. You might see sneezing, wheezing, coughing, labored breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea or drooling. As they say, the solution to pollution is dilution.
Peppermint oil repels a wide variety of common pests, including mosquitoes, ants, spiders, roaches, flies, fleas, moths, and beetles, along with some garden pests like aphids and whiteflies, and even small rodents like mice, due to its strong menthol scent that disrupts their senses. It works best as a deterrent in a spray or diffuser around entry points, but its effectiveness is temporary, requiring frequent reapplication, especially outdoors, says The Spruce and Pestco Professional Services.
Due to its anti-microbial properties, Peppermint oil can also be used as a cleaning solvent to sanitize and deodorize the environment, leaving behind the trail of a fresh, cheerful scent. Not only will it disinfect surfaces, but it will also eliminate bugs in the home and function as an effective insect repellant.
Peppermint oil is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take it if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to peppermint oil, aspirin or any other medicine. have liver disease or gallstones.
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.
Let's break down the pests that are most likely to avoid peppermint oil:
Hydrogen peroxide: Add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Spray it over your porch, patio or pergola. Make sure to spray the perimeter of your outdoor living space, as well — that will prevent bugs from getting close to you and anyone else.
Keeps bugs and small rodents away... mice are horrible! But Peppermint oil on dryer sheets in your car, and putting the oil along window and door frames keeps them out! You can also just plant peppermint plants too if you don't like the oil.
Peppermint oil has been safely used in multiple clinical trials. Possible side effects of peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth. Rarely, peppermint oil can cause allergic reactions.
When inhaled or used on your skin, peppermint oil may help soothe headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain. Skin issues. Peppermint oil can calm and soothe skin because of menthol's cooling effect.
A few of her favorites include Peppermint, Lavender, and Lemon. “These are cleansing oils, and can be diffused in your home to help cleanse the air, and promote clear breathing and healthy respiratory functions,” she explains. Eucalyptus supports the respiratory system, and helps to maintain clear airways.
Debris, clutter, trash, and dirt each scream out "food" and "shelter" to mice, who possess a keen sense of smell and taste. Cleanliness is crucial. The fix: Tidy up regularly. Seal up trash bags, reduce or remove clutter, and thoroughly clean thrifted items, including clothing and furniture.
Cautions with other medicines
These include: antacids like Gaviscon (alginic acid) or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or lansoprazole. H2 blockers such as nizatidine or famotidine.
Combine water and peppermint oil in a spray bottle. Shake bottle before use and spray the solution around entry spots such as windowsills and door frames, or places where insects may hide. The strong odor acts as a repellent.
Spectracide Bug Stop Home Barrier kills on contact to provide indoor plus outdoor insect control. This non-staining, no-odor spray gives up to 12 months of control for cockroaches on non-porous surfaces, and also kills ants, spiders, fleas, ticks, crickets, earwigs, silverfish, stink bugs and other listed insects.
Around windows are some of the best places to use WD-40 to keep bugs away, and all it needs is a thin layer. Spraying it inside the frame deters bugs from trying to slip through and it keeps your window well lubricated, whether it's a slide-up, casement, bay, etc.
How to Keep Flies Away Safely and Naturally
Due to the rodents natural sensory systems Rats are highly sensitive animals that can be deterred by even the slightest potent scent. Like many essential oils, peppermint not only contains an extremely powerful aroma, but also a distinct freshness that rats in particular tend to despise.
Quick answer from Dr. Julie Buzby. Peppermint essential oils or extracts—Exposure to small amounts of diluted peppermint oil may not be a problem for healthy dogs. But it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, respiratory problems, and ulcers in the mouth in the undiluted form or in high amounts.
Peppermint oil can not only help your home sparkle, but leave it smelling fresh. Use a diffuser to fill your home with peppermint's clear aroma, or try one of the methods below: Add 20 drops of peppermint essential oil to a spray bottle of water and use it to mist rooms, leaving its clean, energising scent in its wake.
Serious side effects
Leaking appliances, plumbing issues, and rooms with excessive moisture provide rats with the water they need to survive; be sure to repair appliances, sinks, and other plumbing problems right away and run dehumidifiers in high-humidity areas.
How to use peppermint oil