We Asked Pest Pros If Peppermint Oil Keeps Bugs Out—And Their Answer Surprised Us

Peppermint oil is often recommended as a natural DIY pest repellent. But is this hack actually worth the hype?

We ask pest professionals when using peppermint oil to repel bugs can be effective and how it can be properly integrated into your pest management strategy.

Is Peppermint Oil an Effective Pest Repellent?

Scientific studies have shown that peppermint oil can be an effective bug repellent, but not without limitations. Kait Chapman, entomology educator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, says that it may work well as part of an integrated pest management strategy (IPM), but not as a standalone tactic.

“It’s important to take into consideration many things that influence its effectiveness, including the formulation, concentration, how it’s applied, and what specific insects or arthropods you’re hoping it repels,” Chapman says.

Research suggests that peppermint oil can effectively repel some species of mosquitoes. However, according to Chapman, its longevity is limited to 2 to 3 hours, and it’s not as effective as active ingredients like DEET or picardin.

“There’s also evidence to suggest that peppermint oil can repel certain species of ants, spiders, [aphids,] and cockroaches, though most of these research studies happen in a laboratory with mixed results,” she says. “It’s more practical for indoor use due to its volatility and susceptibility to breaking down outside.”

Peppermint oil is a repellent only helpful for keeping pests at bay. As pest control expert Anthony Miscia explains, if you already have a large inside infestation you will need to use other control methods to get rid of the bugs in your home or yard.

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How to Use Peppermint Oil to Repel Bugs

There are commercial liquid and granular natural bug repellents containing peppermint oil, but you can try making your own solution; combine 10 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 cup of water. Adding a few drops of dish soap will help the oil mix better with the water.

The frequency of the application and the concentration of the peppermint oil solution are important. If you’re using it outdoors, an overly strong solution can damage the plants you’re applying it to. 

“You run the risk of the oil becoming phytotoxic to the plants,” says Miscia.

He explains that the sun’s heat and the magnifying effect of the oil can rapidly result in leaf scorch. He also points out that the sun’s UV rays quickly biodegrade the oils. This means you may have to apply the solution as frequently as every one to three hours for the repelling effect to remain.

Alternative or Additional Bug Repellent Strategies for Your Home & Yard

Using peppermint oil on its own isn’t usually enough to keep bugs away; using a combination of savvy strategies as part of a pest management plant offers the best chance of success. Landscape management and sanitation also play a large part in keeping bugs away.

Try these steps for keeping bugs at bay:

• Eliminate standing water, which acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Seal cracks with caulk.
• Fit bug screens on doors and windows.
• Clean up crumbs or sugary spills immediately.
• Use sealable tubs for cereals and grains in your pantry.
• Regularly mow your lawn.
• Keep shrubs trimmed back.
• Add a border of mulch or gravel between bushy borders and your manicured lawn.
• Use fans to keep mosquitoes away.
• Grow pest-repelling plants.

While there are EPA-approved synthetic pesticides that you can apply to yards and homes, use them with caution.

“Many of these pesticides may affect non-target organisms like pollinators and should be used as needed while following the label cautions and directions,” Chapman says.

For serious pest infestations, consider contacting a professional pest control company. Miscia emphasizes the importance of regularly carrying out the initial step of any integrated pest management strategy—inspection.

“You need to be able to identify when there is a problem,” he says. “Once you do, recommendations can be made, monitoring can occur, and you can adapt the plan as you go forward.”

Cedarwood Oil

As a natural alternative to peppermint oil, Miscia recommends proven-effective cedarwood oil.

“It has a stronger residual effect and can be used, according to the label, in higher concentrations safely,” he says.

This means you won’t have to reapply it so frequently. Miscia uses a granular solution of cedarwood oil applied to porous limestone that can last as long as 60 days before requiring reapplication.