Get 13 Ways Peppermint Essential Oil

EarthKind founder, Kari Warberg Block, tested using peppermint oil for pest control extensively in her farm equipment over a 3 year period. Kari says, “It would work for a couple of weeks, and then just lose its scent.

Peppermint smells strong and is unappealing to rats, but it's completely harmless and chemical-free. To use it very effectively, mix with water and use in a spray bottle to spritz in corners and around entrances to nests or burrows. You can also apply a few drops to a cotton ball and place in affected areas.

Peppermint oil is said to deter rats from entering treated areas. In high concentrations, peppermint oil may exhibit some repellency.

Peppermint oil is said to deter rats from entering treated areas. In high concentrations, peppermint oil may exhibit some repellency.

Peppermint oil should not be used internally or on or near the face in infants and young children because of its potential to cause bronchospasm, tongue spasms, and, possibly, respiratory arrest.

You are supposed to use 100% peppermint oil and either dab it on cotton balls and place them around your home, or use a spray canister and combine two teaspoons of oil for every one cup of water and spray it around where you see the mice.

Then, spray generously on walls, counters and other surfaces where you've seen cockroach activity. This should be enough to deter roaches, at least for a time. As an alternative to peppermint oil spray, you can also wet cotton balls with peppermint oil and water and place them in cupboards, along walls or in closets.

Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use (applied to the skin) for problems like headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching. In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is promoted for treating coughs and colds, reducing pain, improving mental function, and reducing stress.