Do Roaches Hate Peppermint? – Depends!

Do roaches hate the peppermint oil scent?

Yes, they do!

But there’s more than that.

Roaches are one of the most annoying insects inside your home.

And to repel them or to make them get out of your home, there’s a lot of effort that people put in.

Using chemicals, fumigation, and even spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on professional exterminators.

However, it is also true that some chemicals that are used for treating cockroach infestation are not safe for pets and humans.

But what if you can repel roaches naturally when you don’t have a severe infestation?

You guessed it right! I am talking about peppermint oil.

Peppermint oil is one of the most commonly used natural roach repellents, which works by masking the scents for these nasty insects that lead them to food resources.

Therefore, we’ll discuss peppermint oil’s natural benefits for repelling and killing roaches.

So, without any further ado, let’s begin.

Does Peppermint Oil Repel Roaches?

Yes, peppermint oil repels roaches inside your home.

Let me explain:

The peppermint oil has a sharp, calm, and refreshing scent. And cockroaches hate strong scents like peppermint oil scent.

That means it doesn’t matter whether it’s peppermint oil or any other strong scent. They are going to get away from it.

In simple words, cockroaches cannot tolerate strong smells.

And it is how you can use the strong scents from oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint oils to make cockroaches escape your house.

Does Peppermint Oil Kill Roaches?

Repelling and killing are two different words with their respective meaning.

However, peppermint oil is quite effective in killing cockroaches as well.

That means peppermint oil can be helpful in not only repelling roaches but also killing them.

A study by the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University showed that when some cockroach species were fumigated with 50 µl of 100% peppermint oil, they experienced knockdown.

Knockdown means temporary incapacitation of the insects.

This knockdown these insects experienced was within 7.4 and 9.2 hours, respectively. And after 24 hours, 100% of both the species were killed.

Therefore, this suggests that peppermint oil can be a very effective method for controlling cockroaches inside the home and even completely vanishing cockroach infestation to some extent.

Do Essential Oils for Cockroaches Work?

Many of you might be wondering whether essential oils ‘actually’ work for cockroaches.

And the answer is yes! They work.

Apart from peppermint oil, many essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, cedar, etc., are also beneficial for repelling cockroaches.

You can read a detailed guide here to know how you can repel roaches with eucalyptus oil.

Further, many prefer the natural method and not using harsh chemicals to control cockroaches and insects.

And it is where the essential oils come into play.

Even a study found that essential oils such as oregano and peppermint oil are pretty toxic to some species of roaches.

Therefore, using essential oils is fantastic if you also looking for a natural method to repel roaches from your house.

How To Make Peppermint Oil Spray For Roaches? 3 Step Guide

As you know how many essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus can be powerful enough to repel roaches and even kill them to some extent, we can discuss how you can make a spray to control these nasty insects inside your home.

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to use peppermint oil to get rid of roaches inside the home:

Step 1: Requirements For Making Peppermint Oil Spray

The first step is to gather the preparatory materials. You must get a bottle of high-quality peppermint oil from the food or retail store.  

Also, purchase a spray bottle and get some water.

Step 2: Mixing And Making Solution

Once you have all the necessary materials to make, peppermint oil spray.

Start with diluting the peppermint oil with water in the spray bottle. Use a ratio of about ten drops of peppermint oil per cup of water.

Shake the solution to mix it well and make it ready.

Step 3: Spray!

Now, it is time to spray the solution that you’ve prepared. Spray it in the focus areas such as cracks, crevices, under appliances, and around the windows and doors.

Spray it well in those areas where you have seen roaches more often.

However, one thing that most people often forget is to re-apply. Make sure to re-apply the prepared solution in the areas where cockroaches appear every few days or as needed.

It is required to make the solution more effective.

Pro Tip: To make the peppermint spray more effective in repelling roaches, try applying it at night. This is because, during the night, cockroaches are the most active.

Pro Tip+: Once you have spread the peppermint spray, do not forget to fill the cracks, crevices, and holes where cockroaches are most likely to come and use as pathways.

Some Other Peppermint Spray for Roaches Control

Not only with water, but you can even mix peppermint oil with many other solutions to get a mix, which is helpful in repelling cockroaches.

You can use peppermint oil with vinegar, water, and more. Here are some solutions that you can make to use:

1. Peppermint Oil With Water

It is one of the most common solutions you can prepare to use in your home. The natural method involves using 10 to 15 drops of peppermint oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle.

Shaking the solution and then spraying it on the areas where cracks, crevices, and roaches accumulate.

It is a suitable method to eliminate cockroaches if you have a minimal infestation.

2. Peppermint Oil With Vinegar

Another standard solution for repelling roaches is to use vinegar with peppermint oil.

In this method, you use four parts white vinegar and one cup of water in a spray bottle. Again, shaking well to mix the solution properly and using it in the focus areas of cockroaches will make it more effective.

3. Peppermint Oil With Listerine

Although this method is quite unusual, it may work in some cases.

You use one part of peppermint oil with two parts of Listerine (mouthwash) and one cup of water.

Put it all together in a spray bottle and mix it well.

Then spray on the areas where you find the roaches often.

Pro Tip: A good rule of thumb is first to test the peppermint spray on a small area, as some surfaces may be sensitive to the ingredients. After testing, you will be more comfortable in using it extensively.

How Does Peppermint Oil Repel Roaches?

You must be aware of the potent smell of peppermint.

Even though it is a refreshing fragrance for us, cockroaches hate peppermint odor. Cockroaches hate any strong smell.

However, a study showed that the impact of mint oil can repel up to 100% of cockroaches. And that is a significant number.

Above that, it is good news for those who don’t want to use the chemicals or are not ready to call a professional local pest control service yet.

Therefore, peppermint oil becomes a relatively easy method to eliminate cockroaches.

Moreover, the fragrance of peppermint oil makes the surroundings even more better.

How to Use Essential Oils for Roaches: 2 Methods

You can use essential oils to repel cockraoches in multiple methods.

Now, let’s discuss two of the most effective methods to use essential oils to eliminate cockroaches.

Method 1: Spray Bottle

One of the best methods to use essential oils is by putting them into the spray bottle.

These bottles are readily available and can be used to spray the solution that you have prepared.

And the best part is that you can spray the solution on a wide affected area of cockroaches with it.

It doesn’t matter whether cockroaches hide behind closets, under the furniture, in corners, or around pipes. The spray bottle will quickly help you to make the solution reach these areas where hands cannot.

Method 2: Cotton Balls

Another easy method with which you can use essential oils to repel roaches is by cotton balls.

To do so, prepare the mixture solution, and once prepared, place a few cotton balls in a bowl and make it absorb the liquid. You can even leave the balls for a while.

Once the balls have absorbed the mixture solution, you can place the cotton balls where cockroaches are more likely to appear.

However, to make this method more effective, add a few drops of the prepared solution every night to keep repelling and killing those nasty insects.

What Makes Peppermint Oil Toxic to Insects?

The compound menthone, like menthol, is believed to be the reason for cockroach repelling and killing.

Even the compound gives mint oil the “minty” aroma, and it is even present in the oils of most normal mint plants.

However, you also need to understand that peppermint oil can directly not kill every roach present in your house.

Instead, with regular exposure, you can prevent a severe infestation and even kill a few roaches.

But if your house already has a heavy infestation of cockroaches, you might want help from a professional exterminator.  

How to Mix Peppermint Oil for Roaches?

As mentioned earlier, the active ingredient believed to be the reason for repelling cockroaches is menthone.

It is easily found in other mint essential oils.

However, you must use a decent peppermint oil and water ratio to make a good spray mix. Some people prefer mixing other ingredients, such as vinegar, etc.

But to make an excellent and effective peppermint oil spray, you can use a spray bottle.

Then, put 15 drops of essential oil after filling the bottle with water up to the top.

How Long Does It Take Peppermint Oil To Kill a Roach?

For severe cockroach infestation in homes, peppermint oil alone may not kill and vanish all the roaches in your home.

However, there are a few roaches here, and it may take around 6 to 24 hours to repel roaches or even to kill a few.

Moreover, you can also increase the effectiveness of peppermint oil to eliminate roaches by using it at night.

This is because cockroaches are nocturnal insects and are most active at night.

Where Can You Use Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint oil is potent in repelling bugs and cockroaches.

Therefore, you can use it with a focus on the spots where you have often spotted the bugs.

For example, it can be anywhere in your house, whether in corners, under the furniture, or behind appliances, and do not forget to check for cracks and crevices.

How Often Should I Apply Peppermint Oil Solutions For Roach Control?

To kill roaches, it is the peppermint oil’s fragrance that works. Even though there is no clear rule, a good rule of thumb is to use peppermint oil frequently so that the fragrance doesn’t wear off.

Therefore, you can use it before bed every night to avoid roaches.

Another easy method is to check for the fragrance, and if you cannot get the scent of peppermint oil, then you should re-apply the prepared solution.

Benefits Of Using Peppermint Oil For Cockroaches

One of the significant benefits is that you will keep cockroaches away from your house.

However, apart from this, there are many other benefits too.

And to point out a few, here are some:

1. Safe For Humans And Pets

One primary concern when using chemical repellents is whether it is safe for humans and pets.

However, when you use at home peppermint oil or other essential oils as a natural repellent, safety shouldn’t be a concern.

Peppermint oil is a natural and non-toxic substance that can easily repel roaches. It is derived from peppermint oil, so it is safe for humans and pets.

And it is why peppermint oil has become one of the great alternatives for commercial roach repellents.

However, even though peppermint oil is comparatively safe, once you prepare the spray mixture by adding other material (such as vinegar, baking soda, etc.), you should still try to keep it away from children, pets, and food in the kitchen.

2. Affordable

Another significant benefit of peppermint oil is that it is very inexpensive than the other roach repellents in the market.

The chemical roach repellents available in the market are quite expensive and even put pressure on your budget.

However, when you opt for natural methods such as peppermint oil for controlling cockroaches in your house, then it costs relatively low.

3. Environment Friendly

Even though this might be your last preference, when you use natural cockroach repellents such as eucalyptus or peppermint oil, it is ultimately a natural way to do so, which is also environmentally friendly.

On the other hand, when you use commercial products that contain harmful chemicals, that may also harm the different forms of wildlife.

Peppermint oil is biodegradable and will not harm the environment when used in small amounts.

Application Tips for Peppermint Oil Solutions

Now, we are heading towards the end of this guide.

But before we finish it, here are some pro tips to help you get the most out of peppermint oil spray to repel cockroaches in your house.

1. Spray frequently. Depending on how severe the roach infestation your house is, you must spray frequently to make it more effective.
2. Use other ingredients. Even though peppermint oil is quite strong, if you do not want to take any chance on the cockroaches, you can add other ingredients, such as vinegar, etc., to make the spray more powerful.
3. Apply the mixture at night. Cockroaches are nocturnal insects and are primarily active in the nighttime. Therefore, applying peppermint oil spray during the night will increase the effectiveness of the spray.

FAQs About Roach Control With Peppermint Oil

The Verdict: Will Peppermint Oil Repel Roaches in Your Home?

Cockroaches hate peppermint essential oil. Instead, they hate any strong smell coming their way.

Therefore, you can use this natural peppermint oil repellent, which is environment-friendly, safe for pets and humans, and easy to use and apply.

However, remember that this DIY method works for minimal-level cockroach infestation.

And if you have a severe roach problem, you might have to get help from a professional exterminator.