Make Your Own Peppermint Oil Pest Deterrent

We’re full swing into spring now and that means planting, mowing and home improvements, oh my! Spring also means we’re back to dealing with pesky pests that can make our home and backyard oasis a burden.

A few years ago my spouse and I got backyard chickens. We built the coop, dug protective fencing all around it and lovingly placed 4 chicks into their new enclosure. Fast forward to a few weeks later and we noticed that not only did we have happy hens, we had happy mice, too. With our neighbors’ outdoor (and very spoiled) cats aging and less active, we were soon overrun.

So we turned to peppermint oil spray to deter them and at first I was skeptical. How can something as simple as essential oil keep mice and other bugs at bay? I did my research, tried it and am now on the peppermint oil bus permanently!

Here’s how I did it.

How to Make Peppermint Oil Deterrent Spray

This simple spray will help you keep bugs, mice and other pests away naturally and without harsh chemicals. Give it a try!

Here’s what you need:

Peppermint essential oil – we carry this at the shop, so stop on in!

Water

Spray bottle

Optional add ins:

Dish soap

Clove oil (do not use around pets as clove is toxic to pets)

Here’s what you do:

Label the spray bottle. Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil to the bottle and about 1 cup of water. To make it stronger, add 2 drops of clove oil and a few drops of dish soap. Add the spray nozzle and shake it well.

If using indoors: First, test a small area out of sight to make sure that the mixture doesn’t stain your walls or carpet. Then, spray the affected area at least twice a day for one to two weeks. After that, you can spray once a day or once every few days to keep the area bug/pest free.

If using outdoors: Spray the area twice a day for 2 weeks. If it rains, spray as soon as the rain stops. You may have to continue spraying twice a day until you notice that the pests are gone. Then continue to spray every few days to keep them away.

Make Your OWN Peppermint Essential Oil

To make peppermint essential oil properly, you need a steam distillation apparatus. BUT, there is a simple way to make the oil if you’re just using it for pest deterrents and NOT for your skin or other types of human consumption.

Here’s what you need:

Mason jar or a jar with a tight lid

Peppermint leaves

Olive or grapeseed oil

Here’s what you do:

Label the mason jar. Crush or muddle the peppermint leaves in the glass jar. Cover them with olive or grapeseed oil. Close the jar and shake. Store for 3 days. Strain into a bowl and discard the leaves. Pack the jar with fresh leaves, pour the same oil you just strained out back into the jar and cover with fresh oil. Repeat this until you have the desired amount.

We Have Peppermint Oil!

At Wholly Holistic, we have dozens of essential oils in stock, including peppermint! We’re happy to help you meet your home, garden and health goals. Stop in, call or message us today to ask all your questions and to schedule a health coaching appointment with one of our certified practitioners.

See you at the shop!