Avoid Cockroaches With Peppermint Oil
No one wants large pests in their home, but you may not be thrilled with the use of harsh chemicals in your home as a defense against them. Fortunately, there are all sorts of home remedies available to protect your home from pests , and essential oils play a big role. Particularly if you want to keep cockroaches away, a little peppermint oil is surprisingly effective.
A mixture of peppermint oil and white vinegar is a reliable repellant for several pests, especially spiders . But research from the University of Auburn shows that the mixture is good for the most annoying pests: the dreaded roach.
To make your own cockroach spray, Brittney Morgan of Apartment Therapy recommends dripping 10 drops of peppermint oil into a spray bottle mixed with two parts water and one part white vinegar. Spray them on cabinets, under the sink, in the bathroom, and anywhere cockroaches might want to hang out. You can also use peppermint oil to wipe down countertops. It will not only scare away pests, but it will also smell good.
However, keep in mind that this will not actually kill the cockroaches – it will simply prevent them from colonizing a specific area. If you have a serious infestation, you need to ask the pest control officer to take care of them first and then use this spray to keep them from coming back.
This story was originally published on 9/13/16 and updated on 9/19/19 to provide more complete and up-to-date information.