The sight of a cockroach in your home during the day can be panic-inducing. Cockroaches are nocturnal, and you’ll most likely see them on their quest to find food at night. However, if you spot one during the day, chances are that you have a serious roach problem.
So how do you discourage cockroaches from coming into your home? One roach repellent and killer for the DIYer is to use peppermint oil.
Peppermint oil can be an effective way to repel cockroaches. Keep reading to learn how to use peppermint oil for roaches.
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What Should You Do If You See A Cockroach?
If you see a cockroach, the first step is to assess the situation. Then, you can work on getting rid of the pests and preventing more from coming in.
Roaches breed and multiply very fast; just a few cockroaches in your home can become many fast. For this reason, you must do everything possible to eliminate them.
While there are many effective natural methods to get rid of roaches, using peppermint essential oils is one of the best and easiest ways to repel and kill different types of cockroaches, including American cockroaches and German cockroaches.
Will Peppermint Oil Repel Cockroaches in Your Home?
Yes, peppermint oil repels roaches.
In fact, peppermint oil is particularly potent when it comes to repelling roaches. You only need to use a little of this peppermint oil repellent since it has a strong smell.
When cockroaches come into contact with the oil or simply start to smell it, they will be deterred. They don’t like the smell and, thus, will try their best to avoid it. This means that a tiny amount of peppermint essential oil can cover a large area.
You can also use this mixture to repel other pests, including spiders.
Can Peppermint Oil Kill Roaches?
Yes, peppermint oil can kill roaches.
According to the National Library of Medicine, peppermint essential oil can cause serious medical conditions in humans, including renal failure, if consumed in large doses.
Just like it can be toxic to humans and animals, peppermint oil can also kill roaches, even in small amounts. That’s why it’s a suitable natural solution for killing American cockroaches and German cockroaches.
The strong scent makes peppermint oil repel roaches, and those that don’t run away will eventually be killed by it.
What Makes Mint Oil Toxic To Roaches?
The compound menthone, contained in peppermint, makes mint oil toxic to roaches. Menthone is the active component that makes peppermint oil a roach killer. It’s also the compound that gives this essential oil its mint aroma.
Usually, roaches are too quick to be harmed by brief exposure. Therefore, killing a roach will take more physical contact than using a spray bottle. In addition, peppermint oil isn’t toxic enough to eliminate a huge roach infestation.
Preparing A Home Peppermint Oil Spray
The best way to repel roaches is to use a peppermint oil spray. Fortunately, making your peppermint oil spray is easy.
You’ll need a bottle of peppermint oil and water, or Listerine, and a spray bottle.
Peppermint Oil and Water
Mix about 10-15 drops of peppermint oil with water to make your peppermint oil repellent. You can also add white vinegar to the mixture. If using vinegar, use one part white vinegar to two parts water.
Peppermint Essential Oils and Listerine
Listerine contains menthol that effectively kills roaches. To create an effective essential oils solution, mix one cup of Listerine with one cup of water and add five drops of peppermint oil.
Add your mighty mint roach repellent to a spray bottle and spray in the affected areas of your home.
How to Use Peppermint Spray
Once you mix peppermint oil, it’s essential to know how to use it. Simply using the mint oil spray around your home isn’t practical.
Before using your peppermint oil solution to repel roaches, identify the most commonly affected areas in your home.
Common Cockroach Hiding Areas
- Behind and around cupboards
- Bathroom corners
- Behind refrigerators
- Drain openings
- Under the sink
- Furniture
- Dark corners
- Cracks in your wall
- Attics
- Toilet bowls
Ways To Use Essential Oils To Get Rid of Roaches
There are several different ways to use oils to go about killing roaches. The method you end up going with will depend on your situation.
Use a Spray Bottle
Put your peppermint oil mixture in your spray bottle and spray it in the affected areas. Repeat this several times to eliminate the roach invasion.
This is a simple but effective solution. It allows you to target specific areas quickly and easily.
Use Cotton Balls
Place cotton balls in the peppermint oil mixture and allow them to absorb the solution. Next, place the cotton balls in the affected areas.
Because peppermint oil can wear off quickly, add a few drops of the solution every night to repel roaches. Since the smell is what makes peppermint oil repel roaches, it’s important to keep it constant.
While peppermint oil is effective and can help repel roaches, you need to use it multiple times. Don’t stop using peppermint for roaches until you go a few days without seeing a roach.
Can Peppermint For Roaches Kill The Eggs?
Yes, peppermint oil can kill eggs if you spray it directly on the eggs and nymphs. Although peppermint oil is a cockroach repellent, it may not be effective in killing the eggs if you simply spritz the solution around your home.
Instead, you’ll have to spray the peppermint oil directly on the eggs and nymphs.
As you plan to eliminate the roaches in your home, you should not forget to kill the cockroach eggs. If not eliminated, the roaches will continue to multiply, and soon you’ll have a roach colony.
Where Do Roaches Lay Their Eggs?
Usually, cockroaches lay their eggs in areas where they get their food. Therefore, while roaches will hide in different areas of your home, you’ll only find their eggs and nymphs under the sink, near food mess, and in cabinets.
Ways to Kill Roach Eggs
After you locate the cockroach eggs, spray the peppermint oil for roaches directly on them.
You can also kill the eggs by:
- Crushing them
- Soaking them in boiling water for 20 minutes
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth
Be Careful When Using Peppermint Oil For Roaches
Pure peppermint essential oil has several health benefits, including curing bloating, indigestion, stomach pains, and many others.
However, peppermint oil isn’t safe for pets and children below eight years. Therefore, when using peppermint oil for roaches, ensure your children and pets aren’t around.
Common Mint Oil Side Effects
Some side effects make peppermint oil dangerous even to adults. Here are some side effects caused by using peppermint oil:
- Diarrhea
- Allergic reactions
- Headache
- Skin rash after contact
- Skin irritation
- Heartburn
- Renal failure when overused
If you’re prone to these side effects, ensure that you wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, a mask, and goggles while spraying mint oil around your home.
Be Cautious Where You Spray The Peppermint Oil Solution
Apart from wearing and using PPE, be careful where you spray the mint oil.
- Don’t spray essential oils on fabric or wood that can get damaged by oil or water.
- Avoid spraying mint oil on electronics and electric outlets.
- Don’t spray peppermint oil on the floor where you’ll walk, as it might get slippery.
Let Peppermint Oil Repel Roaches in Your Home
Cockroaches are common pests that often invade our most intimate spaces. To get rid of them, consider using peppermint oil for roaches. With its strong smell that makes peppermint oil repel roaches and menthone which can kill cockroaches, this natural insect repellent is a great addition to your pest control arsenal.
Peppermint oil is an effective alternative to expensive chemical products that can help you repel and kill roaches.