It’s everyone’s worst nightmare – your kitchen countertop and pantry shelves are overrun with ants. Often, trying to get rid of ants using a store-bought insecticide can seem like a daunting task. But have you considered using peppermint oil to repel ants? It can be an effective and natural solution to controlling any ant infestations – but how long does it last, and what else do you need to know? Read on for everything you need to know about using peppermint oil to control ants in your home.
Does Peppermint Really Repel Ants? 3 Tips + 2 Simple Recipes
Tip 1: Peppermint essential oil and peppermint extract are two very different things.
Peppermint essential oil is made from the leaves and stems of the peppermint plant, while peppermint extract is made from an ethanol base.
Essential oil has a much higher concentration of menthol–the main active ingredient in peppermint–than extract does, so it’s more effective at repelling ants.
Tip 2: Peppermint oil doesn’t kill the ants.
Peppermint oil is indeed effective at repelling ants, but it doesn’t actually kill them. To keep ants away for good, you must identify and remove the source of the infestation.
Tip 3: Pheromone trails need to be obliterated.
Ants use a system of pheromone trails to communicate with each other and find food. This means that even if you’re using peppermint oil to keep them away, the ants will still be drawn back by their old scent trails. To truly get rid of an ant infestation, you need to obliterate the pheromone trails. Try wiping down surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water, or spraying your counters with rubbing alcohol.
Simple Recipe 1: Peppermint Essential Oil Spray
Ingredients:
-1/4 cup water
-20 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Fill a spray bottle with the water.
- Add 20 drops of peppermint essential oil to the bottle.
- Shake well and spray around entryways where ants could enter your home, or anywhere else in the house that you’ve seen ant activity.
Simple Recipe 2: Peppermint Tea Bags
Ingredients:
- 15 peppermint tea bags
Instructions:
- Put 15 peppermint tea bags around areas where ants have been seen entering your home, or around any food sources they may be attracted to.
- Replace the tea bags every few days until the ant activity subsides.
How Long Does Peppermint Oil Repel Ants?
Peppermint oil is a natural insect repellent that can help keep ants away from your home. The effectiveness of peppermint oil for use as an ant repellent varies, but research suggests it can be effective for up to two weeks. When using peppermint oil to repel ants, it’s important to use pure essential oil and not just a commercial product like an air freshener that contains only small amounts of the active ingredient.
For optimal results, apply the peppermint oil directly onto surfaces where you have noticed ant activity or areas where they may enter your home. Reapply the oil every few days or after rain to ensure ongoing protection against ants. In addition to applying peppermint oil topically, you can also diffuse it in your home to keep ants away. Additionally, planting peppermint around the perimeter of your home can help deter ant activity.
While peppermint oil is an effective natural remedy for repelling ants, it’s important to note that it may not provide complete protection against all types of ant species. For more persistent ant infestations, or if you are dealing with a larger area, contact professional pest control services.
What other smells do ants hate or avoid?
Diatomaceous Earth
Ants are averse to some other smells as well. One such smell is diatomaceous earth, which is composed of the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms and is used in gardening and pest control. This powdery substance has sharp edges that can cut through an ant’s exoskeleton, making it an effective insecticide. It also has a strong odor that ants find highly unpleasant and will usually avoid. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around entry points or near food sources may help keep them away from your home.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a strong, spicy aroma that most ants find repellent and will often avoid. Sprinkling cinnamon around the edges of your home or near food sources may help keep them away. Moreover, it won’t harm humans or pets and is a great way to get rid of ants naturally. However, cinnamon can lose its potency over time, so it’s important to apply it regularly if you want the repellent effect to last.
Vinegar
The smell of vinegar is enough to make most ants turn their tail and run. To use as an ant deterrent, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it liberally around entry points and areas of ant activity. Additionally, you can also mix a few drops of essential oil like peppermint or clove to make the smell even more unpleasant for ants.
Mint
Mint has a strong scent that many ants find unpleasant, so using it as an ant repellent may be effective.
You can either plant mint around the perimeter of your home or spray a mix of mint extract and water around entry points. Mint is also safe to use around humans and pets, so you don’t have to worry about any safety concerns.
Citrus
The smell of citrus fruits like lemons and oranges is often enough to keep ants at bay. You can also use orange peels as an effective ant repellent- simply place them around the perimeter of your home or wherever you suspect ants are entering. Citrus has the added benefit of being non-toxic, so it’s safe for humans and pets when used correctly.
Ammonia
Ammonia is another smell that many ants find highly unpleasant and will often avoid. To use this as an ant repellent, mix one-part ammonia to ten parts water in a spray bottle and spray liberally around entry points or areas where ants have been seen.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is another effective ant repellent due to its strong smell and spicy taste. To use this as an ant deterrent, mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in two cups of water and spray around entry points or areas where ants have been seen. You can also sprinkle ground cayenne pepper directly onto the anthills or wherever else you suspect ants are entering your home. This will make the area uninhabitable for them and they’ll usually stay away.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is often used as an ant deterrent due to its abrasive texture. Sprinkling baking soda around entry points or near food sources may help keep ants away.
Castile Liquid Soap
Castile liquid soap is a non-toxic option for getting rid of ants. To use, mix a few drops of castile liquid soap with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around entry points or areas where ant activity has been seen. This method should work well since the soap will disrupt the ants’ outer protective coating, making them unable to breathe and eventually die. Additionally, because it’s non-toxic, this is a great option for those looking for natural ways to repel ants from their homes.
Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil is another natural ant repellent that has a strong, woody scent.
To use, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around entry points or areas of ant activity.Keep in mind that this method may not be effective for long periods since ants can eventually become accustomed to the smell of cedarwood oil.
Clove Oil
Clove oil has a strong, spicy scent that many ants find unpleasant. To use as an ant deterrent, mix a few drops of clove essential oil in a spray bottle with water and spritz it around entry points or near food sources. Additionally, because it’s non-toxic, this is a great option for those looking for natural ways to repel ants from their homes.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural ant repellent that has a pungent smell. To use, mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil in a spray bottle with water and spritz it around entry points or near food sources. However, keep in mind that this method may not be effective for long periods since ants can eventually become accustomed to the scent of tea tree oil [2].
Side effects and risks of peppermint oil as a treatment or repellent for ants
Peppermint oil can be an effective treatment or repellent for ants, but as with any home remedy, there are some potential side effects and risks.
It’s also important to keep peppermint oil away from pets and small children, as their sensitive systems may be more vulnerable to its effects. Additionally, if you suffer from asthma or allergies related to scents or fragrances, it is best to avoid using this remedy altogether. Finally, peppermint oil should not be consumed orally due to its irritating properties. It is best used as a topical application or by diffusing it in the air.
How to use peppermint oil for ants?
Using peppermint oil to get rid of ants is an easy and effective solution that is safe to use around children and pets.
- Start by mixing 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil with 8 ounces of warm water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle until the contents are thoroughly mixed together.
- Spray this mixture directly onto ant hills or any other areas where you see ants congregating. Make sure to spray liberally so that there is enough coverage for the entire area.
- Reapply the mixture once a week, or whenever you notice more ants gathering in the area.
- To keep ants away from your home, add a few drops of peppermint oil to cotton balls and place them near entry points or other areas where you see ants.
- To make sure your home is ant-free, mix 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil with 8 ounces of water and spray it onto the outside walls and around the windowsills of your home once a week.
- Finally, keep in mind that peppermint oil has a strong smell which can be unpleasant to some, so use it sparingly and only when necessary [3]!
What are other ways to get rid of ants?
In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few other methods that you can use to get rid of ants.
- Use natural deterrents: Things like cinnamon, peppermint oil, and lemon juice are natural deterrents for ants. Sprinkle them near areas where you’ve seen ant activity or spray them directly on the ants themselves.
- Try boric acid: Boric acid is a common pest control product that is toxic to ants but safe for humans and pets when used as directed.
- Make sure to read and follow all instructions before using it in your home.
- Set up ant traps: Ant traps work by attracting and killing ants with poison bait. Place them near areas where you’ve seen ant activity and check them regularly to see if they need to be refilled.
- Make use of natural predators: Ladybugs, spiders, and some species of wasps are natural predators for ants. Place these around your home or garden to help keep ant populations in check.
- Call an exterminator: If none of the above methods work, you may want to call a professional exterminator. They will be able to identify the type of ant infestation you have and provide a tailored solution that works best for your home or business.
FAQ
Do ants stay away from peppermint oil?
Yes, peppermint oil has a strong smell that ants find unpleasant. It can be used as a natural repellent to help keep ants away from your home and garden. If you have an ant problem, it is recommended to mix 10 drops of essential peppermint oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around entry points and other areas where you see ants. Repeat the process every few days until the infestation is gone. However, it is important to note that using peppermint oil alone may not be enough to completely eliminate an ant problem so it should be used in combination with other pest control measures.
How long does peppermint oil last as a repellent?
Peppermint oil can be used as a repellent for up to three weeks. After this time, the scent will start to fade and you may need to reapply the solution. It is also important to note that peppermint oil should not be applied directly onto plant leaves or flowers because it could cause them to burn. Instead, it should be sprayed into the air around the plants or on surfaces such as window frames or doorways where ants may enter your home.
Are there any side effects of using peppermint oil?
Using peppermint oil as a natural insect repellent can have some mild side effects if it comes in contact with the skin or eyes. To reduce irritation, make sure you dilute the essential peppermint oil with water before using it. If irritation does occur, rinse the affected area with cold water and consult a doctor if necessary. Additionally, peppermint oil should be kept away from pets and children as it could cause them to become sick or have an allergic reaction.
Overall, peppermint oil can be used safely as a natural insect repellent when used in moderation and with care. It is an effective way to help keep ants and other pests away from your home without resorting to harsh chemical treatments. Be sure to use caution when working with essential oils and consult a doctor if any side effects occur.
How much peppermint oil to repel ants?
For an effective ant repellent, mix 10 drops of essential peppermint oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around entry points and other areas where you see ants. Repeat the process every few days until the infestation is gone. Be sure to use caution when working with essential oils and consult a doctor if any side effects occur.
It is also important to note that using peppermint oil alone may not be enough to eliminate an ant problem so it should be used in combination with other pest control measures. Additionally, peppermint oil should be kept away from pets and children as it could cause them to become sick or have an allergic reaction.
How do I get rid of ants permanently?
Getting rid of ants permanently requires a combination of pest control measures. Start by identifying entry points and sealing them off to prevent ants from entering your home. Next, use natural repellents such as peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home to discourage ants from setting up shop in your yard. Clean up any food or water sources that may be attracting them and make sure all garbage cans have tight lids. Finally, if an infestation has already taken hold, contact a professional pest control company for assistance in eliminating the problem. With diligent effort and proper management, you can get rid of ants permanently and keep them away for good.
How do I get rid of ants overnight?
Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to get rid of ants overnight. You can, however, take steps to reduce the ant population and discourage them from entering your home. Start by identifying entry points and sealing them off with caulk or steel wool. Then use natural repellents such as peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home to discourage ants from setting up shop in your yard. Clean up any food or water sources that may be attracting them and make sure all garbage cans have tight lids. Finally, if an infestation has already taken hold, contact a professional pest control company for assistance in eliminating the problem.
How to choose the right ant repellent?
When choosing an ant repellent, look for one that is safe to use around pets and children. Natural repellents such as peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth are less toxic than chemical treatments and can be used safely in most areas of your home. Additionally, some products may require special application techniques so be sure to read the instructions carefully before using them. Finally, if an infestation has already taken hold, contact a professional pest control company for assistance in eliminating the problem. With the right product and careful application, you can get rid of ants quickly and efficiently.
How to maintain an ant-free home?
To maintain an ant-free home, start by sealing any entry points such as cracks or crevices with caulk or steel wool. Next, use natural repellents such as peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home to discourage ants from setting up shop in your yard. Make sure all food and water sources are kept clean and covered so they don’t attract ants. Finally, if an infestation has already taken hold, contact a professional pest control company for assistance in eliminating the problem. With diligent effort and proper management, you can keep your home free from ants for good.
How to keep ants out of the kitchen?
To keep ants out of the kitchen, start by sealing any entry points such as cracks or crevices with caulk or steel wool. Next, use natural repellents such as peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your kitchen, and make sure all food and water sources are kept clean and covered so they don’t attract ants. Finally, if an infestation has already taken hold, contact a professional pest control company for assistance in eliminating the problem. With diligent effort and proper management, you can keep ants out of your kitchen for good.
Useful Video: Does Peppermint Oil Repel Ants?
Conclusion
Peppermint oil repels ants and can be safely used around pets. A natural solution to an annoying problem, peppermint oil is a safe and effective way to rid your home of ants without using harsh chemical pesticides. Apply the oil topically or use it as part of a spray mixture with other essential oils for added protection. With its strong scent and powerful insect-repelling properties, peppermint oil is an excellent choice for keeping ants out of your home. Try it today and see why so many people are turning to this natural pest control option!
References:
- https://backyardgardengeek.com/do-ants-hate-the-smell-of-peppermint/
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/discover-smells-that-ants-absolutely-hate/
- https://www.pestcom.com/pest-resources/does-peppermint-oil-repel-bugs-ants