Will Peppermint Oil Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Using essential oils as insect repellents can be helpful, but be careful when choosing a combination. Some can be phototoxic and cause irritation to skin. You may also be prone to rashes for days or weeks after using them.
Before using an essential oil as a repellent, make sure you test it on a small area of your skin. You can do this by applying the oil on a clean cloth. If it doesn’t cause an allergic reaction, then you can use it. If it causes a reaction, then discontinue the use of the oil. You should also be careful about using essential oils on children or infants. If you do, call a doctor or health professional for further advice.
In addition to being used as a bug repellent, peppermint oil has also been proven to have a soothing effect on itchy bug bites. If you are able to, try rubbing some on the affected areas. This will help reduce the swelling and pain caused by an insect bite.
When using peppermint as a repellent, it is best to mix it with water. You can also add the oil to a small spray bottle. You can place the spray on curtains and furniture, as well as on hard-to-reach areas.
Peppermint has also been found to be a natural rodent repellent. It can be placed on your kitchen cabinet door, window sills, and floor cracks. It also has the ability to kill mosquito larvae within 24 hours. However, it is not known if it can repel adult mosquitoes.