How to Repel Pests Using Essential Oils

Why Use Stinky, Sticky Bug Spray When You Can Use Fragrant Essential Oils?

In my previous article, 10 Natural Ways to Repel Spiders, I talked about natural pest control for spiders using anything from a salt water solution and a white vinegar spray to essential oils…and much more!

Now, let’s talk about natural pest control using essential oils for other common pests such as cockroaches, ants, flies, mosquitoes, and mice.

1. Cockroaches

Essential Oils: Citronella, Peppermint, Lemongrass, and Cypress

Apply a few drops of citronella oil to a few cotton balls – also, consider adding peppermint oil or lemongrass as well. Then place the cotton balls in trouble areas such as cupboards or under the sink.

You can also make a spray solution by adding a half cup of water and 5 drops of cypress essential oil and 10 drops of peppermint oil. Spray the solution wherever the cockroaches appear.

2. Ants

Essential Oils: Peppermint

Lightly sprinkle peppermint oil within the trouble areas.

Other Natural Ways to Control Ants

Another common natural way to get rid of ants is by using white vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray where ants commonly appear inside your home.

Black pepper or cayenne pepper may also be used to defend areas from ants by sprinkling it in places where ants tend to show up.

3. Flies

Essential Oils: Clove, Lavender, Citronella, and Peppermint

Place a handful of dried cloves into a bowl and sprinkle a few drops of clove oil, lavender oil, and citronella oil or peppermint oil on the dried cloves.

Add these essential oils to the dried cloves regularly. Place in areas where flies may linger such as your front and back doors, kitchen, and near the garage.

4. Mosquitos

Essential Oils: Citronella, Lemongrass, Peppermint, and Lavender

Put a few drops of citronella oil or lemongrass oil in an oil burner. Using a citronella candle works well too.

Also, you can place five drops each of citronella oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil on a ribbon.

Hang the ribbon from doorways, your patio, or a window to deter flies from entering your home.

6. Mice

Essential Oils: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Spearmint

Place a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or spearmint oil on a few cotton balls and position them where you suspect mice are. Mice may appear behind appliances such as a fridge, washer, and dryer.

Mice can also reside in an attic and/or garage. Look for places where mice may be entering the house and place cotton balls there as well. This can deter mice but further measures may be required if the infestation is serious.

To repel insects and other pests outside of your home, please check out my article Plants That Repel Insects and Pests.

Also, check out these related articles from our friends at DIY Ready:

DIY Ant Killer | 5 Ant Killer Recipes You Can Make at Home

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Naturally | DIY Life Tricks

How to Make a Simple Homemade Mosquito Trap With Cut Bottles

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on May 18, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.