How long does peppermint oil last? Though the shelf life will depend on things like exposure to light, oxygen, and heat, as a general rule of thumb, replace your peppermint oil after 3 years.
If you use the peppermint ball method, you'll need to replace the cotton balls consistently and use fresh oil with each new ball. For existing mice problems, replace the peppermint balls twice a week or more. However, if you're only preventing rodents, you may need to refresh the cotton balls every two weeks.
Peppermint essential oil doesn't "go bad" like perishable goods but it does oxidize over time, especially once exposed to air. This oxidation process can diminish its potency. To maintain its effectiveness, store it in a cool, dark place and keep it tightly sealed.
Peppermint oil is a natural and effective way to repel wasps from your home. It is important to note that peppermint oil is not a permanent solution and will need to be reapplied regularly to maintain its effectiveness. Generally, peppermint oil will keep wasps away for up to two weeks.
How long do essential oils last on surfaces? This depends on whether they're top, middle or bass notes. Bergamot essential oil is a top note and will last an hour or two. Roman chamomile essential oil is a middle note and will last between two and four hours.
DO Toss Out Older Oils. In general, don't keep them more than 3 years. Older oils are more likely to be spoiled because of exposure to oxygen.
Peppermint Oil: A Broad-Spectrum Bug Deterrent
Peppermint oil is another powerhouse in the natural deterrent arsenal. Its strong, minty scent is one of the smells insects don't like, especially ants, spiders, and even mosquitoes.
If small amounts are swallowed, inhaled, or applied to skin or eyes, it can cause irritation and burning. Large doses can cause serious toxicity due to the menthol.
Using peppermint oil for rats can be an effective, natural deterrent in areas where rodents are a concern.
Peppermint oil appears to be safe when taken orally (by mouth) or applied topically in the doses commonly used. Peppermint oil has been safely used in many clinical trials. Possible side effects of peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth.
A direct linear relationship (apparent dose-proportionality for systemic menthol exposure) was observed between PMO dose and menthol systemic exposure with mean elimination half-life 2.1, 3.5 and 4.6 hours for the 180, 360 and 540 mg doses, respectively.
Large doses of peppermint oil can be toxic. Pure menthol is poisonous and should never be taken internally. It is important not to confuse oil and tincture preparations. Menthol or peppermint oil applied to the skin can cause a rash.
Mix two teaspoons of peppermint essential oil with 1 cup of water and add 3 to 5 drops of detergent. Shake the bottle to mix the solution. Spray the solution in problem areas where you have seen mice activity. You can also wet a few cotton balls with peppermint oil and leave them inside cabinets or in crawl spaces.
Combine water and peppermint oil in a spray bottle. Shake bottle before use and spray the solution around entry spots such as windowsills and door frames, or places where insects may hide. The strong odor acts as a repellent.
Peppermint essential oils or extracts—Exposure to small amounts of diluted peppermint oil may not be a problem for healthy dogs. But it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, respiratory problems, and ulcers in the mouth in the undiluted form or in high amounts.
Peppermint oil is the pure essential oil derived from peppermint leaves. Peppermint extract is a mixture of peppermint essential oils and alcohol. Peppermint oil is quite strong, so you need to dilute it for most uses. The oil is about four times as strong as the extract.
Generally, reapplying the spray every few days is effective for ongoing pest control. In areas with heavy pest activity, daily application might be necessary until you notice a significant reduction in pest numbers.
Bugs naturally are attracted to vibrant colors such as orange, yellow, or white. Colours such as blue and green will not register as vividly when viewed in the ultraviolet spectrum, which deters bugs away from those colored items.
The smell of peppermint oil disturbs mice and often keeps them away. Mice rely heavily on their keen sense of smell, and the strong scent of peppermint can be irritating and overwhelming to them.
Many essential oils will last about 2–5 years if stored in closed, dark glass bottles kept out of direct light and heat. Some oils like Patchouli, Sandalwood, and Vetiver can last 6–8 years. Here are some timelines for popular essential oils: 1–2 years: Lemon, Lime, and Tangerine.
As with pharmaceuticals, paint thinner, household chemicals and gasoline, essential oils (aside from what is mentioned above) should not be disposed of down drains or via other methods that can cause the substances to come into contact with water supplies, vegetation or animals.
Peppermint Oil's Oxidation and Longevity
Peppermint essential oil, while generally robust, can also undergo oxidation and changes over time. The good news is, according to Volant Aroma, you'll be able to use your peppermint essential oil for as long as 5 years after opening the bottle!