Should I spray my bed with peppermint oil?

Author: Prof. Cruz Brekke DDS  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Peppermint oil contains compounds like menthol and limonene that are toxic to bed bugs. Its strong scent disrupts their ability to locate hosts and can act as a deterrent against infestation.

Can I spray peppermint oil around my bed?

Peppermint oil can repel and may also kill bed bugs if the oil is sprayed directly on the bugs. In other words, peppermint oil is a natural bed bug contact insecticide, but as time goes by items previously sprayed with peppermint oil do not impact the bed bugs.

Is it OK to sleep with peppermint oil?

Many essential oils may help to promote relaxation and sleep. Examples include lavender, chamomile, and peppermint. Essential oils may not work for everyone, and a person may need to try several before finding one that works best for them.

How long does peppermint repel bed bugs?

Purchase Quality Oil: Opt for 100% pure peppermint oil for the best results. Dilute: Mix 20 drops of oil with 200ml of water in a spray bottle. Spray Strategically: Apply the mixture to areas where bed bugs are commonly found. Reapply: Continue to spray every 2-3 days for ongoing repellency.

Do bedbugs like the smell of peppermint?

Yes, bed bugs are known to be repelled by certain smells. Some scents that may deter bed bugs include: Essential Oils: Oils such as lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint have been reported to repel bed bugs due to their strong odors.

Does Peppermint Oil REALLY work for Bed Bugs? [COMPLETE Tutorial]

What do bedbugs hate most?

Check these out!
  • Rubbing Alcohol. Bed bugs are hard to deal with, but you can repel them by using rubbing alcohol. ...
  • Tea Tree Oil. If you don't want to use rubbing alcohol for your bed bug problems, you can try tea tree oil as another solution. ...
  • Lavender Oil. ...
  • Blood Orange Oil. ...
  • Diatomaceous Earth. ...
  • Powdered Pepper. ...
  • Lemon. ...
  • Cinnamon.

What bugs does peppermint attract?

Whiteflies are sneaky pests often found on the undersides of peppermint leaves. They're small, white, and take flight when disturbed, making them a bit of a nuisance to catch. Look for a cloud of tiny white insects when you shake your peppermint plant—that's your cue.

How do you keep bed bugs off you while sleeping?

Encase mattresses and box springs in protective plastic covers. Vacuum frequently, especially in areas near where you sleep. Cut down on clutter in your home, which will eliminate some hiding places for bed bugs. If you live in an apartment or other shared housing, try to close off your unit.

How often should I spray peppermint to keep bugs away?

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.

What scent repels bed bugs the most?

  1. Peppermint Oil. The strong smell of peppermint is a powerful deterrent for bugs like bed bugs. ...
  2. Powdered Pepper. The smell of powered pepper is something intolerable for human beings so just imagine tiny bed bugs! ...
  3. Tea Tree Oil. ...
  4. Lavender Oil. ...
  5. Neem Oil. ...
  6. Clove Oil. ...
  7. Lemon. ...
  8. Rubbing Alcohol.

When not to use peppermint oil?

Peppermint oil should not be applied to the face of infants or young children because serious side effects may occur if they inhale the menthol in the oil. Little is known about whether it's safe to use peppermint oil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Can smelling too much peppermint oil be harmful?

Inhaling peppermint oil can result in irritation of the nose and throat, cough, and shortness of breath from the menthol. If you become symptomatic after inhaling peppermint oil, leave the area and breathe fresh air. If symptoms persist, you may need to seek medical care.

Can I leave peppermint oil overnight?

Leave it on

Once you've massaged the peppermint oil fully into your scalp, allow it to sit for at-least another five minutes before rinsing. To really activate your hair follicles and encourage healthy hair, let the peppermint oil work anywhere from an hour to overnight.

What kills bed bugs permanently?

Pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides that act like pyrethrins. Both compounds are lethal to bed bugs and can flush bed bugs out of their hiding places and kill them.

Where do you spray peppermint oil for bugs?

Shake bottle before use and spray the solution around entry spots such as windowsills and door frames, or places where insects may hide.

Do bed bugs hate light?

Myth: Bed bugs won't come out if the room is brightly lit. Reality: While bed bugs prefer darkness, keeping the light on at night won't deter these pests from biting you. Myth: Pesticide applications alone will easily eliminate bed bug infestations.

Can I spray peppermint oil on my bed?

Peppermint oil offers a natural, eco-friendly solution for managing bed bug populations. Its repellent properties can provide temporary relief and disrupt bed bug activity.

Is peppermint oil toxic to dogs?

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.

Is peppermint oil better than bug spray?

The biggest issue with using essential oils is they evaporate quickly. They are not as effective as DEET or picaridin. Repellents are meant to block an insect's receptors related to the scent but with essential oils, only a few receptors are blocked. Therefore it is possible it may work on some insects but not all.

What will stop bed bugs from biting me?

These sneaky creatures will feast on exposed areas of your skin, but they can't bite through fabric. Lower your risk of getting bedbug bites by wearing long-sleeved pajamas with pants while sleeping. But be mindful that bedbugs can find their way to your skin under loose clothing.

Should I still sleep in my bed if I have bed bugs?

Although it sounds like a grim choice, it is best to continue sleeping in the infested area using the population reduction methods described above, until the bed bugs are eliminated.

What is the number one cause of bed bugs?

Answer: “Hitchhiking” from an infested location or item to a previously non-infested location or item are the main causes of bed bugs.

How long will peppermint oil keep bugs away?

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.

Do bed bugs like peppermint?

Peppermint is another scent that is believed to repel bed bugs. Its strong aroma is thought to mask the scent of carbon dioxide and other chemicals that bed bugs use to locate their hosts.

What is attracted to the smell of peppermint?

Cats are attracted to peppermint because it has compounds similar to catnip and also has aspirin derivatives making them dangerous to cats and birds.

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