Ants are one type of insect repelled by mint oil.
There are countless ways to keep insects away from your house, your picnic or even your own body during those "buggy" times of year. Unfortunately, the typical remedies for insect repellents use chemicals that many people are not comfortable spraying around their homes and on their skin. While some may find it suitable, those who are more inclined to look for natural remedies need to look no further than mint oils. The essential oils of various types of mint can be used to repeal a variety of insects. Does this Spark an idea?
Ants
Ants are a nuisance because they are persistent and in constant search of food. This can be a problem when serving or eating food outdoors and in the kitchen when the ant colony realizes where you keep the victuals. Using peppermint oil can keep the ants at bay. Put oil on cotton balls and figure out where the ants are coming into the home. Place the cotton balls along their pathway and they will retreat and search elsewhere for food. In addition, the oil can be sprayed in cabinets, along shelves and at home entryways to deter the pests.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are aggressive pests in many parts of the world. These flying insects land on the skin, bite and suck blood from their target. These insects carry the parasites responsible for malaria, a disease that kills around one million people each year, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Keeping mosquitoes away is most easily done with commercial repellents containing a potentially harmful chemical called DEET. But using a natural essential oil like peppermint can accomplish similar results. This nontoxic, natural substance smells nice and can be applied directly to the skin. The odor of the peppermint oil is repulsive to mosquitoes and they will seek out others who do not have the odor.
Fleas and Ticks
If your pets are frequent hosts for fleas and ticks, then these pests can also end up in your home and on you and your family. Needless to say, controlling fleas and ticks is a high priority for pet owners. Using peppermint essential oil on your pet's coat will help keep fleas, ticks and other insects away.
All Purpose Personal Repellent
Spearmint or peppermint oil can be combined with regular rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and used to repel all types of insects, according to the Pioneer Thinking website. In addition, a toxic essential mint oil known as pennyroyal can be applied to the skin to repel all types of insects. It is an extremely concentrated essential oil and can cause poisoning and death if ingested.
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