How to Use Mint As an Insect Repellent

Co-authored by Brandon Runyon

Last Updated: April 29, 2024 Approved

Mint plants are one of many aromatic herbs that have been used for centuries and have been passed down for generations.^{[1]
X
Research source} Although the plants' main uses are for culinary and medicinal purposes, the mint plants are also known to have a strong insect repelling quality.^{[2]
X
Research source} This article will introduce you to methods on utilizing the refreshing mint leaves for a natural and effective homemade insect repellent.

Ingredients

A pot of live mint plant (Any species will work!)
Fresh mint leaves
A small bottle of mint oil
Small sachets to fill the mint leaves
A small bottle of rubbing alcohol
One cup of distilled water
One spray bottle

Steps

Download Article

1
A pot of fresh mint plant will also reduce the risk of many pests entering your beautiful home.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Did you know a live mint plant can also prevent rats from entering your house? Possible spots include an area with lot of open windows with vegetation growing on the outer side. Don’t forget to put it at a place with plenty of sunlight!
2
Fill an empty sachet with a spoonful of dried mint leaves.
- You can either hang the sachet on the ceiling to prevent insects from flying in or place it near the small corners.
- This will be an effective method to prevent cockroaches and ants from entering the house.
Advertisement
3
Create your own customized minty fresh insect repellent spray.
- By mixing the rubbing alcohol to the mint oil at a ratio of five to one, you can successfully guard yourself and your lovely pets from biting insects. Don't forget to shake before use!
- Crushing the mint leaves and applying the oil directly to the clothes and to the animal fur will also bring effective results against mosquito bites.
- Check out the tip section below for a detailed description on making an insect repellent with dried mint leaves.
4
Use dry mint leaves in your grain storage.
- This prevents insect attacks.
5
Chew mint leaves.
- One in the mouth after eating will prevent mosquitoes and ants while you sleep outside.
6
Make an insect repellent spray with the dried mint leaves.
- Boil a half cup of water with a spoonful of the dried mint leaves.
- Adding other herbs such as Lavender will strengthen the repellent.
- Cool it down for couple of hours.
- After straining the mint leaves, add the mint liquid to the spray bottle.
- Add about a half cup of rubbing alcohol to the spray bottle.
- Shake well and it is ready to use!

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What other oils can be used as an insect repellent?

Brandon Runyon
Entomology and Pest Control Expert
Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University.

Brandon Runyon

Entomology and Pest Control Expert

Expert Answer

You can also use castor oil. To make a basic insect repellent using castor oil, combine 10 drops of castor oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (like olive, coconut, or sunflower oil), rubbing alcohol, and witch hazel in a small bottle. Shake well and apply a small amount to the skin. Don't forget to test a small amount on your skin first to check for any allergic reactions.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can we add lemon extract for scent?

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.

Kevin Carrillo

Pest Control Specialist, MMPC

Expert Answer

Sure, that would be fine. It won't take away from the effectiveness. Go for it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 6
Question

What is the best way to use citronella leaves as a mosquito deterrent?

Caeiia

Top Answerer

You can get an already established plant and plant it around a patio. For leaves, blend it with some water and spread it around, or rub it on your skin. Carrying/distributing some crushed leaves would help, too.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 9

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Dicerandra fruitescens, an endangered mint species, is known to have the strongest repellent quality.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Other oils that can be used as an effective insect repellent include Lavender, tree, and essential oils.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Wash the leaves before putting in mouth.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
People who have skin allergies should consult their doctors before trying.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Do not use more than five leaves every day. No more than one leaf per chewing.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1