We all know that you can buy wasp spray in your local store and be done with wasps within minutes. So why use peppermint oil for wasp control? Read on to find out more about the many Uses for Peppermint Oil!
Why Use Peppermint Oil for Wasp Control?
You may think that you are simply spraying the wasp repellent once and everything will be fine. But spraying just that once will spray the harmful chemicals into the air, the droplets landing on anything within a few feet and entering the respiratory system of anyone standing nearby. But this kind of pesticide is so acutely toxic it can cause harmful effects after one single episode of ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. Symptoms of insecticide toxicity include:
- respiratory tract irritation, sore throat and/or cough
- allergic sensitization
- eye and skin irritation
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- headache, loss of consciousness
- extreme weakness, seizures and/or death
- Long term (or chronic) toxicity
Long term pesticide exposure has been linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease; asthma; depression and anxiety; cancer, including leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma; and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What can we use instead of insecticide?
How can we rid our homes and yards of wasps? Better yet – how can we repel wasps without actually killing them? Wasps are actually beneficial to the environment and killing them off would be catastrophic to the ecosystem.
But – wasps hate peppermint oil. They just don’t like strong-smelling herbs like mint.
How to Use Peppermint Oil for Wasp Control
You can easily make a peppermint oil wasp spray that will deter wasps from coming to your yard and setting up shop. This will also not only prevent hugely harmful side effects from the chemicals in insecticides, but peppermint is really beneficial to humans.
The strong scent of peppermint and other ingredients will make the wasps leave your property without killing them. It is important to spray the solution on other places where they can make a nest like eaves, railings, etc. To completely solve the problem, use this peppermint oil wasp spray after every few days for the complete removal of the wasps.
The only concern about peppermint oil is to make sure you wash your hands after handling it and don’t touch your eyes!
Wasp Control Peppermint Oil Spray
Ingredients
- Spray bottle
- 4oz vinegar
- 4oz water
- 1 tsp100% pure peppermint oil
- 1 tsp 100% pure lemongrass oil
Directions
- Combine all the ingredients and shake well.
- If there is a nest, spray the solution on it. Make sure you wear long-sleeve shirt and pants and gloves.
- Spray in other places where they can make a nest like railings, eaves, steps or window shutters.
- Spray the solution after every couple of days.
Natural Wasp Repellent Tips
I am a New England mama of 3 kids, 3 kitties and 2 puppies! I grew up in the great state of NH and blog about all things healthy and natural near Nashua and Boston.
We have wasps that get into my back bedroom and I have no idea where the nest is . I’ll give the oil a try – thanks
Hi Judee – I hope it helps! We had wasps get into our bedroom before – they can burrow in like you wouldn’t believe.
I’m definitely going to try this. Pinning, too.
Thanks Vicki – I never knew wasps didn’t like mint, we have several in and out of the allotment shed so this is a great idea! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday.
Oh my gosh! This post may have just saved my summer- the wasps are taking over my backyard 🙁 We would love for you to come link up for Wall to Wall DIY Wednesday over at R&R at home!
Wow, I had no idea that wasp did not like mint. What a great recipe to control them.
Stop by Thursday Favorite Things since you are being featured.
Hugs,
Bev
Isn’t this dangerous to outdoor cats?
Hi Shelley – it can be! But if you are making the peppermint oil spray for wasp control you are going to spray it where wasps congregate (railings, eaves, steps or window shutters) and not where your kitty likes to hang out. The good news is this spray is diluted and would likely not cause major harm to your cat if it comes into accidental contact with it.
We have a problem in our pool area. We watch the wasp land, take a drink and fly over to our neighbors. Our neighbor had no children or pool, so they really are not concerned. Today I have sprayed my pool deck, fence and grass in the pool area. This natural spray I hope works. I have children and I have to figure out how to claim my Arizona pool back!
I’m in the same boat! I just want to lay out in my pool without dodging wasps all day. My son won’t even swim with them around… I sure hope this works!!