Wasps are a pain! Their large nests are an eyesore. Nobody wants to be stung by a wasp, either! Just the sight of a wasp can send everyone running.
You may be looking for a natural way to repel pests like wasps or other stinging insects. Essential oils are a big business these days! Many people are using essential oils in an effort to live a more natural, chemical-free lifestyle.
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Does Peppermint Oil Repel Wasps?
According to a study published in the Journal of Pest Management Science in 2013, mint is an extremely effective wasp deterrent! Mint plants and peppermint oil can be used to keep wasps away from your home and yard. Peppermint oil has also been shown to kill wasps and wasp larvae.
How Do I Use Peppermint Oil to Repel Wasps?
Wasps build their nests in sheltered areas up high. Nests are usually in the eaves, under roof overhangs, and in ledges and crevices.
Peppermint Oil Spray
What you’ll need:
Place a tablespoon of the peppermint oil in a spray bottle. Fill the bottle with four cups of water. Shake the mixture thoroughly.
If you’re treating a live wasp nest, wait until a time of day when the wasps are less active, like night time or early morning. Wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves, a hat, and a face mask in case you encounter any angry wasps!
Carefully spray down the nest and the surrounding areas with the spray. Be sure to keep your distance from the nest! If you see any wasps take flight, you can spray those, too.
Once you are certain there are not any remaining wasps in the nest, carefully remove it. Crush it, or submerge it in water to kill any larvae.
In order to keep the wasps away, spray the diluted oil on the outside of the house. Don’t forget the eaves, and any other place the wasps like to nest!
Peppermint Oil Pads
If you have a particularly popular wasp hangout site, soak a cotton pad in the diluted peppermint oil. Place the pad in the wasp hot spot. Repeat this for any other areas where the wasps have been known to nest.
Wasps typically return to build nests in the same sites. Hopefully, you can convince them to move on!
Purchase a Peppermint Oil Spray
If you don’t want to mix up your own spray, you may purchase an all-natural, organic wasp repellent made with peppermint oil here.
Is Peppermint Oil Safe to Use?
Peppermint oil is considered to be safe. However, large amounts can be toxic if ingested. Peppermint oil should be diluted before use. Use gloves while handling undiluted peppermint oil. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact a medical professional.
Final Thoughts
Peppermint oil is a safe, effective way to keep the wasps away! Enjoy your yard and home in peace this year!
I’ve just sprayed a large hornets nest with peppermint, spearmint oil and dish soap. They’re going insane outside the nest. It is attached to the outside of my greenhouse and I can see no more wiggling larvae but 100’s of pissed off hornets outside. I wonder how long it will be until they fly away or die?