Content

• What do you need
• Natural insect spray
• Other uses for peppermint
• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Making a Natural Insect Spray
• Method 2 of 2: Finding Other Uses for Peppermint
• Tips

There are many insect repellents on the market, but many contain chemicals. If you are looking for a natural insect repellent, there are several effective ways to use peppermint that you can try. One option is to make a natural spray with mint leaves and a few other common ingredients. You can also arrange mint bushes or spread leaves around the house and yard so that insects do not bother you.

What do you need

Natural insect spray

• 2 heads of garlic - the cloves need to be peeled and separated from each other
• 3 cups (75 g) mint leaves and stems
• 2 teaspoons (10 g) cayenne pepper
• 12 cups (2.8 L) water
• 2 small portions of dish soap
• Spray bottles

Other uses for peppermint

• Potted mint plants
• Fresh mint leaves

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Making a Natural Insect Spray

1. 1 In a food processor, chop the garlic and mint together. Grind 2 heads of garlic and 3 cups (75 g) mint for a few seconds. If you don't have a food processor, you can use any blender.
   • You can also use a mortar and pestle to mince the garlic and mint.
2. 2 Place the garlic, mint, cayenne pepper, and water in a large saucepan. Place a saucepan on the stove top and add the garlic-mint paste, 2 teaspoons (10 g) cayenne pepper, 12 cups (2.8 L) water. Bring the contents of the saucepan to a boil. This can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes. Just watch the pot so the water doesn't overflow.
3. 3 Remove from heat and place in a saucepan overnight. Remove the pan carefully from the heat. You can place it on a cold hotplate or stand on a worktop. Just be careful! You don't want to accidentally splash hot liquid on yourself.
4. 4 Strain the mixture into spray bottles and add dish soap. Use a colander or fine sieve to remove leaves and stems from the liquid. Then pour the remaining liquid into spray bottles. You will need 1 large bottle or 2 small spray bottles.
   • Add 2 small portions of dish soap. Shake the bottle to mix the contents.
5. 5 Spray the leaves of any plant that has harmful insects. You can use this spray on any plants that eat insects.You can also spray whole plants to prevent insect damage. Very little is needed. Just spray each plant several times.
   • After a few days, check for new damage to the plants. If there are, then spray again. But often once is enough.
   • This spray is non-toxic, so it is safe to use around animals, people and food. The mint in the spray is at a low concentration, so it is not harmful to cats.

Method 2 of 2: Finding Other Uses for Peppermint

1. 1 Buy mint plants in pots and arrange them around your yard. If you already have mint growing in your garden, just pick the fresh leaves from the plant. If mint is not available, head to your local houseplant or home and garden supply store. Take some potted mint plants. If mint is planted directly in the ground, it will be difficult to control its growth.
   • If you have a small patio or patio, 1-2 plants are sufficient. If you want to protect a larger area, then consider purchasing 3-5 plants. Check with an employee at your local garden center to find out how many plants you need.
2. 2 Chop the mint leaves and place them in fly-repelling sachets. Use your fingers to crush a few fresh mint leaves. Then put them in a sachet and hang them around your house or patio. This will drive away annoying flies.
   • You can buy sachets online or at a grocery store. You can also make a sachet yourself from the leftover piece of fabric and tie it with a ribbon or string.
   • If you don't want to buy the whole plant, you can simply buy a pack of mint leaves at the grocery store.
   • Crushed (crushed) lemon-scented thyme also repels insects. You can add some of these leaves to the sachet to enhance the scent.
3. 3 Place crushed dry mint leaves where you have seen ants to scare them away. Dry the mint leaves in an oven or food dehydrator. Then scatter them wherever you have seen ants. For example, if you think ants are entering your house through a crack in the wall, then scatter some mint leaves around the area.
   • If you have cats, then do not use this method. Peppermint oil can be toxic to cats when consumed in small amounts. It is not toxic to dogs, but you should check with your veterinarian to see if mint can be left in the dog's access area.
4. 4 Sprinkle essential oil on your skin, lawn, or plants. The combination of several essential oils can keep insects away for longer. Get your favorite scent online or at a natural cosmetics store. You can spray a little on the skin or any plant. It is impractical enough to spray an entire yard, but if a large enough area is infested with insects, spray the essential oil over it. Here are some oils to choose from:
   • rosemary;
   • lemongrass;
   • thyme;
   • peppermint;
   • geraniol.

Tips

• Mint can be used in combination with other natural methods to repel insects.
• Get in the habit of keeping the mint at home in case you need a way to quickly repel insects.
• Mint leaves can be used in cooking and to add to tea.