Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and many people want a natural remedy that stops infestations safely and with less environmental impact. Many claim that peppermint oil is the answer, with its strong smell and insecticidal properties. But are those claims valid? And if they are, will using peppermint oil be just as effective as other treatment options? Let’s explore the science.
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Does Peppermint Oil Repel Bed Bugs?
Did You Know
Peppermint in particular has a strong scent bed bugs can’t take. Spraying an ample amount of diluted peppermint around your bedframe or mattress can help keep bed bugs at bay while you’re enjoying your well-deserved sleep.
Peppermint oil is one of many essential oils that bed bugs don’t like. Tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, neem, orange, and citronella oil have similar repellent properties, but in any case, the bugs can still find their way back to you when the smell dissipates.
Peppermint oil’s repellent properties come from its high menthol content. The strong smell can mask chemical signals that bed bugs use to find their hosts.
While peppermint oil can be a good short-term repellent, it may not be the best option for long-term use. Once the scent dissipates, the bed bugs can start finding their way back.
Does Peppermint Oil Actually Kill Bed Bugs?
Peppermint oil can kill bed bugs, but only if it’s sprayed directly on the bugs. In other words, it’s a natural contact insecticide.
High concentrations of menthol are known to cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and even chemical burns. In a bed bug’s case, the peppermint oil can penetrate the exoskeleton, leading to rapid dehydration and ultimately death.
The oil does not have residual effects. Once it dries, it no longer poses a threat to bed bugs that walk across treated surfaces later. That means you’d need to reapply it frequently for best results.
How To Use Peppermint Oil to Kill Bed Bugs
If you’ve decided to give peppermint oil a try for your bed bug woes, here are some tips to apply it properly:
- Buy pure oil: Choose a high-quality, 100% pure peppermint essential oil from a reputable source. Don’t use synthetic oils, since they lack the insecticidal properties of the real thing.
- Dilute the oil: Dilute the peppermint oil in a carrier oil like sweet almond, grapeseed, or coconut oil. A 10–20% concentration is best. If you use the oil undiluted, it can cause skin irritation.
- Know where to spray: Spray the diluted oil directly to areas where you see live bed bugs. Don’t forget to check mattress seams, box springs, furniture crevices, and baseboards.
- Clean your bedding: Wash all your bedding in hot, soapy water. Then, remake the bed with fresh linens.
- Make a dish soap solution: Dilute the peppermint oil in water and a bit of dish soap to spray down larger areas like carpets, walls, and floors.
- Keep treating: Reapply the treatment every 5–7 days for one month. This can kill newly-hatched bed bugs from eggs that survived the initial application.
Even with diligent applications and treatments, bed bugs are hard to remove completely without heat treatments and residual insecticide. Consider hiring a professional pest control company with the experience and equipment to stop the infestation.
What Else Should You Consider Besides Peppermint Oil For Bed Bugs?
Peppermint oil can help you control a bed bug problem, but it shouldn’t be the only tool in your arsenal. Here are a few other methods to consider using:
- Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from fossilized plankton. Like menthol, it kills bed bugs by damaging their exoskeletons. Sprinkle it around bed frames, along baseboards, on window sills, and in any other areas where bed bugs may hide. It’s a natural and non-toxic product, but you should still wear a dust mask when applying it and keep children and pets away.
- Silica gel: Silica gel is commonly used as a desiccant for food and other products, and it can work similarly to diatomaceous earth. Grind it down to powder form and sprinkle it over affected areas.
- Hot water wash: Seal affected pillow encasements, mattress covers, clothes, and curtains, and wash them in the hottest water your machine can provide.
- Vacuum and steam treatments: Use a powerful vacuum with a crevice attachment to clean all corners, cracks, and crevices on your bed, mattress, furniture, cabinets, and walls. Steam can penetrate through thick surfaces to kill adult bed bugs, nymphs, and eggs almost instantly.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bed Bugs and Peppermint Oil
Does peppermint oil kill bed bugs?
Yes, peppermint oil can kill bed bugs upon direct contact. The high menthol content in peppermint oil is insecticidal to bed bugs. However, it only kills the bugs it is directly applied to and does not provide long-lasting residual effects. Peppermint oil is most effective when used alongside other treatment methods.
Does steam kill bed bugs?
Yes, steam treatments can effectively kill all life stages of bed bugs, including eggs. The high heat from the steam is lethal to bed bugs. Professional pest control companies use special steam machines that can generate temperatures over 200°F to penetrate cracks, crevices, and fabrics where bed bugs live. Steaming is a chemical-free way to remove bed bugs.
Why use essential oils for bed bugs?
Many people turn to essential oils like peppermint oil to use as pesticides for bed bug control because they are derived from natural plant sources and are viewed as a safer, more environmentally-friendly alternative to harsh chemical insecticides. Essential oils can be repellent and insecticidal to bed bugs while posing a lower risk to humans and pets when used properly.
Is peppermint oil effective to treat larger bed bug infestations?
Peppermint oil alone is usually not fully effective against removing severe or widespread bed bug infestations. While it can kill bed bugs on contact and may repel them, its effects are relatively short-lived. For best results, peppermint oil should be used as part of an integrated pest management approach combining multiple treatment methods. Professional extermination is still recommended for tackling larger bed bug problems.
