Mosquitoes and other flying bugs are a significant public health concern. WHO estimates 1 million deaths per year due to mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes can suck the fun out of any occasion. Sitting around a campfire or spending time in your garden, no matter what you do, these bugs can reduce your experience to a mess of itching bites and frustration.
So how do you avoid getting bitten by these insects? Many people turn to expensive sprays and even DEET-based treatments to ward off these tiny but deadly insects. Most of these products aren’t necessary. Mint Pest Control has found a way to eliminate pests with environment-friendly and pet-friendly methods. Read on to learn how to use mint as a natural insect repellent.
Grow Mints
If you have a garden, you can grow some mint and use it as a natural insect repellent. Mint is a fragrant herb that repels various insects, including mosquitoes and flies. You can also plant mint in large pots on the patio or balcony to keep these pesky insects away from your home.
You can also put mint pot plants in a garden or outdoor space. These will deter insects and rodents from destroying your garden. When planting mint, be mindful of the placement of the containers. They germinate quickly and could spread throughout your lawn.
Design a Sachet
A mint sachet can be placed in the room’s corners, hung from a ceiling fan or a window sill, or even placed on the wall. It will help to keep insects away from your home.
Use Dry Mint Leaves
Dried mint leaves keep insects away from your food. It is because the essential oils in the leaves are too strong for insects to stand. Place some dried leaves into containers of grains, cereals, and other dry goods you plan to store.
Chew Mint Leaves
After chewing the mint leaves, your body will metabolize the mint, releasing the scent into your skin and deterring mosquitoes and ants.
Create Insect Spray
If you have some dried mint leaves, here’s how to make a natural insect repellent spray with them.
- Heat half a cup of water and a tablespoon of dried mint leaves.
- The repellent can be improved by adding other herbs like lavender.
- Put it in the fridge for a while to cool down.
- Sift the mint leaves and add the liquid when using a spray bottle.
- Fill the spray container with rubbing alcohol, half a cup.
- Shake before use.
Crush Mint Leaves
Crushed mint leaves can be applied straight to fabric or fur. It protects the pets and you from mosquito bites. You can also use crushed mint leaves when dealing with an ant infestation.
Create Garden Spray
You can use mint to create a garden spray to help keep insects away from your plants. You need to:
- Blend one medium onion, two tablespoons of cayenne, four garlic cloves, and two cups of mint leaves.
- Put the strained ingredients in a storage jar.
- Mix in about four teaspoons of liquid castile soap.
- Combine with a gallon of water.
- Put them in spray bottles and apply them to the affected plant(s).
Types of Mints
Mints are one of the greatest ways to keep pests away from your home. They are categorized into various types. Here are some of the most common:
- Spearmint: Spearmint is known for its strong smell and ability to repel mosquitoes and other small insects. It’s also great for deterring mice and mites.
- Mentha piperita: Also known as peppermint, this mint is known for its sharp smell and ability to repel mosquitoes.
- Thyme: Thyme has been a natural insect repellent since ancient times. It smells similar to spearmint but with a bit more spice–perfect for keeping bugs away from your kitchen without overpowering anyone’s sense of smell!
- Pennyroyal mint. It wards off ticks and fleas. Apply it to your pet’s skin and massage it. It will reduce their itching and protect their skin/fur from being harmed by the various animal pests they may encounter.
- Basil. It has been used as a natural pest repellent for many years and can be made into a spray that prevents garden pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
Mint creates a pest-free environment. From mosquitoes to cockroaches, pests will run for cover when they smell the fresh scent. Mint is cheap, easy to grow, safe, and effective. You can start growing it today. Doing so gives you a natural insect repellent that you can use for many years.