Mint: A Natural Insect Repellent

There are many effective and safe insect repellants that you can use to keep mosquitoes, flies, ants and other insects at bay. Use a natural remedy for your bug problem so as to avoid exposing your family to the harsh chemicals found in commercial insect repellant products and therefore keep your family and pets healthy and safe.

Mint can be effectively leveraged to repel insects of all kinds. Particularly useful in keeping mosquitoes, ants and flies at bay, mint can be used and prepared in numerous ways as an insect repellant both in your home and yard. Here’s how to start using the common sweet-smelling herb to help with your insect problem.  

Step 1 – Fill Sachet Bags

Begin by placing mint leaves in several sachet bags. Place these around your house, especially in areas where flies are particularly a problem. Break the mint leaves when placing them in the bag to release some of the natural oils and scent that keep bugs away.

Step 2 – Crush Mint Leaves

In places where ants are a problem, crush some dried mint leaves and place them in the area.

Step 3 – Create an Insect Repellant Spray

Create a homemade insect repellant using a ratio of 5 parts rubbing alcohol to 1 part mint oil. Spray this mixture on your body before going outdoors.

Alternatively, you can cut fresh leaves mint leaves and citrus (orange or lemon) peels to make a repellant. Place the pieces in a small pan covered with water and bring to a boil. Allow the mixture to sit overnight. In the morning, strain the liquid. Mix the mint-scented water with an equal part rubbing alcohol and put in a spray bottle to use as insect repellant.  

Step 4 – Plant Mint Plants

Plant different varieties of mint in your yard or garden to keep mosquitoes away. Use bubblegum mint, hummingbird mint and giant hummingbird mint plants in your landscaping as a natural insect repellant. When enjoying your yard or when mosquito problems are particularly bad, crush a few of the leaves on the plant to release the scent and oils.

Step 5 – Protect Your Animals

Use mint on your cats and dogs to keep biting insects off of them. Crush a few mints leaves to release the oils. Rub the substance on your cat or dog’s fur before he goes outside.

Mint is an effective and safe insect repellant. Try these different applications and see how you can keep bugs away without using harsh chemicals. As an added bonus, you will have a very pleasant scent in your home.