5 Ways To Use Peppermint Oil For Rats (Plus Other Natural Tips And Tricks) 

Rats are serious pests that are becoming more and more common both in urban and suburban areas throughout the United States. Not only are they unsanitary and disease-carrying rodents, but they are also incredibly destructive.

When rats get into your home, they can cause a wide range of damage that extends to your health and financial wellness.

Unfortunately, the options for getting rid of rats have been limited – until now. These days, there are plenty of natural methods you can use to not only kill rats, but also prevent them in the future.

And this is what we are talking about today. If you have rats, then keep reading. We are learning all about how to use peppermint oil for rats to keep these pests from coming around!

But First, Let’s Talk About Rats And Why They Are Such A Nuisance

Rats are problematic because they live in such close proximity to people. Worse, they carry serious diseases and can cause expensive and dangerous damage to our homes.

Rats are highly intelligent and adaptable rodents that have lived alongside humans for centuries. In fact, rats and mice are so closely linked with human beings that they have been coined as “domesticated rodents”, according to the Indiana Department of Health.

This is because rats rely so heavily on what we humans provide for them, which are their three basic needs for survival. These include food, water and shelter.

No matter where you live, rats can be problematic. They are present in every state and environment in the United States. In fact, it has been estimated that for every one person in the United States there is a rat.

There are a few reasons rats are so dangerous for people. First, they are a serious safety hazard. Rats get into our homes and behind our walls, where they chew electrical wires and can destroy foundation and building structures or even cause house fires and electrical issues.

Rats are also carriers of serious diseases including the plague, pulmonary fever, typhus, leptospirosis, hantavirus, trichinosis, rat bite fever, infectious jaundice, salmonellosis, rat mite dermatitis, trichinosis and more.

A large infestation of rats in the home can also worsen asthma and allergies in those with sensitivities.

Rats have even been known to attack infants and pets, and even the elderly or those with mobility problems who are sitting for long periods of time with food on their hands or bodies.

One of the biggest problems with rats is that they can easily get into small cracks and crevices of less than 1 millimeter in length. They are elusive, evasive, and greedy. Rats are known to get into both human and animal food sources and have been estimated to contaminate around 20% of all foods in the United States each year!

Rats live in large colonies, building single nests that house up to 10 rats at a time. These pests procreate rapidly, with a single female birthing up to 12 pups per litter and producing up to 7 litters per year.

Yes, you read that correctly.

This means that a single female rat can produce up to 84 young in a single year. This is not good news if you have rats in your home or on your property.

But what is good news is that there are ways you can go about repelling and removing rats using natural methods. And this brings us to peppermint oil for rats.

Keep reading!

Peppermint Oil For Rats – Does It Really Work?

Peppermint oil actually can work effectively for rodent prevention, though it shouldn’t be used alone in a serious rat infestation. 

Though it is natural to be skeptical of the success rate of using peppermint oil for rats, the truth is that rats are very sensitive animals that can actually be deterred using potent essential oils and smells.

This is not surprising if you already know that peppermint oil, along with many other types of essential oils, have been found to repel and prevent a number of pests including rats, mice, raccoons, insects, spiders and bats.

With that being said, we should note that peppermint oil for rats works primarily as a good preventative. It is not best used as a treatment for rat infestations on its own.

This is especially true if you have a large rat infestation inside your home or on your property. If this is the case, we do recommend contacting a professional or looking into using peppermint oil for rats in conjunction with other methods of control and removal.

We should also note here that not all peppermint oil for rats will work effectively. The best kinds of peppermint oil for rats should be a pure and potent peppermint oil that is natural and strong, like those we have listed below.

Brooklyn Botany Peppermint Oil

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We like the above peppermint oil by Brooklyn botany because it is a therapeutic grade essential oil designed specifically for aromatherapy and other uses. It is 100% pure peppermint oil that is available in a four ounce bottle, though a small amount of this oil can go a long way when used correctly.

The product includes a glass dropper but is also available in a pour form to make it easier to use as an option for peppermint oil for rats.

Radha Beauty Peppermint Oil

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Another peppermint oil for rats product we like is by the Radha Beauty Store. This peppermint oil is especially potent and has been steam distilled for aromatherapy uses. It can help repel a number of pests including rats and insects, but it can also help alleviate headaches and soothe colds and congestion.

This oil also comes in a four ounce container, but again a little goes a long way when used correctly. You can use this essential oil in an oil diffuser to help repel rats or use the following methods below to help keep these pests at bay.

5 Ways To Use Peppermint Oil For Rats

Soaking cotton balls in peppermint oil and placing them strategically around your home is a quick and easy way you can deter these pests. 

Using peppermint oil for rats is easier than you might think, and it really can be effective when implemented in the right way.

With that being said, not all methods or uses of peppermint oil for rats will be right for you. The right method will depend on your specific situation and the seriousness of your rat infestation.

Let’s take a moment now to look at five different ways you can use peppermint oil for rats.

Soak Cotton Balls In Pure Peppermint Oil

One of the easiest ways to use peppermint oil for rats is to simply soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them strategically around your home and yard.

Ingredients:

• Cotton Balls
• Peppermint Oil
• 1 Bowl

Directions:

This process is easy and can be done in a matter of moments. All you will need is pure peppermint oil, a small bowl and some cotton balls.

Pour the peppermint oil into the bowl and then soak the cotton balls in the oil until they are completely saturated.

Then place these soaked cotton balls around your home. You can put them near potential entry points like windows and doors to help keep rats out, or you can place them in cupboards, pantries and cabinets to repel rats and protect food.

We also suggest placing these cotton balls in areas where rats may be hiding or nesting. This would include attics, crawlspaces, storage sheds and garages.

For the best success when it comes to using this method, we suggest replacing these cotton balls with freshly soaked cotton balls once every three days.

Peppermint Oil And Dish Detergent Spray

Rats are sensitive. Not only are they repelled by peppermint oil but they also don’t like the smell of dish detergent. To best use this method for how to get rid of rats, follow the instructions below.

Ingredients:

• 3 to 5 Drops of Liquid Dish Soap
• 4 Teaspoons of Peppermint Oil
• 1 Spray Bottle
• 2 Cups Of Water

Directions:

Combine the above ingredients into the spray bottle and shake it until the mixture is sudsy, Then you can go about your home and spray this solution anywhere you suspect rodent activity. This method will not only work on rats, but it will also help repel mice and common insect pests.

You can use this method both inside and outside, but be careful of spraying this solution directly on plants. The liquid dish soap can be especially harsh to ornamental flowers and some other vegetation, so do your research before you use this peppermint oil for rats method in your garden.

Make A Peppermint Oil And Hot Pepper Spray

Hot peppers can be extremely irritating to rats and mice, so making your own pepper spray can help deter them quicker than just using peppermint oil for rats alone.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of peppermint oil
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of hot pepper (black pepper, crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper)
• 3 drops of liquid dish soap
• 1 spray bottle

Directions:

Combine the above ingredients together in the spray bottle and mix it until it is sudsy. Because this solution contains hot pepper, be sure to keep it out of reach of children and be careful of getting the solution into your eyes.

We should also point out here that this solution can be irritating not only to rats but also to pets. Only use this peppermint oil for rats method in areas where pets do not frequent like in garages, storage sheds, crawl spaces and attics.

Peppermint Oil and Vinegar Spray (Plus Cleaner) 

We love two-in-one products, and that’s why we are crazy about this peppermint oil for rats plus vinegar cleaner spray combo. Not only can you use this solution to deter pests like rats, mice and insects, but you can also use it as a daily cleaning solution around your home and in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of White Vinegar
• 1 Cup of Water
• 10 Drops of Peppermint Oil
• ½ Cup of Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka
• 1 Spray Bottle

Directions:

Mix the above ingredients into the spray bottle and shake it well to ensure it is combined. Then spray this anywhere you have noticed rats or rat activity. At the same time, we also suggest you use this vinegar and peppermint oil spray as a cleaner.

It is a natural and effective cleaner for kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, cupboards, pantries, refrigerators and other areas. Not only will it sanitize your home, but the pleasant peppermint oil smell left behind will deter pests.

It’s a win-win!

Peppermint Oil, Cinnamon Oil, or Tea Tree Oil Combinations

Although rats are very sensitive to peppermint oil, they are also sensitive to a number of other essential oils as well. We will talk more about this further down, but for now you should know that if you do not have peppermint oil on hand but you do have other essential oils like cinnamon oil or tea tree oil, those can be just as effective.

You can follow any of the above methods listed to get rid of rats using these essential oils including making your own sprays and cleaners, or by simply soaking cotton balls in the oils of your choice.

You can also combine the oils above to make an extra powerful peppermint oil for rats deterrent!

Best Products To Use That Already Have Peppermint Oil For Rats

Because rats can live in larger colonies, using store bought peppermint oil products may be more helpful in eliminating pests around your property.

While we do like the idea of do it yourself pest control methods for when it comes to using peppermint oil for rats, we should also tell you that there are plenty of products you can purchase that are already infused with peppermint oil.

Plus, many of these products contain other ingredients as well, making them ideal for getting rid of more serious rat infestations.

Here are some of our favorite products:

Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray

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Mighty Mint Rodent Repellent Spray is a product that is already infused with peppermint oil for rats. It is also made with other natural ingredients that are safe for people and pets, and it won’t leave your home smelling like a chemical pesticide product.

Mighty Mint works using locally sourced peppermint, which it uses as its active ingredient. It is also a humane way to repel rats because it deters them without harming or killing them.

The above Mighty Mint Spray peppermint oil for rats repellent is also extra strength and is a long-lasting product you can use indoors and around children and pets. It can even be used in the kitchen where food is prepared and stored.

Rodent Sheriff Pest Control

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Another product that works using peppermint oil for rats is a product by Rodent Sheriff. This spray uses pure peppermint oil that repels a number of pests from rats, mice, raccoons, spiders, and more.

This product is an all natural and safe product you can use inside and outside of your home to repel rats and it will not harm people, pets or the environment.

The above order comes with two 8-ounce bottles and provides long-lasting results when applied correctly. We also like that this product can be sprayed directly into trash cans, used inside the home in bedrooms, kitchens, and play rooms, and also used in garages, sheds, attics or storage facilities.

Natural Armor Peppermint Repellent For Rodents

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If you have had a large infestation of rats in the past, you may need something a bit more heavy duty. The above Natural Armoner Peppermint Repellent for Rodents is designed as an all natural rat repellent. It also repels mice and other pests like spiders, ants and roaches.

The product comes in three different orders and two styles, including a trigger spray or refill. The trigger sprayer allows you to target specific areas around your home to ensure you are reaching all hiding places, cracks and crevices that rats could be using to get inside.

Best of all, this product is completely safe and natural. It is safe to use around people and pets, it can be used both indoors and outdoors, and the seller provides you with a 100% money back guarantee if the product does not work.

MDX Concepts Organic Peppermint Oil Pellets

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Peppermint oil for rats doesn’t always have to come in a liquid or spray form. In fact, this unique product by MDX Concepts provides a natural and organic peppermint oil product that comes in pellets.

Though it is not liquid, it is still just as effective in repelling rats, mice, and other pests. It is also made with a combination of ingredients including peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, spearmint oil, cinnamon oil and more.

You can use it outdoors to create a repellent barrier around your home or to help drive out rats who are already trying to build their nests on your property.

MDX Concepts Rodent Control Peppermint Oil Pouches

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Peppermint oil for rats can also come in pouch form, which is ideal for keeping rats out of specific locations in your kitchen. Place these pouches in food pantries, beneath the sink, or in storage bins where you store pet food or bird seed. You can even use them in cars or RVs and while camping!

Like all of the peppermint oil for rats products we have listed so far, these pouches use naturally derived peppermint oil and naturally derived cinnamon oil to help repel rodents and keep them from returning.

You can order these peppermint oil pouches in orders of 4 or 12 depending on your needs. These products are safe to use both indoors and outdoors and will not harm children or pets.

Mice Dice Rodent Repellent Dice

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We came across this product called Mice Dice by the Archetype Brands. This is an interesting alternative to using poisons or traps when it comes to getting rid of rats and mice. This product also uses peppermint oil for rats to deter the pests, and you can place them both inside and outside of your home.

The product comes in an order of six and is infused with peppermint oil and cinnamon oil, both of which have been proven to naturally repel these pests.

Harris Peppermint Oil Repellent Spray for Mice and Rats

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Last, we have the above peppermint oil for rats spray by Harris. This is another organic product infused with both peppermint oil and cinnamon essential oil which work together to repel and prevent rats and other pests from coming around.

Like most peppermint oil for rats products on this list, this spray can be used inside and outside and can also repel pests like spiders, roaches, ants and more. We like that this product can help take the place of poison or traps, and that it is safe to use around children and pets.

Other Tips and Tricks For Repelling Rats

Make sure you keep up with routine home maintenance and that you routinely seal up potential entry points for rats. 

Although peppermint oil is one of the most famous essential oils when it comes to pest control, there are several other methods you can use and steps you can take to keep these pests from coming around.

Let’s take a look now at these tips and tricks from experts on how you can prevent future rats from becoming a big problem in your home or on your property.

Use Other Essential Oils

If you don’t have peppermint oil for rats, don’t worry. Other essential oils can work just as effectively when it comes to getting rid of rats, mice, spiders, ants, roaches and flies. Some of the most common oils used for pest control include:

• Cinnamon Oil
• Citronella Oil
• Lemon Oil
• And Eucalyptus Oil

Keep Up With Routine Home Maintenance 

Rats are crafty and clever, and they can sneak into holes as small as a dime. Small cracks and crevices or uncovered vents or pipes can give rats easy access to your home. Vegetation like vines or trees that grow close to your home can also help rats gain access.

Keep up with routine home maintenance and repair any vulnerabilities you find around your home. Trim back vegetation to reduce chances of rats climbing up to your roof and finding entry, and seal cracks, crevices, doors, windows, and even attics and crawl spaces to help keep rats out.

Use Ultrasonic Sound Devices 

Ultrasonic pest repellents have become increasingly popular over the last ten years, and many experts describe their success by comparing what it would be like for humans to live next to a constantly active train station.

The sounds emitted from these machines are almost unbearable for pests, causing them to leave the property and the area the sounds are coming from.

Of course, not all ultrasonic pest repellents are going to work for rodents, and it’s important to do your research before you decide on the one that is best suited for you.

The Magic Cat Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

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An ultrasonic pest repeller can be a great tool to use in conjunction with peppermint oil for rats. This is especially true if you get high quality devices, like the ones listed above by the Magic Cat Store.

This ultrasonic pest repeller is specifically designed to repel mice and rats using ultrasonic sounds and vibrations that are harmless to people and pets but highly irritating to rodents.

Like using peppermint oil for rats, using an ultrasonic pest repellent machine provides you with an alternative to rodent control without the use of harsh chemicals, poisons or traps.

The above product can treat up to 6,000 square feet and will not only help deter rats but also squirrels, mice and other pests.

Keep Your Home Tidy 

Keeping your home tidy can prevent a number of different pests from becoming a problem, and these pests include rats. Vacuum and clean often to remove any food particles or crumbs from around your home.

Keep your kitchen surfaces clean using a household cleaner or vinegar cleaning solution, and refrain from leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight. We also suggest storing pantry foods in airtight containers made of plastic or glass to help prevent rats from causing food contamination.

Store Garbage and Pet Food Properly 

Rats are often looking for a quick and easy meal. To help keep them at bay as much as possible it’s important not to provide them with easy access to food. Because rats are opportunistic omnivores, they will eat most anything that is readily available to them.

This could include human food, garbage, pet food, bird seed and more. In order to keep rats from being attracted to your home, refrain from storing bird seed or pet food outside and instead keep it in a garage or shed in an airtight container.

Store garbage properly until it is time for trash pick up, and consider sprinkling some peppermint oil for rats over garbage bags to add some extra protection and to cover the smell of a potential meal.

Do Routine Landscaping 

Rats often burrow to build their nests, so it’s important to keep up with routine landscaping and fill any holes or remove any early signs of rat nests. The more active you are in your yard and garden, the less conducive of a living environment your yard or garden will be to rats.

We also recommend getting rid of debris like excess wood piles, overturned buckets, gardening tools, and old play equipment. These sources could provide an ideal shelter to rats and other pests, as well as a source of food and water.

Invite the Predators 

Last but not least, you can always invite the predators. While cats and dogs can help to deter rats, most experts agree they can’t do the entire job on their own. Some other predators of rats include birds of prey like:

• Falcons
• Hawks
• And Owls

You can help make your property more hospitable to these animals and less hospitable to rats by creating specific habitats based on the predators lifestyle and habits.

If you would prefer not to invite the real life predator, you can always invest in models at pest control stores.

So, Peppermint Oil And Rats – Let’s Sum It Up!

Peppermint oil for rats can be effective, although a large rat infestation should be dealt with by a professional. 

The truth is, peppermint oil for rats really can work and work well. Not only that, but peppermint oil is a safe alternative you can use in place of poisons, chemicals or traps as we’ve discussed.

Peppermint oil is also much safer to use around children and pets, and it’s a more humane way to deter and repel pests.

With all of that being said, we should note that serious rat infestations cannot be remedied by peppermint oil for rats alone. If you do have rats already nesting inside your home, we suggest contacting a professional as soon as possible.

Remember, rats can be a safety and health hazard to both people, pets and property, and it’s important to take care of them as soon as possible.

So, what do you think about using peppermint oil for rats? Would you give it a try? Tell us why or why not in the comment section below.