Hey everyone,
I keep seeing people online swear that peppermint oil keeps roaches away… but then others say it actually attracts them or does nothing at all. I’m trying to figure out what’s true before I go around my kitchen making everything smell like a candy cane factory.
I’ve tried peppermint oil before. It made my kitchen smell great, but the roaches didn’t seem too bothered. They just walked around like it was nothing.
Same here. It might slow them down for a bit, but I never saw it actually keep them out. Felt more like aromatherapy for me than a deterrent.
I actually noticed more movement after using it. Not sure if they were curious or annoyed, but they didn’t disappear, that’s for sure.
Peppermint oil works more like a temporary blocker. If you spray it directly on areas they travel, you might see a short break, but it doesn’t solve anything long term.
@CornerCreep Funny you say that, I had the same experience. I thought I was losing my mind when I saw more activity right after applying it.
It helps with the smell of old apartments though. I still use it for that reason, but I don’t count on it to chase anything off.
The only time I saw a small difference was when I mixed it with hot water and wiped down the counters. Even then, it faded fast.
I think it depends on how heavy the roach problem is. Light activity? Maybe you’ll feel like it helps. Established activity? Doesn’t move the needle.
@SunnySideSarah Totally agree, it’s good for the human nose, not so much for keeping anything away. It’s more of a “fresh cover-up” than a solution.
If you’re just experimenting, peppermint oil is harmless enough. Just don’t expect miracles. It’s more of a vibe than an actual pest strategy.