Q&A for How to Control Fleas by Using Peppermint

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  • Question
    Will regular peppermint oil work to kill fleas?
    Chris Parker
    Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
    Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. With over seven years of experience, Chris specializes in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.
    Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
    Expert Answer
    It's more effective if you buy a blend of essential oils that are specifically formulated as an insecticide. You can use it on your baseboards, carpet, and places like that. However, do not put it directly onto your pet—essential oils can be toxic to animals.
  • Question
    Can I put peppermint oil directly on dogs skin?
    Community Answer
    I wouldn't advise this due to some concentrations of peppermint oil being quite strong, enough to give a human's skin a "burning" feeling. Check the recipes given here and mix as instructed.
  • Question
    Is peppermint safe and effective to use on cats?
    Community Answer
    Peppermint oil is toxic to cats, and should not be used anywhere on their bodies where they can lick it off.
  • Question
    I no longer have a cat, but I still have lots of fleas in my basement. They bite me every time I go down to do laundry. Since peppermint is safe to put on animals, could I spray some peppermint on my ankles and calves to keep the fleas off of me?
    Community Answer
    I would put a few drops of essential pepperment oil in a carrier such as coconut oil then apply it to my skin. Essential oils need to be diluted before being applied topically.
  • Question
    Can you use mint bought in a grocery store instead of peppermint in the flea recipe?
    Community Answer
    You should use peppermint. All herbs and mints are different. You can get a fairly large bottle of peppermint oil from an online retailer like Amazon. Also, you can buy peppermint plants to plant inside and out at a home improvement store. Peppermint also repels spiders, ants, mosquitoes, and mice.
  • Question
    Can peppermint poison my dog if he licks it?
    Community Answer
    Natural tick and flea repellants can be toxic if ingested. The safest method is to apply peppermint oil to a collar (which is hard for your pet to get at with his mouth).
  • Question
    Will peppermint spirits work?
    SGrosjean
    Community Answer
    Yes. Peppermint spirits are typically a combination of leaf extracts and oil, which will control fleas.
  • Question
    How can I get rid of roaches?
    Community Answer
    Try an insect trap. You place them all around your home and you never see roaches again.
  • Question
    What ingredient is good for bathing a 3 week old puppy?
    Community Answer
    Warm water. That's it. You really shouldn't use anything else with anything that young.
  • Question
    What can I use on my cat if not pure peppermint extract for fleas?
    Community Answer
    Diatomaceous earth, food grade. Use caution when applying it so you and the animal do not breathe in the dust, but this will kill fleas on the pet and you can use it on their bedding and your furniture, leaving it on a day and then vacuuming it well. Sprinkle around baseboards and around the outside of your house and in your lawn where your pets tend to play most. It kills fleas by scratching the outside of their bodies and causing them to dehydrate.
  • Question
    Is the peppermint mix shown above safe enough to be used on the collar without burning my dog?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this mix will be fine to use on the collar and won't burn your dog's skin.
  • Question
    Where can I buy peppermint oil?
    Community Answer
    Amazon would probably be your best bet since it would be cheaper than most stores.
  • Question
    Can I dilute 1 drop of peppermint oil, and put in my dog's shampoo?
    Community Answer
    It would be very diluted and the shampoo would likely wash it off. Try mixing a few drops into a non scented conditioner such as Mane & Tail Conditioner and using this after a bath.
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