# How to Use Mint as an Insect Repellant
Instead of using commercial products that contain harsh chemicals to repel insects, use mint as an insect repellent. It is both effective and inexpensive. Using mint to repel mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ants and other annoying insects keeps your family and pets safer and healthier.
Things You'll Need
- Mint plant, mint leaves or mint oil
- Sachet bags
- Rubbing alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Citrus peels
- Small pot
- Water
- Strainer
Instructions
-
-
1
Repel flies by putting crushed mint leaves in small sachet bags. Place the sachets in various locations around the house.
-
2
Crush a few dry mint leaves where ants are active to keep them away. Mint tea bags are also effective.
-
3
Mix up a batch of insect repellent. Add rubbing alcohol and mint oil to a spray bottle at a ratio of approximately five to one. Spray the mixture on yourself before going outside.
-
4
Make insect repellent from fresh mint leaves, orange and/or lemon peels and rubbing alcohol. Boil the citrus peels and mint leaves and allow it to sit overnight. Strain the liquid and mix it with an equal amount of rubbing alcohol. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
-
5
Dab mountain mint on your clothing to repel chiggers and ticks.
-
6
Plant mint, horsemint and mosquito plants in your yard to keep away mosquitoes. To release the scent from these plants crush a few of the leaves. Bubblegum mint, hummingbird mint and giant hummingbird mint are other names for the mosquito plant.
-
7
Rub your cats and dogs coats with crushed mint leaves when they are outside. It keeps away the biting insects.
-
1
