peppermint oil garden planter spray for pest deterrence, Digi Mart USA News: A publisher article from House Digest suggests that peppermint oil may be a natural option for protecting garden plants from pests. The oil, derived from the peppermint plant (Mentha x piperita), has a strong scent from the menthol it contains, which the article says insects dislike.
According to the article, the strong aroma can also mask the smell of plants that pests are drawn to, which may disrupt their ability to find food. The article adds that the minty scent may also deter rabbits and deer, and that peppermint oil appears in some commercial deer and rabbit repellents.
The article describes a homemade protective spray made with a garden sprayer holding at least 1 gallon of water, one tablespoon of pure Castile soap and two teaspoons of pure essential peppermint oil. The soap is used to disperse the oil through the water, and the mixture should be shaken periodically during application.
The publisher recommends spraying the mixture around the edges of planter boxes, pots and raised garden beds, starting with a small amount to test how plants react before increasing the dose. The article notes that the scent fades gradually, especially outdoors, so reapplication about once a week, or whenever the aroma is no longer noticeable, is suggested.
The article states that the solution is non-toxic to humans but can be toxic to pets if a high enough concentration is ingested. It also says peppermint oil may help keep mice away from a home.
These claims come from a single publisher article and have not been independently verified.
