When summer hits, so does the influx of bugs looking to invade our homes, which can be kept at bay with mint leaves. The warmth, the food, and the moisture create an inviting environment for pests like cockroaches, fleas, and aphids, if we just know the way to benefit from it.
Mint: a Versatile Plant with Surprising Benefits
Mint is well-known for its refreshing scent and culinary uses. It pairs wonderfully with lamb, enhances the flavor of chickpeas, and is an essential component in many fruit salads. Beyond its role in the kitchen, it is also celebrated for its medicinal properties. As noted by experts, mint “in particular has been shown to help with digestion and some irritable bowel symptoms,” explains Kathleen Zelman, a registered dietitian nutritionist at No Nonsense Nutrition.
The benefits of mint go far beyond its ability to freshen up your favorite dishes or settle your stomach. The plant’s essential oils, which release a cool, crisp fragrance, are disliked by many common pests, including cockroaches, this makes mint an effective, natural essential element.
A Tropical Trick for Blood Sugar Control? Diabetics are Loving this One
A Simple and Effective Bugs Repellent
One of the most straightforward ways to use mint to keep insects away is by placing dried mint leaves in areas where pests tend to hide. The powerful scent acts as a natural barrier that keeps pests like cockroaches, fleas, and aphids at bay.
Placing the leaves in dark corners of your home, particularly in areas such as under kitchen appliances, in bathrooms, and behind cupboards, can help prevent pests from making their home there.
For optimal results, experts recommend focusing on the entryway—placing a few leaves behind the door can significantly reduce the number of pests entering your space. The strong odor of it naturally repels insects, preventing them from invading your home. While this method won’t kill the insects, it’s highly effective at ensuring they stay away.
How to Enhance the Effectiveness of Mint
To benefit from this green leaves and to take it to the next level, try crushing the leaves before placing them in your home. This method release more of the essential oils, intensifying the fragrance and making it even more effective in keeping pests away. This technique can be particularly useful in areas where insect activity is more prominent, like mosquitoes.
Another great method for improving the potency of it as a repellent is by creating a mint infusion. To do this, simply boil a handful of leaves and let the liquid cool. Once cooled, pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to areas where pests are most active. This solution can be sprayed around doors, windows, and any cracks or crevices where insects might be entering.
While this infusion method can be highly effective, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t kill the insects instead, it drives them away. This natural solution is not always enough if you already have a large infestation.
