Peppermint Oil for Spiders, Mice and Other Pests: Claims Checked
Does peppermint oil repel spiders, mice or other pests? A plain check of the one spider experiment, what extension services say about rodents, and the safety questions at home.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Supplements can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read mushroom safety and interactions before you use any mushroom product.
Safety first. Essential oils left out to repel pests are still essential oils. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets. If one is swallowed, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Poison Control advises keeping essential oils locked up, out of sight and out of reach of children and pets. [1]
The claim as marketed
Websites and product labels often say a few drops of peppermint oil will keep out spiders, mice and other pests. This page checks what the sources we read actually found. It is information only, not pest-control advice.What research found
| Pest | What the source found | Strength of evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Spiders | A 2018 laboratory choice test (Fischer and colleagues) found mint oil strongly repelled two of three spider species tested, and lemon oil had no effect on any. [2] | Preclinical, small lab test, three species |
| Mice | Proper evidence not found. We searched PubMed and the University of California house-mouse guide for peppermint oil and mice and found no trial of peppermint oil in homes. | Proper evidence not found |
| Rats | The University of California says rats have an initial aversion to some odors and tastes, but no repellents have been found to solve a rat problem for more than a very short time. [3] | Extension-service guidance |
| Mosquitoes | A 2005 laboratory study tested six oils, including Mentha piperita oil, against Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Only citronella and eucalyptus oil were tested on people, so it shows nothing for peppermint on human skin. [4] | Preclinical for peppermint |
Spiders in more detail
The spider study placed female spiders in a two-choice setup with the oil or a control. [2] It tested three invasive species and found that mint oil repelled two of them strongly and the third less. [2] The authors concluded that mint oil may deter spiders from settling, but this was a laboratory choice test, not a trial in a house. It does not show how long an effect lasts, what amount is needed, or that spiders stay away from a real home. The University of California advises focusing spider control on removing webs and hiding places, and says pesticides are not generally needed. [5]Mice and rats in more detail
The University of California house-mouse guide discusses sound, magnetic and vibration devices, and says there is little evidence that any will drive established house mice or rats from buildings. [6] It does not recommend a scent. Peppermint oil is not described in the pages we read, so claims that it removes a mouse problem are best treated as a marketing claim without good evidence. Pest-control professionals and local extension offices can advise on rodents.Where to read more
For biting insects and lice, see Essential oils for mosquitoes, bugs and lice. For the plant, see Peppermint.Frequently asked questions
Does peppermint oil repel spiders?
One laboratory study found mint oil strongly repelled two of three spider species. [2] It was not a trial in homes, so it does not show a lasting effect.
Does peppermint oil keep mice away?
Proper evidence not found. We searched PubMed and a University of California guide for mice and found no home trial of peppermint oil. A UC guide says there is little evidence that sound or vibration devices drive mice from buildings. [6]
Is it safe to leave peppermint oil around the house with pets?
Not established. The ASPCA lists mint as toxic to dogs and cats. [7] Ask a veterinarian.
Is lemon oil a better spider repellent?
In the same spider study, lemon oil had no effect on any of the species tested. [2]
What does an extension service suggest instead?
For spiders, the University of California advises removing webs and hiding places. [5] For mice and rats, ask a local extension office or pest professional.
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Safety in the home
- Cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists mint plants as toxic to dogs and cats. [7] A study of poison-center records found dogs and cats had adverse effects from essential-oil flea products even when used as labeled. [8] See Essential oils and pets.
- Babies and young children. NCCIH says peppermint oil should not be applied to the face of infants or young children. [9] See Peppermint oil safety.
- Skin. Peppermint oil can cause rashes and irritation. [9]
- Pesticide rules. The sources we read do not describe how peppermint oil pest products are regulated.
References
- Essential oils: Poisonous when misused (Poison Control). https://www.poison.org/articles/essential-oils. Read 2026-10-23.
- Fischer A, Ayasse M, Andrade MCB. Natural compounds as spider repellents: fact or myth? J Econ Entomol. 2018;111(1):314-318. PubMed 29309619. Abstract read 2026-10-23.
- Pest Notes: Rats (UC Statewide IPM Program, UC ANR Publication 74106). https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74106.html. Read 2026-10-23.
- Yang P, Ma Y. Repellent effect of plant essential oils against Aedes albopictus. J Vector Ecol. 2005;30(2):231-234. PubMed 16599157. Abstract read 2026-10-23.
- Pest Notes: Spiders (UC Statewide IPM Program, UC ANR Publication 7442). https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/spiders/. Read 2026-10-23.
- Pest Notes: House Mouse (UC Statewide IPM Program, UC ANR Publication 7483). https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/house-mouse/. Read 2026-10-23.
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Mint (ASPCA). https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/mint. Read 2026-10-23.
- Genovese AG, McLean MK, Khan SA. Adverse reactions from essential oil-containing natural flea products exempted from EPA regulations in dogs and cats. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012;22(4):470-475. PubMed 22805458. Abstract read 2026-10-23.
- Peppermint Oil (NCCIH, last updated May 2025). https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil. Read 2026-10-23.