| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Rodent Repellent Spray with Peppermint Oil to Repel Mice and Rats 2-Pack |
| Best Value | Natural Armor Peppermint Repellent for Mice and Rats |
| Best Pouch Peppermint Oil | Wanqueen 8-Pack Peppermint Mouse Repellent Pouches |
| Best Peppermint Oil Balls | 5-Pack Rodent Repellent with Peppermint  Oil |
| Best Liquid | Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray |
Rats are a serious problem when they invade your home. They can cause extensive damage to your property, health, and finances.
Some great ways to get rid of rats include using traps, baits, poison, and natural remedies. Peppermint oil is one of the natural remedies used to get rid of rats and many other pests. The essential oil also works against mice, insects, raccoons, and spiders.
Peppermint oils are effective because rats and these other pests are sensitive to the smell. While not recommended for a full-blown infestation, they work as a great humane preventative. Here are five of the best peppermint oils for rats and other pests available on the market.
Check Amazon- Made in the U.S.A.
- Made from natural ingredients
- Safe for indoor and outdoor use
- Repels rats, mice, spiders, bugs, raccoons, insects, and ants
- Reasonably priced
Check Amazon- This long-lasting formula comes in a gallon spray bottle
- Ready to use with no mixing required
- Can be used inside and out
- Will not leave a stain
- 100% money back guarantee
Check Amazon- Easy to use pouches
- Simply place them where you've seen rodents, roaches, or other pests
- Last up to 90 days
- Can be used indoors and out
- Safe to use around pets and children when used as directed
Check Amazon- Proven to repel rats, mice, voles, and other rodents
- Can be used indoors and out
- Contain peppermint, rosemary, and clove oil -- a fragrance combination that rodents can't stand
- Safe for humans and pets
- Easy to use
Check Amazon- Made from pure peppermint essential oils
- Repels rats and other rodents -- even squirrels!
- Also contains plant-based glycerin and soap
- Safe to use around people and pets
- Does not contain any harmful chemicals
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the 5 Best Peppermint Oils to Repel Rats (and Other Pests)
#1 Best Overall: Kate Garden’s Rodent Repellent Spray with Peppermint Oil
Kate Garden’s Rodent Repellent Spray with Peppermint Oil is our best overall peppermint oil for rats and other pests. This safe rodent repellent is made cruelty-free in the U.S.A. Since it does not contain harmful chemicals, it is safe for indoor and outdoor use.
Kate’s Garden’s Spray also repels mice, spiders, raccoons, insects, and ants. You can spray this oil in many places like your home, yard, and even your car. It is made from natural ingredients and can last up to 2,000 sprays.
You’ll love using this peppermint oil as it has a lovely fragrance. It is very safe to use around children and pets. To use this product, spray it under sinks, suspicious holes, cabinets, and even your appliances. It comes at a reasonable price, too.
Several reviewers said that this product didn’t repel rodents. A few reported that the sprayer didn’t function properly.
Pros and Cons of Kate Garden’s Rodent Repellent Spray with Peppermint Oil
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This cruelty-free essential oil is made in the U.S.A. | Several reviewers said that this product didn’t repel rodents. |
| It’s free from harmful chemicals, so it’s safe for indoor and outdoor use. | A few reported that the sprayer didn’t function properly. |
| This product repels a wide range of pests including rodents, spiders, insects, raccoons, and ants. | |
| It includes up to 2,000 sprays and is reasonably priced. | |
| It has a lovely peppermint fragrance. | |
| This product is safe to use around children and pets. | |
| Simply spray it under sinks, suspicious holes, cabinets, and even your appliances. |
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Made from natural ingredients
- Safe for indoor and outdoor use
- Repels rats, mice, spiders, bugs, raccoons, insects, and ants
- Reasonably priced
2. Best Value: Natural Armor Peppermint Repellent Spray for Rats and Other Pests
Natural Armor Peppermint Repellent Spray for Rats and Other Pests is one of the best value peppermint oils you can buy. This natural, long-lasting product comes in a gallon with a spray bottle and is in ready-to-spray form.
You’ll love that you can use Natural Armor indoors and outdoors to protect your home from rats. This product will not stain and so can be sprayed on anything without worry. Wherever you are having a rodent problem, just get this and spray for the best results.
Reviewers love that Natural Armor is easy to use. You don’t have to worry about the right measurements; just pour in the spray bottle and spray away. Natural Armor also offers a 100% money back guarantee on this product.
Some verified buyers reported that the spray nozzle didn’t work. Several said that the product didn’t work to repel pests.
Pros and Cons of Natural Armor Peppermint Repellent Spray for Rats and Other Pests
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This all-natural, long-lasting product comes in a ready-to-use gallon spray bottle. | Some verified buyers reported that the spray nozzle didn’t work. |
| It’s safe to use indoors and out and won’t stain any surfaces. | Several said that the product didn’t work to repel pests. |
| The company offers a 100% money back guarantee. |
- This long-lasting formula comes in a gallon spray bottle
- Ready to use with no mixing required
- Can be used inside and out
- Will not leave a stain
- 100% money back guarantee
3. Best Pouch Peppermint Oil: Wanqueen 8-Pack Peppermint Indoor Rat Repellent Pouches
You’ll love Wanqueen 8-Pack Peppermint Indoor Rat Repellent Pouches for a variety of reasons. The first is that they can last as long as 90 days. Their ability to repel rats does not weaken over time. And while it was created especially for rats, this product also handles cockroaches and other pests.
Another reason why our testers love this option is that it is easy to use. Just take it out and place it wherever you suspect there are pests. However, you should watch out as just one pouch can have far-reaching effects.
You can use these rat-repellent pouches indoors and outdoors. It does not contain harmful substances and will not harm your children or pets. Wanqueen Indoor Repellent is so strong that you won’t need to replace the pouches any time soon.
Some reviewers said that the peppermint smell wasn’t strong enough to deter pests.
Pros and Cons of Wanqueen 8-Pack Peppermint Indoor Rat Repellent Pouches
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The odor lasts up to 90 days and their ability to repel rats doesn’t weaken over time. | Some reviewers said that the peppermint smell wasn’t strong enough to deter pests. |
| It also works for cockroaches and other pests. | |
| It’s easy to use. Simply take out a pouch and place it wherever there are pests. | |
| You can safely use these pouches indoors and outdoors. | |
| They’re free from harmful substances and won’t harm your pets or children. |
- Easy to use pouches
- Simply place them where you've seen rodents, roaches, or other pests
- Last up to 90 days
- Can be used indoors and out
- Safe to use around pets and children when used as directed
4. Best Peppermint Oil Balls: SEEKBIT Rodent Rat Repellent Balls
SEEKBit Rodent Repellent Balls are very effective and have been proven to work against rats, voles, moles, groundhogs, and other rodents. You can use these balls in your garage, barn, attic, and even your car and get results.
Reviewers appreciate that these balls are made of more than just peppermint oil. They also contain rosemary oil and clove oil. This emits a smell that rats cannot stand, thereby keeping them away from your home. This smell is, however, safe for humans and pets.
SEEKBIT Rodent Repellent Balls are very easy to use. There are five in each pack, and all you have to do is take the ball out, put it in the green bag it comes with, and hang it. As long as you do not tear this bag, our testers report one bag lasting for as long as two months.Â
Several reviewers reported that these rodent repellent balls smell like moth balls, which are made of camphor, not peppermint and that they didn’t work.
SEEKBIT Rodent Rat Repellent Balls
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| These rodent repellent balls have been proven to work against rats, voles, moles, groundhogs, and other rodents. | Several reviewers reported that these rodent repellent balls smell like moth balls, which are made of camphor, not peppermint and that they didn’t work. |
| You can use these in your garage, barn, attic, and car. | |
| Reviewers appreciate that this repellent includes rosemary and clove oil in addition to peppermit. | |
| These repellent balls are safe for use around humans and pets. | |
| There are five in a pack. | |
| Simply take a repellant ball out, place it in the green bag (included) and hang it in the desired location, where it will work for up to two months. |
- Proven to repel rats, mice, voles, and other rodents
- Can be used indoors and out
- Contain peppermint, rosemary, and clove oil -- a fragrance combination that rodents can't stand
- Safe for humans and pets
- Easy to use
5. Best Liquid: Mighty Mint 16-oz. Peppermint Rat Repellent Oil
Mighty Mint 16-oz. Peppermint Rat Repellent Oil gets rid of rats humanely and keep them from coming back. This product is made from pure peppermint essential oil and smells amazing. It also works to keep rats and other rodents away.
While Mighty Mint also has other content like glycerin and soap, these are also made from plants. This means it is safe to use around your family and pets. You’ll also love that this product is made in the U.S. and does not leave any harmful chemicals behind.
Most reviewers report success using Mighty Mint to stop mice and rats. It even keeps squirrels away from plants. This spray is safe for both indoor and outdoor use. If you’ve been looking for a safe and easy way to get rid of rats and other pests around your home, this could be the product for you.
Some reviewers said that this product didn’t work.
Pros and Cons of Mighty Mint 16-oz. Peppermint Rat Repellent Oil
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This rat repellent oil is made from pure peppermint essential oil. | Some reviewers said that this product didn’t work. |
| It works to keep rats and other rodents away. | |
| Mighty Mint also contains other ingredients such as glycerin and soap, which are also made from plants. | |
| You can use it safely around pets and family, indoors as well as outdoors. | |
| It’s free from harmful chemicals and made in the U.S. |
- Made from pure peppermint essential oils
- Repels rats and other rodents -- even squirrels!
- Also contains plant-based glycerin and soap
- Safe to use around people and pets
- Does not contain any harmful chemicals
How to Choose the Right Peppermint Oil for Rats
Have you decided to use peppermint oils to eliminate the rats in and around your home? There are many options to choose from in the market. Even our review has a few different brands, and this could make it hard to decide which to go for.
There are some important factors to pay attention to when deciding a peppermint oil to buy. They include:
- Location of Use
- Price
- Durability
- Ease of Accessibility
- Effectiveness According to Reviews
Let’s look at these criteria in more detail.
Location of Use
Will you be using your peppermint oil indoors, outdoors, or in your car? Knowing this will help you decide which product is best for you. For example, many of our testers choose to go for the balls and pouch peppermint oil for the indoors. They believe that it will last longer and give better results.
Price
A good peppermint oil should be effective and not too expensive. That is why we choose affordable options that have been proven to work for this list. We also have a best value option that will give you many uses for a great price.
Durability
For effective prevention of rat returns, your peppermint oil should be long-lasting. This is why one of the options in our review is proven to stay as long as two months. The more durable the oil is, the more it is effective in keeping the rats and other pests away from your vicinity.
Ease of Accessibility
It should be easy to find the peppermint oil that you need and get it delivered to your home. That’s why we’ve included some links to make purchases easier and faster. Depending on the platform, you can even get faster delivery.
Effectiveness According to Reviews
The right peppermint oil for you is one that works. That’s why for this review, we worked closely with testers to ensure that every product we choose is effective. If a product has too many bad reviews from buyers, that is a sign to choose something else that reviewers say work.
Rats and Disease
Rats have been recognized as a health hazard for centuries. They carry diseases like pulmonary fever, plague, hantavirus, typhus, leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, trichinosis, salmonellosis, infectious jaundice, rat mite dermatitis, and more.
The presence of rats in a home could also worsen things for those with asthma and other allergies. There is also the fact that rats have been known to attack pets, children, and even the elderly. Sitting in one place for too long with food on you could make you a target.
Getting Rids of Rats Naturally
One of the reasons why people hate having to deal with rat infestations is that it is hard to be humane. So many solutions like poison involve killing the rats and then getting rid of the bodies. There is also the danger of your pet coming across the poisoned rat and ingesting it.
This is why people turn to natural methods like peppermint oil to safely get rid of the rats. While this smell is unappealing to rats and chases them, it is safe for your other house members. Most versions are also natural and chemical-free.
Some other natural methods people use include crushed black peppers, crushed chili peppers, eucalyptus oil, cinnamon, lemon oil, and citronella.
How To Use Peppermint Oil For Rats
Now that we know that peppermint oil works, how do you use it in your home to eliminate those pesky pests? Well, for starters, it depends on the kind of peppermint oil that you purchase. You can spray peppermint oil in liquid form in areas where you suspect rat activity.
You can also soak cotton balls in liquid peppermint oil and use them to seal holes and other access points. Peppermint oils that come in balls or pouches can simply be placed in areas where you suspect activity. They are designed to be long-lasting, so you only have to replace them after a couple of months.
Types of Peppermint Oils: Pros and Cons
As already explained, peppermint oils for rats can come in either of two forms: solid or liquid. Each of these has its pros and cons. Here they are to help you decide which works best for you.
Solid Peppermint Oil
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Last longer and is highly effective | Could be hard to get into certain crevices |
| You can see when it’s finished and replace it | You’ll need to buy multiple to use around many areas |
| Cost effective | Pets and small children may eat it if left carelessly |
| Great fragrance for your home |
Liquid Peppermint Oil
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sprays use air action and can easily spread into crevices | Has to be sprayed continuously for effectiveness |
| You don’t have to worry about pets eating it | Some of the oils could leave a stain behind |
| Safe to use around children and pets | |
| Great fragrance for your home | |
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Rodent Repellent Spray with Peppermint Oil to Repel Mice and Rats 2-Pack |
| Best Value | Natural Armor Peppermint Repellent for Mice and Rats |
| Best Pouch Peppermint Oil | Wanqueen 8-Pack Peppermint Mouse Repellent Pouches |
| Best Peppermint Oil Balls | 5-Pack Rodent Repellent with Peppermint  Oil |
| Best Liquid | Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray |
The 5 Best Peppermint Oils to Repel Rats (and Other Pests) FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is peppermint oil effective against rats?
Yes, peppermint oil is effective against rats. Rats are sensitive to the smell, so using it in and around your home will ward them off and prevent an infestation.
Where do you put peppermint oil on rats?
It is best to spray your peppermint oil around areas where you notice droppings or passageways. If you get solid peppermint products, you can also place or hang them around the area.
What essential oils keep rats away?
Peppermint oil is one of the best essential oils to use if you want to keep rats and other pests away. Others include citronella, lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, and cinnamon.
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