Peppermint: Your Winter Secret Weapon

Typically, when we think of mosquitoes, we think of the challenges they pose in the summertime. However, mosquitoes often do stay alive – and biting! – in the wintertime as well. Generally, mosquitoes tend to go dormant when temperatures start consistently staying below 10 degrees Celsius, or 50 degrees Fahrenheit. But with temperatures rising across the globe, we are seeing warmer winter days across many parts of Canada and the U.S., which means it may become more common to encounter mosquitoes in the winter months.

While there is not much we can do to change the temperature outdoors, we can suggest one small trick for deterring mosquitoes from living inside your home during the winter: peppermint oil!

Research suggests that oil of mentha piperita L. (more commonly known as peppermint oil) demonstrates strong repellent action against mosquitoes when used in its essential oil form. It is believed that this is largely due to its strong odour (beloved by many humans, especially around the holidays!). This is good news for all the peppermint lovers looking to fight off any stray mosquitoes this winter season.