Peppermint spray on infested plant? - Ask Extension
I want to know if I can spray a peppermint spray to rid a plant of heavy pest infestation. All the pests are on it. You name it.
Knowledgebase
Peppermint spray on infested plant? #912674
Asked August 04, 2025, 5:23 PM EDT
I want to know if I can spray a peppermint spray to rid a plant of heavy pest infestation. All the pests are on it. You name it.
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
This information comes from California IPM website.
Peppermint & Peppermint Oil Profile
Active Ingredient Eligible for Minimum Risk Pesticide Use
Brian P. Baker, Jennifer A. Grant, and Raksha Malakar-Kuenen1
New York State Integrated Pest Management, Cornell University, Geneva NY
Label Display Names: Peppermint; Peppermint oil
Active Components: Menthol, menthone, pulegone, others
CAS Registry #: 8006-90-4 (Peppermint oil); 2216-
51-5 and 89-78-1 (Menthol)
U.S. EPA PC Code: 500740 (referenced, but not
recognized in cross-search)
CA DPR Chem Code: 2058
Other Names: Brandy Mint; Lamb Mint; Oil of
peppermint; Mentha piperita oil
Other Codes: EC 616-900-7; FEMA 2848; HT
3301.25
This document profiles an active ingredient currently eligible for exemption from pesticide registration when used in
a Minimum Risk Pesticide in accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) section
25b. The profile was developed by the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University,
for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The authors are solely responsible for its content. The Overview Document contains more information on the scope of the profiles, the purpose of each section,
and the methods used to prepare them. Mention of specific uses are for informational purposes only, and are not
to be construed as recommendations. Brand name products are referred to for identification purposes only, and
are not endorsements.
1Current affiliation: Bayer US, Fresno CA
Summary: Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a culinary and medicinal herb that is widely cultivated and
used in various cuisines. Its essential oil is the primary source of menthol. Other active substances found
in peppermint and its essential oil include menthone and pulegone. As a pesticide, the primary active
ingredient, menthol, has biocidal properties and is effective at controlling mites, mosquito larvae, and various other pests. It also has repellent properties to insects, dogs, and cats. Peppermint oil is an effective
antimicrobial. Because of its history as a flavoring agent, peppermint and peppermint are considered safe
when used properly.
Pesticidal Uses: Insect repellent, insecticide, and acaricide; vertebrate animal repellent, including companion animals; antimicrobial disinfectant, bactericide, and fungicide; herbicide.
Formulations and Combinations: Combined with other essential oils, with vegetable oils, sodium lauryl sulfate.
Peppermint & Peppermint Oil Profile
Active Ingredient Eligible for Minimum Risk Pesticide Use
Brian P. Baker, Jennifer A. Grant, and Raksha Malakar-Kuenen1
New York State Integrated Pest Management, Cornell University, Geneva NY
Label Display Names: Peppermint; Peppermint oil
Active Components: Menthol, menthone, pulegone, others
CAS Registry #: 8006-90-4 (Peppermint oil); 2216-
51-5 and 89-78-1 (Menthol)
U.S. EPA PC Code: 500740 (referenced, but not
recognized in cross-search)
CA DPR Chem Code: 2058
Other Names: Brandy Mint; Lamb Mint; Oil of
peppermint; Mentha piperita oil
Other Codes: EC 616-900-7; FEMA 2848; HT
3301.25
This document profiles an active ingredient currently eligible for exemption from pesticide registration when used in
a Minimum Risk Pesticide in accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) section
25b. The profile was developed by the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University,
for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The authors are solely responsible for its content. The Overview Document contains more information on the scope of the profiles, the purpose of each section,
and the methods used to prepare them. Mention of specific uses are for informational purposes only, and are not
to be construed as recommendations. Brand name products are referred to for identification purposes only, and
are not endorsements.
1Current affiliation: Bayer US, Fresno CA
Summary: Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a culinary and medicinal herb that is widely cultivated and
used in various cuisines. Its essential oil is the primary source of menthol. Other active substances found
in peppermint and its essential oil include menthone and pulegone. As a pesticide, the primary active
ingredient, menthol, has biocidal properties and is effective at controlling mites, mosquito larvae, and various other pests. It also has repellent properties to insects, dogs, and cats. Peppermint oil is an effective
antimicrobial. Because of its history as a flavoring agent, peppermint and peppermint are considered safe
when used properly.
Pesticidal Uses: Insect repellent, insecticide, and acaricide; vertebrate animal repellent, including companion animals; antimicrobial disinfectant, bactericide, and fungicide; herbicide.
Formulations and Combinations: Combined with other essential oils, with vegetable oils, sodium lauryl sulfate.
