Pennyroyal Oil for Dust Mites
When the thought of using insecticides makes your skin crawl just as much as the thought of dust mites in your home, try using natural repellents like pennyroyal to deter mites. Does this Spark an idea?
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Pennyroyal Oil
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Pennyroyal plants, a member of the mint family, have been used as insect repellents for hundreds of years. They are effective against ants and fleas and can help to repel mites, including dust mites. Pennyroyal essential oil can be purchased at health food and aromatherapy supply stores.
Use
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Add a few drops of pennyroyal oils to a spray bottle full of water and spritz down carpets, linens and pillows that might harbor dust mites. Add a teaspoon of eucalyptus oil and a few drops of pennyroyal oil to a load of laundry to kill dust mites when washing with cool water and to keep them away from the laundered fabric.
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Considerations
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Pennyroyal plants can cause miscarriages if they are ingested. To be safe, keep the oil away from any pregnant member of your household -- including pets. If you do not like the scent of pennyroyal oil, it can be combined with citrus or eucalyptus oil.
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