Peppermint oil added to furnace humidifier

[Careys]

Is it ok to add peppermint, or other scented, oil to a whole house humidifier pad? The purpose would be to repel stinkbugs.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

No. You don't want that stuff coating the inside of your ducts and evap coil. Just deal with the bugs. They'll go away in a couple of weeks.

 

[MSCH]

I would think that if it doesn't work the way you desire you are going to have a stinky problem that you might have a hard time eliminating.

 

[97prizm]

I would think that if it doesn't work the way you desire you are going to have a stinky problem that you might have a hard time eliminating.

This. Years ago I had something go bad in my fridge, so I thought a little orange glow on a paper towel to kill the smell. Everything in my fridge smelled like orange glow and even picked up a weird orange "taste". I wouldn't put peppermint oil in any humidifier.

 

[Careys]

Interesting responses. Thanks.

Stinkbugs around here now go from about November through April.

One of the hvac companies suggests adding peppermint oil to your furnace filter but it seems to me that if coating the ducts is a problem, the problem would be exacerbated because the fan is on more often than the humidifier.

Gonna ask my hvac guy when he does his semi-annual and will post his take.

 

[SureshR]

A fine mesh screen to cover your vents (but make sure you don't block air flow or you'll risk overheating) might help. And use sealant to fill gaps and cracks around the edges of your aircon units, windows and such. If any do get into your aircon, vacuum them out.

https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74169.html

 

[E150GT]

I have not added to any filter but I use essential oils all the time. I have a dedicated diffuser that I use. One like this
https://www.purifyskintherapy.com/D...h2Cwl4tTm_owR3_wnF1mjPc663q1UsahoC2koQAvD_BwE
They work well. I don't know about all but some oils are degrading to plastics like lemon oil and most citrus oils. Lemon oil will also eat right through Styrofoam

 

[MasterSolenoid]

Years ago I had something go bad in my fridge, so I thought a little orange glow on a paper towel to kill the smell. Everything in my fridge smelled like orange glow and even picked up a weird orange "taste". I wouldn't put peppermint oil in any humidifier.

Most common solution is a box of Baking Soda (for bad frig smells).
There sold just for that purpose.
Even if not needed, I always have a box in frig and freezer.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

I started using Insect Glue Traps in my basement.
Several along each wall.

September .... Insect killer around outside perimeter of house.
December .... replace glue traps in basement each year.

 

[bobdoo]

Diatomacious earth completely eliminated bugs in my basement this year.

 

[97prizm]

Most common solution is a box of Baking Soda (for bad frig smells).
There sold just for that purpose.
Even if not needed, I always have a box in frig and freezer.

Yeah. I've been using those for a while. I didn't know about the fridge packs until a few years back.