Published December 19, 2023 • Updated November 10, 2025
Reviewed by Julie Miller, BA in Language Arts, Editorial Lead, Dr. Killigan’s
TL;DR: See how Dr. Killigan’s plant-based pest control solutions use nature’s medicine for pest control—active ingredients that power our control solutions like soybean, clove, cinnamon, peppermint and rosemary oils—to repel, deter and eliminate pests. We break down the pest control spray ingredients behind Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray, Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder, Sweet Surrender Fruit Fly Trap and Cedar Planks Clothes Moth Repellent to show how natural oil insect repellents deliver effective, non-toxic results.
Have you ever paused to consider what's really in the pest control products you use around your home? If you’re concerned about the safety of your family and pets, you're not alone. At Dr. Killigan's, we believe that nature offers the best solutions, and we're committed to utilizing these gifts in our fight against pests.
Welcome to Dr. Killigan's realm, where nature’s medicine forms the cornerstone of our pest control philosophy. Today, I invite you to join me on a fascinating journey into nature’s own medicine cabinet. We'll explore ten potent, plant-based ingredients that form the backbone of our trusted, non-toxic pest control solutions. From the lush fields where these ingredients are cultivated to their powerful effects against household pests, you'll discover how we harness these natural warriors to keep your living spaces safe and pest-free.
Are you ready to turn over a new leaf in pest control? Let's dive into the world of plant-based solutions that not only protect your home but also respect the earth
1. Soybean oil: A robust, natural insecticide
Found in: Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray
Role: Active ingredient that physically smothers insects without synthetic toxins.
Soybean oil turns a simple kitchen staple into one of the most effective active ingredients in natural pest control sprays. In Six Feet Under, its 3.13% concentration creates a mechanical-kill effect—working through contact, not chemicals.
How it works:
- Clogs insects' spiracles (breathing openings)
- Blocks respiration and causes asphyxiation
- Disrupts egg metabolism and feeding behavior
This process leads to quick elimination across a wide range of pests—from ants and beetles to cockroaches and pantry moths—without leaving toxic residues.
Because soybean oil acts mechanically rather than chemically, pests can’t develop resistance. It’s a non-toxic, eco-friendly pest control ingredient that keeps your home safe while protecting beneficial insects and pollinators.
Soybean oil is classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a minimum-risk ingredient, meaning it’s safe when used as directed for people, pets and the environment.
2. Cinnamon oil: A powerful insect deterrent
Found in: Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray
Role: Natural repellent that deters and disrupts household pests through scent and contact.
Cinnamon oil brings warmth to the kitchen—and power to our plant-based pest control solutions. In Six Feet Under, this fragrant essential oil works at just 0.03% concentration to repel and immobilize pests such as ants, moths and cockroaches.
How it works:
- Its strong aroma masks pheromone trails and deters insects from approaching.
- When blended with other natural oil insect repellents—like clove and soybean—it enhances absorption and speeds knock-down.
- Cinnamaldehyde in the oil weakens the insect cuticle, aiding faster elimination.
Beyond its pleasant scent, cinnamon oil’s natural chemistry helps stop infestations at the source while leaving no toxic residue—a clean, sustainable way to keep pests at bay.
Did you know? Ancient cultures used cinnamon oil to protect stored grain from insects — a tradition now refined in Dr. Killigan’s modern formulas.
3. Clove oil: A versatile insect repellent
Found in: Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray
Role: Quick-knockdown ingredient that incapacitates pests through eugenol’s neurological effects.
At 0.05% concentration, clove oil is one of nature’s most potent active ingredients in natural pest control. Its primary compound, eugenol, interferes with insects’ neurotransmitters—including mosquitoes, ants, wasps, moths and flies—halting their movement almost instantly.
How it works:
- Discrups motor and metabolic functions via nervous-system interference.
- Acts as a contact killer while leaving a strong repellent aroma.
- Works synergistically with soybean and cinnamon oils for breader coverage.
Clove oil’s dual action—repelling and disabling pests—makes it indispensable to Dr. Killigan’s plant-based pest control sprays. It performs without synthetic poisons or fumes, delivering household protection that’s safe when used as directed.
Did you know? Eugenol, the active compound in clove oil, is listed by the EPA as a “minimum-risk” biopesticide ingredient.
4. Peppermint oil: A robust natural repellent
Found in: Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder
Role: Strong-scented repellent that drives away ants, beetles, and roaches while refreshing indoor air.
Peppermint oil is central to Dr. Killigan’s eco-friendly pest control approach. Its natural compounds—menthol and terpenes—overwhelm insects’ sensory receptors, prompting them to flee treated areas.
Peppermint oil stands out as a key active ingredient in our quest for non-toxic pest control. Known for its potent ability to repel a variety of pests—including ants, aphids, beetles, cockroaches and even mosquitoes—peppermint oil is a cornerstone of our safe and effective Dust to Dust Non-Toxic Insect Powder formula. Its major chemical compounds—terpene, alcohol and menthol—act as natural fumigants, deterring pests through their strong aromas.
How it works:
- Menthol vapors create a scent barrier pests avoid.
- Natural alcohols disrupt the respiratory and digestive systems on contact.
- Functions as a deterrent for ants, aphids, beetles and cockroaches.
Beyond pest control, peppermint oil offers a clean, invigorating aroma that complements its mechanical action. It’s a non-toxic pest control ingredient that balances performance and safety, proving that fresh air and effective defense can coexist.
Studies from the National Library of Medicine show peppermint oil achieving up to 97% mortality in cockroach nymphs — rivaling synthetic sprays without harmful chemicals.
5. Rosemary oil: A potent, natural insecticide
Found in: Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder
Role: Multi-action essential oil that repels, disrupts, and defends against a variety of pests.
Rosemary oil brings both fragrance and force to plant-based pest control solutions. In Dust to Dust, compounds such as camphor, cineol and borneol deliver potent insecticidal power through nervous-system interference and scent-based deterrence.
How it works:
- Overstimulates insect nerve receptors, leading to rapid knockdown.
- Disrupts pheromone signaling, breaking communication within colonies.
- Acts as a repellent barrier for mosquitoes, mites and beetles.
[Scientific studies underscore rosemary oil’s wide-ranging efficacy. Research from the National Library of Medicine reports complete mortality in spider mites without harming host plants, while additional studies on ResearchGate demonstrate total eradication of adult rice weevils.]
Because rosemary oil targets sensory and neurological systems, it’s effective across multiple pest species while remaining safe when used as directed. It exemplifies Dr. Killigan’s philosophy: eco-friendly pest control that’s potent yet toxin-free.
Research from Cornell University found that rosemary oil demonstrated prolonged mosquito repellency, highlighting its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic repellents.
6. Silica: A dual benefit for plants and pest control
Found in: Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder
Role: Dual-purpose mineral that strengthens plants while physically eliminating crawling insects.
- Microscopic edges pierce waxy cuticles, causing dehydration.
- Forms a dry barrier that deters ants, roaches and fleas.
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Non-chemical, mechanical action that pests can’t resist
Note for gardeners:
In soils, bioavailable silicon is known to strengthen plant tissues and improve stress tolerance.
7. Eastern red cedar: Nature's aromatic protector
Found in: Cedar Planks Clothes Moth Repellent
Role: Naturally aromatic wood that repels moths and fabric pests while refreshing storage spaces.
Eastern red cedar embodies nature’s medicine for pest control. Its rich aroma, driven by cedrol and thujone compounds, naturally repels clothing moths and other fiber-feeding insects without synthetic fragrances or harmful fumes.
How it works:
- Emits essential oils that disrupt moth pheromone attraction.
- Acts as a long-term, non-toxic deterrent inside closets and drawers.
- Provides a calming, earthy scent—natural aromatherapy for your home.
Dr. Killigan's Cedar Planks, crafted from 100% eastern red cedar, embody more than just pest repellence. This remarkable wood, with its natural properties, effectively wards off moths and other fabric pests, safeguarding your clothing and linens. Its inherent ability to repel bugs is just the beginning; cedar represents nature's ingenuity in providing solutions to modern challenges.
Beyond its functionality, eastern red cedar infuses your home with a subtle, earthy aroma, akin to natural aromatherapy.
This scent transforms your closets into havens of peace. Dr. Killigan's Cedar Planks not only offer pest protection but also enhance your living space with the timeless wisdom of nature.
8. Vinegar: The power of organic acidity
In Sweet Surrender Fruit Fly Trap Refill Liquid, the inclusion of red wine vinegar plays a crucial role in pest control. Sourced from select California grapes, it undergoes a specialized fermentation process, heightening its effectiveness against fruit flies. This vinegar:
- Targets the specific sensory preferences of these pests (with its aroma reminiscent of overripe fruits)
- Lures fruit flies into the traps with the allure of fermenting fruits
- Disrupts their reproductive cycles
By leveraging the natural allure of red wine vinegar, we offer a potent, sustainable solution to manage fruit flies, ensuring the safety and well-being of families and the environment.
9. Citric acid: Harnessing citrus power for fruit fly attraction
Citric acid, originally sourced from lemon juice, is a key element in Sweet Surrender's effectiveness against fruit flies. This organic compound, particularly potent due to its terpene content—like limonene—is naturally appealing to fruit flies, as it mimics the enticing scent of citrus fruits – their preferred choice. The citric acid's combination of natural acidity and citrus aroma provides a powerful lure that fruit flies find irresistible.
Citric acid's role extends beyond attracting pests; it also serves as a natural preservative, giving Sweet Surrender a shelf-life of two years when stored correctly.
10. Sucrose: The sweet lure for fruit flies
Sucrose, a natural sugar, is a crucial component in Sweet Surrender. Its effectiveness in luring fruit flies stems from their innate need for sugar as a quick energy source for their constant flying. This natural lure satisfies their sugar cravings, making sucrose an efficient attractant in our traps.
Incorporating sucrose into Sweet Surrender is in line with our philosophy of utilizing nature's medicine for pest control. This non-toxic and safe sugar ensures that our traps are not only highly effective but also pose no harm to humans or pets.
Explore nature's ingenious solutions with Dr. Killigan's:
Embrace the synergy of nature and science with Dr. Killigan's range of plant-based, non-toxic pest control products. From the powerful soybean oil in Six Feet Under to the aromatic cedarwood oil in Cedar Ward, each product is a testament to the effectiveness of nature's medicine. We invite you to discover our innovative solutions for a healthier, pest-free home. Visit our website now to learn more and shop our products. Join our mission for a sustainable, harmonious home environment with Dr. Killigan's.
