Aroma Spider-Repellent: Natural Ways To Keep Spiders Away

Spiders are a common household pest that can be difficult to get rid of. While they are beneficial in controlling other pests such as mosquitoes and flies, many people are afraid of spiders or find them creepy and want to get rid of them. There are several natural ways to repel and kill spiders without resorting to harsh chemicals. One effective method is to use essential oils with strong aromas that spiders find unpleasant. Spiders are sensitive to strong scents, and certain essential oils can act as a natural repellent.

Some of the most effective essential oils for repelling spiders include peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella, lavender, lemon, clove, rosemary, lemongrass, and cedarwood. These oils can be mixed with water and sprayed around areas where spiders are likely to enter, such as doors and windows. The strong scent of these essential oils will deter spiders from entering and can also help eliminate other insects like mosquitoes, bed bugs, and spider mites.

In addition to essential oils, other natural methods to repel and kill spiders include regular cleaning to remove webs and egg sacs, reducing clutter and outdoor debris, sealing cracks and gaps, using sticky traps, and sprinkling diatomaceous earth at entrance points. While it may take some trial and error to find the most effective method for your specific situation, these natural approaches can help keep spiders at bay without resorting to harmful chemicals.

Vinegar

White vinegar, derived from grain alcohol, has a sharp aroma and strong acidity. When sprayed directly on spiders, the acid breaks down their exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and death. Its strong smell also acts as a natural repellent, keeping spiders away from treated areas.

Apple cider vinegar, made from fermented apples, has a milder and tangy flavour. While it is slightly less potent than white vinegar, it can still be useful in deterring spiders, especially when combined with other natural deterrents.

To make a DIY spider repellent, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply this solution to areas where spiders are commonly found, such as corners, windowsills, and under furniture. Regular use of this mixture can help keep your home free of spiders.

However, it is important to note that vinegar may not work on all types of spiders. It is most effective on smaller, web-building spiders like common house spiders and daddy longlegs, whose delicate exoskeletons are more vulnerable to the acid. Larger and more robust spiders may not be as easily affected by vinegar. Additionally, vinegar can cause damage to certain types of flooring, so it is advisable to test a small area before spraying it liberally.

Overall, vinegar is a natural and effective way to get rid of spiders in your home, but it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution.

Baking soda

To use baking soda to repel spiders, first clean the area where spiders frequent. Spiders are drawn to cluttered areas, so by removing the clutter, you will get rid of their hiding places, making them easier to drive out.

Next, sprinkle baking soda along the perimeter of the area you want to keep spiders out of, or in the outline of a trail starting at their hiding spot and leading outside. Dust baking soda in places where spiders get into the house, such as on window sills or in doorways. If you have a loose window, put baking soda on the inside window sill. This method also works for doors with a gap.

For best results, re-apply the baking soda once or twice a week.

In addition to baking soda, there are several other natural spider repellents you can try. These include:

• Peppermint oil
• Vinegar
• Cinnamon
• Salt solution
• Citrus peels
• Tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus oil
• Tobacco
• Garlic spray
• Chestnuts
• Coconut oil and vinegar
• Turmeric
• Diatomaceous earth

Essential oils

Citrus oils such as lemon, orange, and lime are a great option for deterring spiders, as they really hate the taste of citrus. Peppermint oil is also a popular choice, and is often used to repel mice as well as spiders. Spiders are also deterred by lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, and citronella oils.

To use essential oils to repel spiders, you can apply a line of oil across an entry point, dilute the oil with water and spray it over a larger area, or soak a cotton ball in oil and place it in access points or places spiders like to hang out. You can also diffuse the oils in your home, or apply them directly to your skin to prevent spider bites.

To make a spider-repellent spray, place around five drops of your chosen essential oil into a 16-ounce spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water, add a few drops of dish soap, and shake the mixture well. Apply the spray around doors, windows, and other entry points, as well as in any dark corners where spiders may be hiding. You'll need to reapply the spray regularly, as the scent will fade over time.

Barrier treatments

Seal Entry Points

Caulk or seal any cracks or gaps around your home's foundation, doors, windows, and ground-level windows to prevent spiders from entering. Also, check garage doors, crawl space entrances, and exhaust vents for potential entry points.

Install Window Screens and Screen Doors

Install properly fitting window screens and screen doors to keep spiders and other insects out. Inspect screens regularly for any holes and repair them as needed.

Maintain Outdoor Spaces

Trim shrubs, vines, and tree limbs near your home to reduce hiding places for spiders. Keep firewood, outdoor storage, and yard debris away from entrance doors and your home's foundation.

Use Natural Repellents

Create a natural spider repellent spray by mixing essential oils with water. Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, citronella, tea tree, and lemon have insect repellent properties and are effective in repelling spiders. Mix 5-10 drops of essential oil with 12 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around doors, windows, cracks, and crevices. Reapply regularly, as the scent fades or the area is cleaned.

Alternatively, you can use dryer sheets, horse chestnuts, walnuts, or cedarwood chips to repel spiders. Place them on window sills or corners of your house where spiders are frequently seen.

Use a Pest Control Service

If you are dealing with a severe spider infestation, consider hiring a professional pest control service. They can provide barrier treatments and other solutions to effectively manage the spider population in and around your home.

Natural spider repellents

Spiders are great for the environment and help keep other bug populations down. However, you probably don't want them in your living spaces. Here are some natural spider repellents that are safe for kids and pets.

Scents that deter spiders

Spiders are averse to a variety of scents, including:

• Mint: Plant mint around the exterior of your home, especially under windows.
• Cinnamon, tea tree, lavender, rose, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils: Add 20 drops of any of these oils to water in a spray bottle, and spritz it around the house where you see spiders.
• Cedar: Place cedar chips, blocks, or balls in places where spiders congregate in the house.
• Garlic: Crush a few garlic cloves, and drop them into a spray bottle with water. Let it sit for a day, then spray it in corners and along the baseboards.
• Vinegar: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and spray where spiders are spotted.

Other natural spider repellents

• Sticky traps: These traps contain no chemicals but can be effective when placed in areas where spiders like to shelter or feed on prey.
• Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle this powdery substance, made from the fossilized remains of aquatic creatures, around doors and windows. The tiny barbs in diatomaceous earth cause wounds that draw out body fluids from the spider, causing them to die in a few days.
• Salt water: Mix one tablespoon of table salt in a cup of water in a spray bottle and shake to dissolve. Aim for the spider and spray. You will need to clean up the residue when the salt dries.
• Horse chestnuts: Place horse chestnuts around the outside of your home, under furniture, or on windowsills.
• Tobacco spray: Boil a gallon of water, add a package of pipe or chewing tobacco, and let it soak until the water cools to room temperature. Strain the mixture into a clean container, then put one cup of the tobacco juice and half a cup of mint into a hose-end sprayer. Attach the hose sprayer to your garden hose and spray problem areas of your yard. This mixture also repels mosquitoes and other pests.
• Spider-repelling plants: Place basil, mint, lavender, or eucalyptus plants around your home or in areas where you notice more spiders. Alternatively, decorate your home with bouquets of marigolds or chrysanthemums, which are also effective in repelling spiders.

Frequently asked questions