Natural Ways to Keep Spiders Away

Most spiders may be harmless to humans, but that doesn’t make them any more friendly and not many people want to see them crawling around their feet at home.

The best spider repellent doesn’t have to mean killing them either, as there are lots of natural methods you can use instead.

The arrival of autumn and winter invariably means spiders will be looking for a warm space to nestle into, so we’re giving you some helpful tips on how to use a natural spider repellent that works for your home.

What are the best spider repellent essential oils?

Some consider essential oils to be the best spider repellent, as their natural properties can be every effective at keeping them at bay. Some you could try include:

Peppermint oil

Spiders and other insects are not fans of the scent of peppermint oil. [1]

Blend 15-20 drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz around skirting boards, windowsills and hidden corners to scare them away.

Tea tree oil

Research has found that tea tree oil works as an organic spider repellent and can also be useful against a host of other insects. [2]

It’s another oil with a strong scent that spiders won’t be in a hurry to interact with.

Citronella oil

Whilst it is well-known for offering protection against mosquitos, citronella oil can also be very effective against spiders. You can make your own citronella-scented candle or use a diffuser for use in outdoor living spaces.

Eucalyptus oil

Similarly, eucalyptus oil has a strong and distinctive scent that spiders will try to avoid wherever possible. Use the same method as above or maybe combine with peppermint oil to create an even stronger scent barrier.

Household ingredients that repel spiders

Repelling spiders naturally can be done in lots of ways and if you don’t have any essential oils to hand you could try:

• Cinnamon: A common theme with natural spider prevention is using scents that they dislike. Cinnamon is another scent they try to avoid, so whether you use a scented candle, scatter dried cooking sticks or use cinnamon essential oil, this can scare them away.
• Vinegar: Mix some white vinegar with water in a spray bottle to douse cracks, crevices and corners. Avoid spritzing on varnished surfaces as it can cause damage.
• Tidying up: Spiders love to make a home in places with clutter, so keep on top of things at home with regular cleaning and decluttering. Also vacuum into ceiling corners where webs can tend to build up.
• Sealing up cracks: Spiders find their way in through the smallest of holes and cracks, so sealing up any cracks in windows, doors and walls can be just the thing. Plus, it can also help to improve your home insulation which can help with managing your energy bills.

Ideas to keep spiders out of your home

Spiders come into your home from the outside, so the best line of defence can be to block as many entry points as possible:

Grow repelling plants

The smells of peppermint and eucalyptus are not spider-friendly and growing a real plant in the garden can be a strong deterrent. Lavender, mint and lemon will also do the trick.

Remove hiding spots

Spiders love hiding spots inside and outside of your home, so clear away any piles of leaves, rocks and dirt. Make your garden debris-free and spiders will have to look for another place to call home.

Turn off outdoor lights

Spiders aren’t attracted to bright lights, but it will attract their food, be it flies, mosquitos and gnats. If possible, turn off your outdoor lighting when they are not in use, as this removes the spider’s food source, so they won’t have easy pickings in and around your home.

How to use natural spider repellents

• Homemade insect spray: One of the most common methods of repelling spiders naturally is to make a homemade spider repellent. Fill a spray bottle with water, add 15-20 drops of peppermint essential oil and spritz where needed.
• Scented candles: Spiders like to avoid strong smells, and you can make your own scented candles for use around the home. Citronella, lemon and lavender will add a lovely fragrance and help keep you spider-free.
• Plants and shrubs: Even if you don’t have a garden, you can invest in a small eucalyptus tree indoors, grow mint in a plant pot on the kitchen window sill and even leave small strips of lemon peel around spider entry points.

Spider prevention safety tips

You shouldn’t have to put your health at risk for the sake of repelling spiders, so bear the following in mind:

• Handle essential oils with care when making a spray or candle. In pure form, essential oils are very potent, and can cause strong skin reactions.
• Carry out a patch test on any essential oil you are using for the first time. This will reduce the risk of it causing an allergic reaction if it comes into contact with your skin.
• Keep essential oils out of reach of children and do not spray around them too vigorously, especially if they are toddlers.
• The same applies with cats and dogs, who can be sensitive and allergic to essential oils, so perhaps only use outdoors where there is lots of filtration.

Final thoughts

Repelling spiders naturally allows you to enjoy a spider-free home whilst letting them scuttle off elsewhere without having to be killed.

They generally tend to avoid big smells, which makes essential oils, particularly peppermint oil, perfect for natural repellents and it helps to keep your home and garden clutter free, so they have no easy hiding spots.

Always take precautions when using essential oils and keep them away from young children and your pets to avoid any potential allergic reactions.