Spiders in the UK are harmless little things, but their presence can be unnerving, so it makes sense that you will want to find a way to send them packing.

Using a commercial chemical-based spider repellent is not ideal, as it means covering your home with harsh synthetic substances.

As an alternative, some people use peppermint oil as a natural method of telling spiders to keep clear. We look at the effectiveness of peppermint oil and offer some tips on how to keep spiders away.

How to make a peppermint oil spray

Making a peppermint oil spray for spiders may sound complicated, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s very easy to do, with no specialist knowledge required. Follow the steps below:

1. Take a spray bottle (500ml size will do) and fill it with water.
2. Add 5-10 drops of peppermint oil or spider repellent essential oil blend.
3. Add a dash of washing up liquid to the mixture to help emulsify.
4. Seal the cap and shake well.

Always take care when handling essential oils, as they are highly concentrated and can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some cases.

How do I get rid of spiders using a peppermint oil spray?

Once you have made your peppermint oil spider repellent solution, use the tips below to help you get the best results:

1. Dust around your home and use the vacuum extension to clear away existing spider webs (including on walls and ceiling corners).
2. Open the windows in the room to allow fresh air to enter as you start to spray.
3. Shake the solution well and spray around the house, focussing heavily on the corners, doors and windows.
4. Repeat this process once a week. If spiders are still appearing, shorten the spray period to every few days.

Another trick you could use is to add a peppermint plant to the external areas of your home, which can act as a barrier to ward off spiders thinking of entering.

What are the dangers of using peppermint oil?

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which can cause skin irritation in some people. In most cases, the oil is completely safe to use in small doses.

As we advise above, it’s a good idea to open windows whilst spraying to let the oil settle, as inhaling large amounts could lead to dizziness, nausea, double vision, or muscle weakness. However, this is more likely to happen if you spray a large amount of undiluted oil (which is why the spray should be diluted with water).

If you are a cat, dog or bird owner, you should take extra precaution when using peppermint oil as it can be toxic. The inhalation of peppermint oil can cause severe symptoms for your pet, so it may be advisable not to use it all in areas that they can access.

What smells do spiders hate?

Whilst peppermint oil is often cited as being the most effective repellent against spiders, you may be curious to see if other essential oils will do the trick.

There is not much scientific research about using essential oils to keep spiders away, but you may want to try lavender, citronella, tea tree, lemon or eucalyptus as an alternative to peppermint. Or alternatively you could use a spider repellent essential oil blend.

Some people suggest that cedar mulch can repel spiders and other bugs, or you may want to try a more traditional method of using glue traps (depending on how severe the problem is).

How often should you use peppermint oil for spiders? 

To start off with, try spraying the oil around your home about once per week.

If you find that weekly application is still causing spiders to appear before the week is up, try spraying it every two or three days instead. You can also try spraying the oil on plants that typically harbour spiders. 

For even greater effects, try strategically placing peppermint plants inside and outside your home to further detract the creepy crawlies. 

Peppermint oil sprays will require more frequent application than traditional insecticides, but it's well worth it to keep harmful chemicals out of your home for good. 

What if peppermint oil doesn’t work?

In general, spiders in the UK are harmless and tend to be more scared of us than we are of them. Step towards one and they’ll soon flee to what they believe is a safer spot. Also, don’t forget that spiders play a role in keeping your home bug free, as they love to trap other insects in their web for dinner time.

It’s understandable that you may want your home to be spider-free – although the reality is that just because you can’t see them, it doesn’t mean they aren’t hanging around in the shadows. But if spraying peppermint oil around your home isn’t effective or if you have a large problem on your hands, you may need to take things further.

Spider infestations are rare, but if your home is being overwhelmed by 8-legged pests, then it’s a good idea to call in the professionals to see what they can do to help.

We all encounter spiders at some point, although some of us are more comfortable dealing with them than others. Peppermint oil could offer the natural, chemical-free solution you need to give you more peace of mind at home. Making a peppermint oil spray is easy, and aside from keeping bugs at bay, it will also add a refreshing fragrance to your home. Always take care when handling essential oils, and bear in mind that they can be very harmful to cats, dogs and birds.