Buzz
Natural spider repellents can be easily made at home and are just as effective as commercial products, without the harmful chemicals that can affect humans and pets. Many natural repellents use ingredients like essential oils and ammonia, which irritate spiders and prevent them from entering your home. By applying sprays or repellent materials at entry points such as gaps or cracks around windows and doors, you can keep spiders away without risking your health.
Steps
Prepare an Essential Oil Spray
Mix essential oils and water. Add 7 drops of essential oil to a 500 ml glass spray bottle. Then, fill the bottle with warm water, leaving about 2.5 cm of space at the top.
- You can use peppermint, tea tree, citrus, lavender, or neem essential oils, as these have been proven effective in repelling spiders.
- Try to use a glass spray bottle, as essential oils can sometimes react with plastic.
Add dish soap and shake. Pour a small amount of dish soap into the spray bottle, then close the lid and shake well to mix the solution.
- Oil does not dissolve in water, so dish soap is necessary to break down the oil molecules and help them mix with water.
Spray around entry points. Apply the essential oil mixture to all potential entryways into your home, including window frames, door gaps, and any visible cracks. Also, spray corners where spiders tend to gather.
- If spraying on furniture or carpets, remember that oils may leave stains. Test the mixture on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t discolor the material.
Hussam Bin Break
Pest Control Expert, Diagno Pest Control
Pest Control Expert, Diagno Pest Control
Did you know? Spiders often live around windows and doors because these areas attract insects that serve as their prey.
Reapply weekly. Natural spider repellents require more frequent application than chemical-based ones, so make sure to reapply the spray every week.
Prepare Other Types of Sprays
Create an ammonia solution. Mix one part ammonia with one part water in a spray bottle, close the lid, and shake well. Spray the ammonia mixture around entry points and areas where spiders gather. Repeat weekly.
- Instead of spraying, you can also dip a cloth into the solution and wipe around entry points for a more targeted effect.
Make a vinegar solution. Combine one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle and shake until mixed. Spray the vinegar solution around entryways, window frames, or other access points. For best results, reapply weekly.
Prepare a saltwater solution. Mix 15 ml of salt with 2 liters of warm water and stir until dissolved. Pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray around entry points to repel spiders, repeating the process once a week.
- Directly spraying saltwater on spiders can kill them.
Create a tobacco solution. Fill a spray bottle almost to the top with hot water, then add a pinch of tobacco. Let the tobacco steep in the water for about an hour, then spray the solution around entry points. The strong smell of tobacco will repel unwanted spiders.
Spread Spider-Repelling Materials
Spread cedar shavings. Scatter cedar shavings or place cedar logs around entry points and areas where spiders are prevalent. You can also spread cedar shavings in your garden or around the house. The strong aroma of cedar will deter spiders and keep them away.
Use diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle a thin layer of 100% food-grade diatomaceous earth around window sills and doorways. Keep in mind that diatomaceous earth kills spiders, so choose another method if you only want to repel them.
- Diatomaceous earth sticks to spiders' legs and abdomens, gradually dehydrating them until they die.
- While it can kill spiders and other insects, diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and pets.
Use baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda around your home, focusing on entry points and areas where spiders are most active. The scent of baking soda will help drive spiders away.
Place chestnuts near entry points. Scatter whole chestnuts around entryways and areas where spiders are commonly found. However, there is debate about the effectiveness of chestnuts in repelling spiders—some consider it a myth, while others swear by it!
Rub citrus peels on entry points. Rub orange or lemon peels on window sills, doorways, and cracks. You can even scatter citrus peels around hidden corners of your home to enhance their effectiveness.
Sprinkle tobacco around the house. Spiders dislike the smell of tobacco, so scattering small bits of tobacco around your home can help keep these pests away.
Use herbs and spices. Scatter bay leaves, cloves, turmeric, or black pepper around the exterior of your home and entry points to repel spiders.
Tips
- If you prefer not to scatter repellent materials, you can clean your home with lemon-scented cleaning products and light citrus-scented candles to deter spiders.
- Consider planting an herb garden outside your home to prevent spiders from entering your lawn or house.
- In addition to using repellents, seal any gaps or cracks around your home that spiders could use to enter.
What You'll Need
- Essential oils (citrus, lavender, peppermint, tea tree, or neem oil)
- Dish soap
- Ammonia
- Tobacco
- Salt
- Cedar shavings
- Diatomaceous earth
- Cedar shavings or logs
- Baking soda
- Chestnuts
- Citrus peels
- Bay leaves
- Cloves
- Turmeric
- Black pepper
