While spiders can be very useful in the garden, once they start inviting themselves inside your home, they easily can become unwelcome guests. Chemical sprays and foggers can be found on the shelf, but homeowners don’t want tough chemicals in the living space. That’s where natural spider repellents come into play.
And beyond being safe for children, pets, and the environment, they can be just as effective if used properly. In this complete guide, you’ll find out the best natural spider repellents, how they work, and how you can use them to prevent these arachnids from taking up residence in your home.
What Attracts Spiders To Your Home?
Before going deep into repellents, it’s important to know why spiders are attracted indoors in the first place. Prevention begins with removing the source:
- Food source: Spiders chase their food. Spiders are attracted to flies, ants, and other bugs, so if there are fewer bugs, there will be fewer spiders.
- Shelter: Spiders love to take cover in cluttered corners, cardboard boxes, and any quiet, undisturbed spot they’re quick to turn a pile of junk into the perfect hiding place.
- Damp: Spiders of many different species are drawn to humid places, such as basements and bathrooms.
- Open entry points: Cracks, holes and open windows act like an invitation.
See also: Storm-Smart Homebuilding: Selecting the Right Lot and Floor Plan in Venice
Top Natural Spider Repellents That Really Work:
Let’s get into some of the most effective natural ways to keep spiders out of your space. These methods have stood the test of time backed by science, old school wisdom, and a ton of personal experience.
1. Peppermint Oil Spray
Spiders can’t stand peppermint. The intense, minty scent messes with their senses, making it one of the top natural repellents around. Just mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle, shake it up, and spritz it around windows, doors, corners, and anywhere else spiders might sneak in.
How to Make It:
- Combine 10 drops of peppermint essential oil with one cup of water.
- Add a couple drops of dish soap to make it stick to things.
- Spray around windows, doors, baseboards, and any entry points.
* Bonus: Add a splash of white wine vinegar for an added punch.
2. White Vinegar Spray
Spiders really don’t like vinegar specifically, the acetic acid in it.
Bonus? It’s also a great household cleaner, so you get double the use from one bottle.
How to make it:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray it into corners, cracks, crevices anywhere spiders might be hiding.
Pro Tip: Avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble. It can damage them over time.
Citrus Peels
Spiders aren’t fans of citrus either. Lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits contain d-limonene, a natural compound that repels them.
How to Use:
- Rub citrus peels on windowsills, doorways, and baseboards.
- Alternatively, boil peels in water and use the cooled liquid as a spray.
3.Safe & Effective Spider Control That Actually Works
It’s completely non toxic and safe to use around both people and pets but don’t let that fool you. It’s extremely effective against insects and spiders. How? It breaks down their exoskeleton and dries them out, naturally.
How to Use It:
- Lightly dust around doors, windows, baseboards, and under appliances.
- Don’t forget areas like attics, basements, and behind furniture.
- Reapply after vacuuming or mopping to keep it working.
4.Cedarwood: A Natural Repellent
Spiders can’t stand the smell of cedarwood. Lucky for us, it smells great to humans. You can use cedarwood in a few different ways:
Best Ways to Use It:
- Tuck cedar chips or blocks into closets, drawers, or even inside couch cushions.
- Mix a few drops of cedarwood essential oil with water and spray it around baseboards, windows, and corners.
5.Lavender Oil: Calming for You, Repelling for Spiders
Lavender doesn’t just help you relax it also keeps spiders away. It’s a win win.
Easy DIY Spray:
- Add 10–15 drops of lavender essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water.
- Spray along windows, baseboards, under furniture, or wherever spiders tend to show up.
6.Chestnuts: An Old School Trick
For generations, people have believed that chestnuts, especially horse chestnuts can keep spiders at bay. While it hasn’t been proven scientifically, plenty of folks swear by it.
How to Try It:
- Place a few chestnuts on windowsills, near doors, or anywhere spiders might sneak in.
Different Methods Of Keeping Spiders Out Of Your House
Here are some natural, practical strategies to prevent them from entering in the first place.
Seal Up Entry Points
Start by closing off the places spiders use to get inside:
- Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and your foundation.
- Install door sweeps and make sure your window screens are in good shape.
Declutter & Clean Regularly
Spiders love hiding in undisturbed places, so keep things tidy:
- Vacuum often to remove webs, egg sacs, and the bugs spiders like to eat.
- Stay on top of clutter, especially in storage areas like closets, basements, garages, and attics.
Get Rid of Outdoor Attractants
What’s outside your home can invite spiders in:
- Move firewood, leaf piles, and dense brush away from the house.
- Trim any bushes or tree branches that touch or hang too close to your walls.
Be Smart with Lighting
Outdoor lights attract bugs, and bugs attract spiders. Try this instead:
- Switch to yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights; they’re less attractive to insects.
- Consider turning off outdoor lights when they’re not needed.
DIY Spider Repellents You Can Make at Home
Making your own spider spray is simple, cost effective, and actually kind of satisfying. Here are a couple of go to options:
All Purpose Spider Spray
You’ll need:
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1½ cups water
- 1 tsp dish soap
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
- Spray around doorways, windows, baseboards, and corners once a week.
Herbal Sachets
You’ll need:
- Dried lavender, mint, and eucalyptus
- Small fabric bags (or even coffee filters will work!)
Instructions:
- Fill the bags with your dried herbs.
- Tuck them into closets, drawers, under sinks, or anywhere spiders tend to hide.
Is It Safe for Pets and Kids?
Generally, yes most natural repellents are safe when used correctly. But it’s still a good idea to be cautious:
- Avoid spraying directly on pets or their bedding.
- Keep essential oils out of reach of small children.
- Always check if the specific oils or herbs you’re using are pet safe. Peppermint, for example, can be irritating to cats.
What About the Pros?
Natural remedies are great for small spider problems but if things start getting out of hand, it might be time for professional help.
Here are a few signs:
- You spot spiders known for dangerous bites (like black widows or brown recluses).
- You’re finding dozens of webs that weren’t there the night before.
- Someone in your home is having a strong reaction to a bite.
Pest control companies can often provide eco-friendly options to look for those, offering IPM (Integrated Pest Management) services if you’re concerned about chemicals.
Wrapping It Up: A Natural Way to Keep Spiders Out
With just a bit of effort and a few everyday ingredients, you can keep spiders at bay safely and naturally. Plus, many of these methods leave your home smelling fresh and clean. Whether you’re a fan of peppermint’s sharp kick, the power of vinegar, or the gentle magic of lavender and citrus, there’s a natural solution that fits your vibe.
One last tip:
Be consistent. Reapply sprays, clean regularly, and check corners and entry points now and then. Staying proactive is the best way to keep spiders from making themselves at home.
No more creepy crawlies, just a calm, chemical free space. Naturally.
