Spiders, with their delicate webs and mysterious presence, are fascinating creatures in the natural world. However, finding them lurking in corners and crawling on walls inside our homes can be unsettling for many. If you prefer to keep these eight-legged intruders outside where they belong, there are natural spider repellents that can help you achieve a spider-free living space without resorting to harsh chemicals. In this article, we will explore effective and eco-friendly ways to repel spiders using simple ingredients found in your pantry or garden.
How do Natural Repellents Act on Spiders
Natural repellents are an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides for deterring spiders from invading our living spaces. These repellents work by leveraging the strong scents and compounds found in certain natural ingredients, which spiders find unpleasant or overwhelming. Let’s take a closer look at how these natural repellents act on spiders and whether they are effective in keeping them at bay.
Strong Odors
Spiders have a keen sense of smell and rely on their olfactory receptors to detect potential threats or sources of food. Natural repellents like peppermint oil, white vinegar, and citrus peels emit strong odors that spiders find repulsive. When sprayed or applied in spider-prone areas, these scents create an unfavorable environment for spiders, discouraging them from entering or building webs in those spaces.
Chemical Compounds
Some natural ingredients contain chemical compounds that spiders find irritating or toxic. For example, eucalyptus leaves and chestnuts contain compounds that spiders are averse to, acting as a deterrent to keep them away. When strategically placed in areas where spiders frequent, these compounds interfere with the spiders’ sensory perception, making those areas less attractive as potential habitats.
Barrier Formation
Natural repellents can also create physical barriers that spiders find difficult to navigate. For instance, a spray of peppermint oil along windowsills, doorways, and cracks can act as an invisible barrier that spiders are reluctant to cross. Similarly, dried eucalyptus leaves or chestnuts placed in corners can form a boundary that spiders are less likely to breach.
Are They Effective?
The effectiveness of natural repellents in repelling spiders can vary depending on factors such as the spider species, the severity of the infestation, and the application method. While natural repellents may not eradicate spiders entirely, they can be effective in reducing their presence and preventing reinfestations when used in combination with other pest control measures.
It is essential to understand that natural repellents may need to be reapplied regularly, as their potency may diminish over time. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and addressing potential entry points for spiders, such as cracks and gaps in walls, will enhance the repellents’ efficacy.
A List of Natural Spider Repellents
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Peppermint Oil Spray
Peppermint oil is a potent and natural spider repellent due to its strong scent, which spiders dislike. To make a peppermint oil spray, mix 10-15 drops of pure peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the mixture along window sills, doorways, and other potential entry points to create a barrier that spiders will avoid. Refresh the spray every few days to maintain its effectiveness.
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White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar not only helps in cleaning but also acts as a natural spider repellent. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply the solution to areas where spiders are commonly found. This mixture not only repels spiders but also helps in getting rid of their webs and eggs.
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Citrus Peel Spray
Spiders detest the scent of citrus. Save your citrus peels (orange, lemon, or lime) and place them in a spray bottle with water. Allow the peels to steep in the water for a day or two, and then spray the solution around windows, doors, and other spider-prone areas. Reapply as needed to maintain its effectiveness.
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Chestnuts
Believe it or not, chestnuts are a natural spider deterrent. Place a few chestnuts in the corners of rooms, near entry points, or other areas where spiders tend to gather. The compounds in chestnuts are thought to repel spiders, discouraging them from entering your home.
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Eucalyptus Leaves
Eucalyptus leaves contain essential oils that spiders find unpleasant. Place dried eucalyptus leaves or eucalyptus sachets in areas where you want to keep spiders at bay, such as closets, cupboards, or window sills. You can also hang eucalyptus branches near doorways or windows to create a natural barrier.
Video: This natural SPIDER repellent works!
1. Eco Defense USDA Biobased Pest Control Spray – Ant, Roach, Spider, Bug Killer and Repellent
[amazon box=”B00ZNHYEFM”]Product Description
This potent bug spray for home is specially formulated to naturally kill and repel a wide range of bothersome pests, including cockroaches, spiders, ants, fleas, earwigs, stink bugs, gnats, mites, scorpions, silverfish, and other common household pests.
The Eco Defense USDA use only natural, organic, and non-toxic ingredients sets apart from traditional chemical-based alternatives. Say goodbye to the worries of harmful fumes or dangerous poisons coming in contact with you and your family. Our eco-friendly formula ensures a pest-free environment without compromising your health or the well-being of your pets.
With Eco Defense, you can trust in its fast-acting and long-lasting performance. This powerful spray not only kills pests swiftly upon contact but also helps to keep them out, providing you with lasting protection. Feel confident using it all around your home, as it is child and pet-friendly. Ditch the artificial sprays, baits, and pesticides commonly found on the market, and embrace the natural, safe, and effective alternative – Eco Defense USDA Biobased Pest Control Spray.
2. Natural Armor Spider Killer & Repellent Spray – Best Non-Toxic
[amazon box=”B08JXPSMPN”]Product Description
This spider killer and repellent spray effectively eliminates and keeps away all types of spiders from unwanted areas in your home, such as bedrooms, basements, attics, living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and sheds. For outdoor applications, it can be used in garages, pool houses, and sheds.
Easy to use, simply shake the bottle and spray using the comfortable heavy-duty trigger sprayer. Rest assured, it won’t clog, providing smooth application over approximately 1,000 square feet. The waterproof formula lasts up to 90 days, staying effective even after exposure to moisture.
The Spider Killer & Repellent Spray is designed with your safety and the environment in mind. It contains no chemicals or poisons, boasting some of the highest percentages of active natural ingredients available. Based on university and state studies, it’s proven to be highly effective without emitting any unpleasant odors.
Available in two refreshing herbal scents, this food-grade product is crafted from safe, all-natural ingredients, making it the ideal choice for a spider-free environment. Take control of your living space with Natural Armor Spider Killer & Repellent Spray – your reliable, non-toxic solution for a spider-free home.
3. Nantucket Spider 2 Pack | 4 oz Extra Strength Natural Tick Repellent
[amazon box=”B095SZ2ZQR”]Product Description
This powerful combo includes a broad spectrum of steam-distilled, organic essential oils that have been lab-tested and proven to repel pests. With a focus on natural ingredients, the Nantucket Spider 2 Pack 4 oz Extra Strength Natural Tick Repellent are formulated using only distilled water, vegetable glycerin, and natural vanillin derived from cloves. Say goodbye to harmful chemicals and welcome the peace of mind that comes with using safe and eco-friendly products around your loved ones.
Designed for convenience, The 4 oz Travel-Size repellents are perfect for on-the-go protection. Slip them into your backpack, travel bag, or outdoor gear for complete coverage during camping, hiking, golfing, vacations, and other adventures. Enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about pesky ticks and insects invading your space.
The light herbal scent of our tick and insect repellents will delight your senses while effectively deterring ticks and mosquitoes. Say goodbye to sticky residues and stains often left by other organic insect repellents. The water-based formula is gentle on skin, clothes, and hair, making it ideal for those who dislike greasy applications.
Conclusion
Natural repellents offer a safe and environmentally friendly approach to repelling spiders from our homes. By leveraging the strong scents and compounds found in various natural ingredients, these repellents create an inhospitable environment for spiders, effectively deterring them from settling or weaving webs in treated areas. While they may not eliminate spiders entirely, when used in conjunction with good hygiene practices and home maintenance, natural repellents can be a valuable tool in keeping our living spaces spider-free and peaceful.
I’m Maddy Rigby and I am a Senior Lecturer in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney. I obtained my PhD in Insect Ecology from the University of Calgary in Canada with a focus on insect behavior.