Spiders may help by eating flies, mosquitoes, and gnats inside the house, but most people don’t like sharing their space with them. If you want to stop spiders from entering your home without using harsh chemicals, nature has some safe and effective options.
Entomologists (insect experts) have studied different natural scents and found that some of them can prevent spiders from settling in. These scents come from plants and essential oils that spiders seem to dislike, or that repel the insects they eat.
Here are seven easy-to-use scents to help keep your home spider-free.
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the most recommended scents for keeping spiders away. Experts believe it works either because of its strong smell or a natural chemical called monoterpenoids found in the oil, which can act like a fumigant. Either way, spiders don’t like it.
2. Horse Chestnut Oil
Horse chestnut oil isn’t as common as peppermint oil, but scientists have also found that it helps to repel spiders. You can buy horse chestnut essential oil online or from stores that sell natural products.
3. Lavender
Lavender smells great to us, but insects like moths and ants stay away from it. Since spiders feed on such insects, they may avoid areas where lavender is present. You can use lavender oil or keep dried lavender sachets in cupboards and corners.
4. Basil
Basil essential oil is known for repelling mosquitoes, one of the favourite meals for spiders. No mosquitoes means less food for spiders, so they’ll look elsewhere.
5. Thyme
Thyme’s smell is strong and works well against houseflies and mosquitoes. Use thyme oil around windows and doors to stop insects and, in turn, prevent spiders from setting up their webs.
6. Pine Oil
Pine oil acts as a natural mosquito repellent, helping reduce the number of insects inside your home. Spiders looking for food won’t stick around if their meals are missing.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can kill or repel parasites like fleas, ticks, lice, and leeches. These pests often attract spiders. So using tea tree oil keeps both pests and spiders away.
What About Lemon Oil?
Some people say that lemon oil repels spiders, but according to scientists, that’s not true. It may smell nice, but it’s not effective in keeping spiders out of your home.
How to Use These Scents at Home
There are a few simple ways to use essential oils and scents for repelling spiders:
Spray bottle: Mix 5 drops of essential oil in a 16-ounce spray bottle with water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Shake and spray in corners, near windows and doors, or where you’ve seen webs. Repeat weekly.
Diffuser: Use an automatic mist diffuser with essential oils. Place it in areas where spiders are usually seen.
Cotton balls: Soak cotton balls in essential oil and keep them in small bowls or saucers in dark corners.
Live plants: Keep basil, lavender, and other fragrant plants in your home. They naturally repel bugs and freshen the air.
Other Tips to Keep Spiders Away
Using scents is just one part of the solution. Here are more simple steps:
Seal cracks and holes around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation.
Fix leaking taps and pipes. Spiders like damp places.
Keep your home clean and avoid leaving food uncovered.
Trim plants near windows and doors.
Store trash and firewood away from the house.
Limit outdoor lighting that attracts flying insects.
Let natural spider predators, like certain birds or lizards, live safely in your garden.
Spiders may be useful in pest control, but they’re still unwelcome guests in most homes. Luckily, you can keep them away safely using natural scents like peppermint, basil, lavender, and tea tree oil. These scents either repel spiders directly or keep away the insects they eat. Combine them with smart cleaning and sealing habits, and you’ll have a spider-free home—no chemicals required.
