Did you know that an average home may harbor 24–128 distinct arthropod families, which includes spiders?1 While most household spiders are harmless, their presence can be unsettling.
Fortunately, your kitchen likely holds an array of natural spider repellents. Everyday ingredients can help keep these eight-legged visitors at bay. Here are 12 household ingredients that can help you maintain a spider-free home naturally.
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a highly effective natural spider repellent. Its strong, fresh scent is unbearable for spiders, making them steer clear of areas where it’s present.
Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around windows, doors, and other potential entry points to keep spiders at bay.
A study found that peppermint oil strongly repelled two out of three spider species tested, proving its effectiveness as a natural deterrent. (ref)
So, next time you’re looking to freshen up your home, reach for peppermint oil and enjoy the added benefit of a spider-free space.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is more than just a delicious spice; it’s also a powerful spider repellent. Sprinkle cinnamon powder along the paths where spiders typically enter your home, and they’ll quickly turn around.
The strong scent of cinnamon is too much for spiders to handle, making it an excellent natural solution.
You can also create a cinnamon spray by mixing ground cinnamon with water. Spray this solution around your home, focusing on corners, windowsills, and doorways. The lingering aroma will keep spiders away while making your house smell warm and inviting.
3. Citrus Peels
Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges are not only refreshing but also effective in repelling spiders. Spiders despise the strong citrus scent, making it an ideal natural deterrent.
Place fresh citrus peels in areas where spiders tend to congregate, such as near windows or in dark corners.
You can also create a citrus-infused cleaning solution by soaking citrus peels in vinegar for a few days.
Use this mixture to wipe down surfaces, leaving behind a fresh scent that spiders can’t stand. Plus, your home will be left sparkling clean and smelling fantastic.
4. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a spicy ingredient that can effectively repel spiders. The strong, pungent aroma and the capsaicin in cayenne pepper are intolerable for spiders, making them avoid areas where it’s present.
Sprinkle cayenne pepper powder around potential entry points, such as windowsills and doorways, to create a barrier against spiders.
You can also mix cayenne pepper with water to create a spicy spray solution. Apply this mixture directly to spiders and their webs, as well as in corners and crevices where they might hide.
The fiery taste and smell of cayenne pepper will send spiders scurrying away, keeping your home free from these unwanted guests.
5. Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful natural insecticide that keeps spiders and other pests at bay.
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where spiders tend to hide. The acetic acid in vinegar is harmful to spiders, making it an effective repellent.
Spray the vinegar solution around windowsills, doorways, and other potential entry points. Once the vinegar dries, the smell will dissipate, leaving your home spider-free without any lingering odors.
Plus, vinegar is an eco-friendly and affordable solution for keeping spiders away.
6. Chestnuts
Chestnuts may be a tasty treat for humans, but they’re a nightmare for spiders. The odor released by chestnuts is highly repellent to spiders, making them an excellent natural deterrent.
Place whole chestnuts in areas where spiders are commonly found, such as in corners or near windows.
A study found that chestnuts were effective in repelling two out of three spider species tested. So, next time you’re roasting chestnuts, save a few to scatter around your home and enjoy a spider-free environment.
7. Garlic
Garlic is known for its pungent aroma, which is precisely what makes it an effective spider repellent.
The strong smell of garlic is intolerable for spiders, causing them to avoid areas where it’s present. Crush a few cloves of garlic and place them in small sachets around your home.
You can also create a garlic spray by blending garlic cloves with water and straining the mixture. Spray this solution in corners, along baseboards, and in other areas where spiders might hide.
The potent scent will keep spiders at bay while also adding a savory aroma to your home.
8. Saltwater Spray
Salt is a common table ingredient that can be used to create an effective spider repellent.
Mix 1/8 cup of salt with 1 gallon of warm water until the salt is fully dissolved. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it directly to spiders, their webs, and egg sacs.
The saltwater solution works by dehydrating the spiders, ultimately killing them. You can also use this spray as a perimeter treatment around your home, but keep in mind that you’ll need to reapply it after rainfall.
While salt water is non-toxic to humans and pets, avoid spraying it near your eyes or ingesting it.
9. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another versatile kitchen staple that can help keep spiders away. Sprinkle baking soda along the paths where spiders typically travel, such as near windows, doors, and in dark corners.
The fine powder will stick to the spiders’ legs, irritating them and deterring them from coming back.
You can also create a baking soda spray by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. Spray this solution directly on spiders and their webs. The baking soda will suffocate the spiders, effectively eliminating them from your home.
10. Mint Leaves
Mint leaves are not only refreshing but also highly effective in repelling spiders. The strong scent of mint is overwhelming for spiders, making them avoid areas where it’s present.
Place sachets of dried mint leaves in drawers, cupboards, and other enclosed spaces to keep spiders away.
You can also plant mint around the perimeter of your home to create a natural barrier against spiders. As a bonus, you’ll have fresh mint readily available for culinary purposes and to freshen up your home.
11. Onions
Onions may make you cry, but they’ll make spiders run away. The pungent aroma released by onions is highly repellent to spiders. Cut a few onions into slices and place them in areas where spiders tend to congregate, such as in corners or near windows.
You can also create an onion spray by blending onions with water and straining the mixture. Spray this solution around your home, focusing on entry points and hiding spots.
The strong scent will keep spiders at bay while also adding a savory aroma to your living space.
12. Turmeric
Turmeric is a vibrant spice with a distinctive aroma that spiders find repulsive. The strong, mustardy scent of turmeric is enough to send spiders scurrying away.
Mix 2-3 teaspoons of turmeric powder with water to create a paste, then apply it to areas where spiders are commonly found.
You can also sprinkle turmeric powder directly along baseboards, windowsills, and doorways. The bright yellow color may be a temporary aesthetic change, but it’s a small price to pay for a spider-free home.
By incorporating these common table ingredients into your spider-repelling routine, you can enjoy a home free from eight-legged intruders. Remember to reapply these natural solutions regularly and focus on potential entry points and hiding spots.
With a little effort and some kitchen creativity, you’ll be able to keep spiders at bay and maintain a peaceful, spider-free living space.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.