Spiders may be good for keeping the ecosystem balanced, but no one wants to see them inside their home. In fact, some people are terribly afraid of the creepy crawlies and seeing one indoors can induce panic. But don’t go reaching for the toxic bug spray. Instead, try these natural spider repellents that are much safer for your family, especially if you have children and/or pets.
Sprays
You can mix up your own sprays — made with natural ingredients — to use near doorframes, doggie doors, windowsills, floorboards, cabinets and any other places you commonly find arachnids lurking about. Try the following three recipes:
- 8 oz. of water with 15 drops of either peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil
- 8 oz. of water with a dash of white vinegar
- 8 oz. of water with a dash of citrus juice (lemon, lime, orange etc.)
Why do these sprays work? Spiders hate the scents of these ingredients and avoid areas with overwhelming odors. You can also take citrus peels and rub them on the surfaces listed above (and any other possible entry points) for a similar effect.
Chestnuts
Fresh chestnuts secrete a chemical that naturally deters spiders, so placing them along windowsills and inside cabinets can be an effective method for keeping the buggers out of your home. However, the chestnuts will need to be replaced every week or so in order to stay fresh. If you employ this technique, store a bag of chestnuts in the fridge to keep them fresher for longer.
Clean Up
Spiders thrive in cozy spaces where they can easily spin webs undisturbed. Keeping a clean, uncluttered home and dusting regularly limits the number of spaces that spiders find so desirable. Remember to tidy up drawers and cabinets, and use the vacuum hose to clean where the floor meets the wall and other small spaces that are often forgotten.
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