Spiders are a real phobia for many people. However, in almost all cases, spiders are not dangerous, and go about their lives peacefully in the nooks and crannies of our homes. What’s more, spiders often rid us of other unwanted insects such as midges and mosquitoes.
If you’d still like to get rid of spiders and other insects in your home, but don’t want to kill them, here are some ideas for natural spider repellents.
Why do spiders enter our homes?
Spiders enter our homes for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are attracted by the warmth and security that our homes offer. In fact, homes can offer a favorable environment for spiders, particularly because of the presence of insects, which are a source of food for them. In addition, dark, damp spaces, little-frequented corners and the presence of potential prey such as insects are all reasons for spiders to make their way into our homes.
The dangers of house spiders
Although spiders can be frightening for some people, they are not generally a danger to human health. Spiders can bite, but bites do not present a health risk. However, some spider species can be lethal, but are rarely encountered in France. It is therefore important not to kill spiders, as they play an important role in the animal ecosystem by controlling the population of insect pests.
Our best ideas for natural spider repellents
There are a number of products and ingredients that we almost all have in our cupboards that are effective and safe spider repellents for the various inhabitants of the house.
1 – White vinegar
White vinegar, or spirit vinegar, is a product with a thousand and one uses, and a grandmother’s remedy for keeping spiders away. Slightly diluted in water, it creates a solution that can be sprayed into the nooks and crannies that spiders love. The spiders are then disturbed by the smell and prefer to move away.
2 – Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a highly odorous spice that repels spiders. Cinnamon can be used in any form, including as a scented candle, to scare arachnids away from your home.
3 – Citrus peel
All citrus fruits, and lemons in particular, give off scents that spiders don’t appreciate. Simply rub the peels on baseboards, shelves and any nooks and crannies where spiders tend to hang out.
4 – Alum stone
This natural stone can be diluted in water at a rate of 5 g per 100 ml. The resulting solution makes an excellent anti-spider repellent, to be sprayed on all the places where these insects pass through. What’s more, using alum stone helps prevent the return of spiders without resorting to harmful chemicals.
5 – Lavender
The lavender plant, and particularly its flowers, give off a scent that spiders don’t appreciate. To reinforce its power, you can pour a few drops of essential oil on the inflorescences. Don’t hesitate to place them in front of your windows to create an effective barrier against spiders. An essential oil that combines business with pleasure!
6 – Chestnuts and chestnuts
Chestnuts and marrons can be used in autumn to decorate your home. Their presence alone in the home, and especially near entrance areas, will keep spiders at bay.
7 – Diatomaceous earth, a highly effective spider repellent
Diatomaceous earth is a highly effective natural product for getting rid of many pests, including spiders, mites, bedbugs, fleas and much more!
It’s simple: as soon as an insect comes into contact with this powder, it dies a few hours later from dehydration. However, this product is completely harmless to humans and pets.
Diatomaceous earth is applied after a thorough cleaning of the house. All you need to do is put on gloves and spread it wherever spiders are likely to pass.
The best essential oils for spider control
Spiders are very sensitive to the smell of essential oils, and hate many of them. Here are the best anti-spider essential oils to have at home to protect your home. They can be soaked in absorbent cotton, or sprayed on areas where spiders pass.
Here’s a list of the best spider-repellent essential oils for use in the home, derived from plants or fruit:
- Lemon essential oil
- Grapefruit essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Rose geranium essential oil
- Java citronella essential oil
- Tea tree essential oil
- Horse chestnut essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
Thanks to these powerful active ingredients, you can say goodbye to arachnids in your home and to insecticides.
How to make homemade spider repellent spray
Spider repellent with vinegar and essential oils
To make this product, you’ll need
- 500 ml water
- Spray bottle
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 3 essential drops of your choice from the list above
Mix everything together and spray on areas of access to the house (mainly around windows and doors) and nooks and crannies where spiders hide. This spray is particularly effective against eight-legged spiders.
For optimum effectiveness, it’s important to repeat the operation every week, especially in September and October. This is the period when spiders migrate into homes to escape the cold autumn weather.
Caution: essential oils must be used with full knowledge of the facts. Essential oils are powerful substances and should not be inhaled by children or pregnant women. When applying them, always remember to ventilate the rooms concerned.
Spider repellent with sugar and baking soda
Mixing powdered sugar and baking soda in equal parts creates an effective spider trap. Put some in a glass and wait until the spiders fall in and can’t get out. Then you can take the glass and release the spiders outside.
Salt water-based spider repellent
Dilute 15 g of salt in 1 liter of warm water, and you’ve got an ideal solution to spray around the house to keep spiders away from entry points. For greater effectiveness, this operation should be repeated every week.
Moreover, spraying this mixture directly onto the insect proves fatal.
Ammonia-based spider repellent
Ammonia is a widely used cleaning product. By diluting it in equal parts with water, you obtain a spray that’s ideal for keeping spiders away from your home. The action should be repeated once a week to prevent spiders from returning.
In a nutshell:
As you can see, spiders are sensitive insects that can easily be kept out of your home with a few good, easy-to-implement tips.
There’s no longer any reason to be afraid of spiders – now you know how to keep them out of your home.
