Spiders are essential to their ecosystems, but that doesn’t mean you want them making themselves at home in your space. A web in the corner? Acceptable. An unexpected spider encounter in your bed? Not ideal. Fortunately, you don’t need harsh chemicals to deter spiders. By using simple, all-natural solutions like minty oils or even chestnuts, you can make your home much less appealing to them. Think of it as a polite way of saying they should find another place to stay, without causing harm.
It’s important to remember that spiders aren’t invading to frighten you; they simply find your home inviting and full of food. They often feed on other bugs in your home, which is why having a spider around occasionally might not be a problem (and can even be beneficial, but more on that later). However, an infestation is a different matter, and house spiders reproduce quickly, laying eggs in sacs of about 250. Preventing them from entering your space before they take over is essential. A bit of prevention now can save you from a spider invasion later. So, let’s explore how you can use natural solutions to keep spiders out of your house.
Using natural oils to keep spiders away is a legitimate approach
Just like humans, spiders have certain scents and tastes they dislike — one of the main ones being peppermint oil. Spiders “smell” and “taste” through their legs, so if they encounter an unpleasant surface, they won’t linger. Consider it — would you want to live in a place with an unbearable smell? The great news is you don’t need expensive commercial sprays. Simply mix about 20 drops of peppermint essential oil with a cup of water and vinegar in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray it around entry points, corners, and other places spiders frequent in your home. It’s an easy, natural way to prevent new spiders from settling in.
There’s also an old wives’ tale that chestnuts can repel spiders — and there might be some truth to it! A 2018 study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology found that compounds released by chestnuts did indeed repel some spiders, giving this old trick some scientific support. So, if you want to try it out, consider placing chestnuts around your home or using chestnut oil as a natural deterrent.
Another chemical-free method to keep spiders at bay? Eliminate their food sources. If your home is unappealing and there’s nothing to eat, spiders have no reason to stay. Addressing issues like ants, mosquitoes, flies, or other bugs in your home is always a good starting point. Remove their snacks, and spiders will be far less interested in staying. On the flip side, if you get rid of the spiders, you’re giving flies a reason to move in.
Wait, though, there are some caveats to these natural spider solutions
But before you start using these natural solutions, there are a few important considerations — especially if you have pets. Some essential oils, including peppermint oil, can be harmful to animals. For small dogs or cats, even tiny amounts of concentrated peppermint oil can cause issues like lethargy and vomiting. When diffused into the air, it may lead to respiratory problems for both dogs and cats. When using essential oils at home, it’s generally best to avoid those that are toxic to pets if you have an animal.
Additionally, remember that these all-natural solutions aren’t a universal fix. While peppermint oil and chestnuts can repel some spider species, they won’t necessarily work on all of them. This is because not all species are equally sensitive to these natural products.
And before you decide to evict all spiders, keep in mind — they’re actually beneficial houseguests in some respects. As mentioned earlier, spiders help control other pests, serving as a natural, chemical-free solution to bugs like flies and mosquitoes. Some spiders, like the brown recluse, can bite and pose a danger, so if you spot one in your home or yard, it’s wise to remove it. However, the common house spider is generally harmless. Instead of removing every single spider, consider researching and finding a balance.
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