During the colder months in autumn and winter, spiders tend to shelter inside homes looking for warmth and food. However, this can mean spiders will be a common occurrence in the latter months of the year.
Cleaning fanatic and TikTok creator Chantel Mila, better known as Mama Mila, recently shared some of her top methods for dealing with different pests at home. One of her favourite hacks uses a handy item with an amazing scent. She said: “You’ll never see another spider web in your home.”
One of Chantel’s go-to solutions is using essential oils, specifically peppermint, to deal with creepy crawlies. When cleaning had to reach nooks and crannies, apply the peppermint oil to microfibre dusters.
This can be applied to floors and other surfaces. You can apply between 15 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil to the duster.
You can also make a solution in a spray bottle mixed with water. Another bonus of using peppermint, or other essential oils, is that it helps to give whatever room you’re cleaning a refreshing scent.
The Spruce explained that it remains unclear the real reason spiders detest peppermint so much. One theory behind this is because spiders smell and taste with their legs, so they will avoid surfaces with strong odours.
Zoflora explained that spiders aren’t fans of strong scents, including citrus, tea-tree, lavender, rose or cinnamon, all of which have strong scents. The Spruce further explained that another theory behind their dislike is down to a chemical compound – monoterpenoids – found in essential oils, which act as a fumigant.
However it is advisable that people with pets should avoid using peppermint oil in their homes. Peppermint oil, among other essential oils, can be toxic to pets if ingested or inhaled.
It can cause serious health issues, including liver damage, breathing difficulties, and neurological problems. It can also cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and lethargy.
