As the weather cools down and the days get shorter in September, spiders become more active and often crawl inside through open windows, doors, and small gaps in your home’s exterior. The increase in sightings this month is primarily due to male spiders leaving their webs in search of female mates.
Homes offer warmth, shelter, and an abundance of nooks and crannies where spiders can hide. Additionally, homes can provide a steady supply of food in the form of other insects, making them an attractive location for spiders. To keep these pests away from your home, Queen of Clean Lynsey Crombie has shared her go-to DIY spider spray repellent on Facebook, which consists of just one natural ingredient – peppermint oil.
She pointed out that spiders “absolutely hate peppermint”, and it “will cause most to run away”.
All you need to do is grab a spray bottle, fill it up with water, then add 20 drops of peppermint oil and shake well before using.
Lynsey instructed: “Make up this easy spider repellent spray around the outside perimeter of your home, also around doors and windows.
“This will create a barrier that will put them off without harming them in any way. Spray every few days.”
When asked in the comments if any other oils could be used instead of peppermint, Lynsey replied: “Unfortunately, no. They really hate the strong smell of peppermint. You can try normal mint, but it is not as effective.”
Experts at Green Pest Solutions agreed with using peppermint oil to keep spiders away. They said: “Spiders do not like peppermint, and because they ‘taste’ with their legs, it is an easy way to keep them away.”
The pros pointed out: “It will take a while for the house spiders you currently have to go away for good, but other spiders won’t make their way in with such a strong mixture in their way.”