With temperatures dropping and spider breeding season underway, creepy crawlies will be making their way inside. If you don’t want to share your home with dozens of eight-legged friends, then don’t panic – there are a few things you can try.
As frightening as you may find them, spiders are great for the environment and often help keep other insects out of your home so it’s best not to kill them. However, there are ways you can deter them from entering your home without hurting them. The best way to discourage spiders from getting inside your property is by using one strong smelling essential oil they can’t stand.
The use of peppermint oil can help repel spiders.
The best way to use this method is by adding around 15 to 20 drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle with water and spraying it around anywhere you’ve noticed spiders in your home.
Peppermint oil emits a strong scent which repels spiders. Add 15 – 20 drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle with water and spritz this in any areas where you’ve noticed spiders in the home.
You can also purchase spider-repellent plug-ins. These plug-ins usually emit a peppermint scent that will help to deter spiders from your home. If you are using these, place them in rooms where spiders are seen more often or in high-traffic areas.
If the scent of peppermint oil isn’t your thing, you can also try white vinegar which behaves in the same way. The scent of the vinegar will deter spiders and make them less likely to settle in your home.
Whether you choose vinegar or peppermint oil, it’s a good idea to spray it close to entry points such as doors and windows to prevent spiders from entering in the first place.
Keeping your home clean, tidy and dusted will also deter spiders. By dusting regularly you can make it more difficult for spiders to find a good hiding spot. Make sure you are also regularly vacuuming, including all corners, beneath your furniture and across the ceiling. This will disrupt spider webs and stop them coming back.