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Let’s be honest, for many people, spiders are far from welcome guests in our homes. Despite their fascinating abilities and important role in nature, most of us prefer not to share our living spaces with these eight-legged creatures. Seeing a spider inside can be quite unsettling.
If you want to keep spiders out of your home, here are some effective methods to encourage them to find a new place to roam
1. Citrus Peels
The peels of citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes contain a strongly scented substance called limonene, which is commonly used in household cleaning products. Place slices of citrus peels near doors and windows to deter spiders from entering your home. Citrus peels can also be steeped overnight in water to make a spider-repellent spray.
2. Catnip
Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is a natural repellent for spiders and other insects. Plant catnip around the outside of your home, particularly near doorways and windows. Remember that every cat in your neighborhood will be drawn to this unusual herb, so protection from feline friends may be necessary!
3. Declutter and Clean
Did you know that many of the spiders you find in your home may have actually been born there? If you’re regularly encountering unwanted four-legged friends, make sure to dust and vacuum to remove webs, egg sacs, and potential food sources for spiders. Minimize clutter both inside and outside your home, as spiders love hiding in piles of clothes, boxes, and other materials.
4. Onions
When cut in half, onions release a compound that becomes a sulfur-containing gas – this is what makes many people ‘cry’ when chopping onions. This gas has a similar effect on spiders and will deter them from entering your home. Place cut onions in a bowl of water and set them near doorways and windows during peak spider season.
5. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Sealing cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and walls will make it harder for spiders to enter your home. This will also help stop drafts and make your house more energy-efficient—a definite win-win solution! If you enjoy letting fresh air into your living spaces, consider fitting mesh screens to your windows and doors.
6. Cedarwood
Cedarwood has natural insect-repellent properties and can be used to keep spiders out of your home. Apply cedarwood oil to untreated wood, taking care to test an inconspicuous area first. Cedarwood blocks or sachets of cedarwood chips can be hung in closets and cupboards to deter spiders from taking up residence.
7. Turn Off Outdoor Lights
Like most of us, spiders are merely roaming around in search of a good meal. Many insects are drawn to light, and spiders will congregate in these areas, hunting for prey. Turn off lights when not in use to encourage spiders to move on elsewhere.
8. Essential Oils
A blend of potent essential oils can help to keep spiders and other insects such as ticks and fleas out of your house. Mix a few drops of essential oils such as such as peppermint, tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus with water and spray around windows, doors, and other entry points. Take care to avoid fabrics and soft furnishings and always keep essential oils well away from pets.
9. Yard Maintenance
Reduce spider habitat around your home by trimming bushes, trees, and grassy areas regularly. Make a habit of clearing out debris from corners and behind planters to encourage spiders to find a new home elsewhere.
10. Fresh or Dried Herbs
Strongly scented herbs such as mint, lavender, rosemary, or eucalyptus can help keep spiders out of your home. Hang bunches of fresh herbs near doorways and windows, and place sachets of dried herbs in closets and cupboards.
11. Chestnuts
Now, this might be a bit of an old wives tale, but what have you got to lose? Although it hasn’t been proven, many people believe that chestnuts deter spiders from entering the house. Place chestnuts in key locations such as windowsills and baseboards, and you might be pleasantly surprised!
12. Fragrant Spices
Spiders dislike the strong scents of many of our favorite kitchen spices. Sprinkle ground cinnamon around window sills, doorways, and baseboards, place whole cloves in areas where spiders are commonly seen, and apply a turmeric paste around key entry points. Bear in mind that many spices can stain carpets and soft furnishings.
13. Grow Spider-Repellent Plants
Fill planters on windowsills and around doorways with spider-repellent plants such as lavender, mint, and marigolds. These plants not only look beautiful but also release delightful aromas that keep spiders and other insects at bay.
14. Vinegar spray
The strong smell of vinegar is a highly effective spider repellent. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray it around entry points and corners. Take care to avoid delicate materials and fabrics, as this acidic mixture may leave surface marks.
15. Baking soda
Baking soda can be sprinkled around your home’s perimeter, especially near doors and windows. For the best results, reapply once or twice weekly. Baking soda is also a highly effective deodorizer when sprinkled onto carpets before vacuuming.
16. Ammonia
Now this is a spider deterrent that should not be underestimated – ammonia is a potent liquid with a smell so strong that no insect will step across your threshold. Wipe down surfaces with a mixture of water and a small amount of ammonia, taking care to follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions to the letter.
17. Neem Oil
Neem oil is not thought to be as toxic to spiders as it is to other insects, but the strong smell can also work as an effective repellent. Mix neem oil with water and spray it around your home, making sure to steer clear of fabrics and soft furnishings.
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