Best natural spider repellents to keep creepy crawlies away

Spiders are beneficial in the environment as they feed on insects such as flies and mosquitoes. But they are not welcome inside the house. They can be people’s worst nightmare, especially if there is a child or someone who is afraid of spiders. Some spiders bite when people handle them, and their webs can make rooms appear untidy. That’s the major reason most people want to keep spiders away.

Today, natural treatments are employed to discourage spiders. Spider repellent is safe for kids and pets, keeping pesky predators at bay without toxic chemical sprays. Natural spider deterrents are also better for the environment because they do not contain harmful ingredients. They are also usually more affordable since they incorporate everyday supplies like vinegar, peppermint oil, or citrus peels.

Understanding Spiders and Their Behavior

The vast majority of spiders are harmless when found in a house. Common ones are the house spiders, cellar spiders and wolf spiders. They are small and brown and known as house spiders. In corners, they weave disorderly webs. Cellar spiders are the ones with long, thin legs and are commonly found hanging in basements or garages. Wolf spiders don’t create silk webs to ensnare food; they pursue insects on the run. These spiders typically remain out of sight and emerge at night.

Spiders can find their way into homes through small cracks, open windows or doors that don’t fit tightly. They may come in on boxes, firewood or plants from outdoor areas. Once inside, they seek out nooks and crannies that are dark and quiet for hiding, such as behind furniture, in storage areas or under sinks. Spiders are drawn to places where other bugs can be found to eat. If home has clutter or bugs, spiders will stay.

Why Choose Natural Repellents?

Organic spider control is becoming increasingly popular because they are safer, cost effective, and more permanent in the long run.

1. Health and Environmental Benefits

Chemical sprays are frequently filled with harmful toxins that pose a risk to children, pets, or people with allergies. Such sprays can also contaminate the indoor air and degrade the environment. Natural alternatives, like essential oils or vinegar, are non-toxic and safer to use consistently. They don’t leave harmful chemicals behind.

2. Cost and Accessibility

A number of natural repellents are low-cost and easily accessible. Things like citrus peels, white vinegar or baking soda are already present in most kitchens. If feeling ambitious, buy a cheap bottle of essential oils (peppermint or eucalyptus would work). Individuals can mix their own sprays rather than purchasing expensive chemical solutions. 

3. Easy to Use and DIY-Friendly

Organic repellents are easy to mix and utilize. Most recipes are a spider repellent spray bottle, water and a few drops of essential oil, or in the case of vinegar-based mixtures vinegar. there is no need to hire professionals or use specialized equipment. That makes it easy for anyone to try these approaches at home.

4. Safer for Repeated Use

Spiders often return unless treated regularly. Repeatedly applying chemical sprays can be dangerous. Natural repellents, on the other hand, can be used frequently with no dangerous effect. Families can give them a spray around windows, doors or corners as part of their weekly clean-up routine.

5. Gentle on Home Surfaces

Some chemical sprays can stain textiles or warp wood and painted surfaces. Natural products, such as vinegar or lemon oil are less likely to damage the stone through proper application. Use them around the furniture, countertops, and baseboards.

How to Keep Spiders Out of the House Naturally

There are lots of natural ways to keep spiders out of the house. There are two methods to choose from, both with safe and easy to find ingredients.

1. Peppermint Oil

Spiders can’t stand the pungent odor of peppermint oil. It inundates their senses and deters them from treated areas. Combine peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle, using 5–10 drops. Add a few drops of dish soap to help the oil mix better with the water. Spray this solution on doors, windows, and the corners where spiders may enter.

2. Other Essential Oils

Some essential oils to repel spiders include tea tree, eucalyptus, citronella and citrus. These odors disorient spiders and cause them to vacate. Add a few drops of each of these oils to water or vinegar in a spider repellent spray bottle. Shake well before spraying. Experiment with combinations to see what works best.

3. Vinegar Sprays

Vinegar has acetic acid which spiders dislike, and although it won’t kill them, it will kill any spiders that come in direct contact with it. Its odor is so strong that it also repels kitties. Combine white vinegar and water in equal parts in a spray bottle. Spray around baseboards, windowsills and door frames. Do not apply vinegar to marble, granite or other natural-stone surfaces as it will damage them.

4. Citrus Peels

Spiders don’t like the scent of citrus fruits like lemons or oranges. Spiders follow the scent trails of insects, and the scent trails are disguised with natural oil called limonene. Rub window sills, baseboards and door frames with freshly squeezed lemon or orange peels. Homeowners can also set down small peel pieces in corners or under furniture.

5. Cedar

Cedar oil has an aroma that spiders do not like. It has a natural compound called cedrol, which acts as a repellent. Put cedar blocks or chips in closets, at entrances, or behind furniture. For larger surfaces, fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of cedarwood essential oil as well.

6. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

This powder appears soft, but is very sharp at the microscopic level. It’s poisonous to a spider and can dehydrate the body. Lightly sprinkle DE along baseboards, cracks and behind appliances. Do not breathe it, and do not apply it where children or pets may touch it.

7. Repellent Plants

Some plants give off an odor that spiders don’t like. Good options are mint, lavender, rosemary and lemon balm. Put these plants near the windows, doors or any spot that spiders might get in. Individuals can use them inside or outside on porches or patios.

8. Other DIY Mixes

A few DIY sprays and mixtures have held some promise for discouraging spiders. They are easy, and one can make one at home.

• Garlic Spray: Mince 3–5 cloves of garlic and bring to a boil in 2 cups of water. Allow to cool, strain and pour into a spray bottle. Spray in areas where spiders may be hiding.
• Tomato Leaf Spray: Tomato leaves have alkaloids that pest hates. Crush a few leaves into water and let them steep, then spray the liquid near potential spider hideouts.
• Garlic and Vinegar Mixture: Combine garlic, white vinegar and water for a repellent with a powerful stench. Leave it in overnight for best results.

Apply these sprays in the evening or after cleaning. Reapply every couple of  days to keep the scent strong. Do not spray on anything that may be stained or damaged by vinegar.

Top 3 Natural Spider Repellent Products

Growcycle has safe and green methods to get rid of spiders from house. These top 3 natural repellents are convenient to use, effective and safe for families, pets and the environment.

1. Safer® Home Ant, Roach & Spider Killer

This spray is composed of essential oils derived from plants to eliminate spiders and other crawling pests immediately. It is tough against pests and mild for homes.

Key Features

• Contains clove, rosemary and cedar oils.
• Spiders literally lose their minds to avoid crawling across their path.
• No harsh odor or nasty residue left behind.

How to Use

• Spray along baseboards, in cracks between cabinets, under sinks, around under-sink pipes, under appliances, and behind furniture.
• Apply every 7-10 days, or after cleaning.
• Spider repellent safe for kids and pets when used as directed.

Benefits

• Green and biodegradable.
• Convenient and easy, straight out of the can.
• It works quickly and there are no harsh chemical odors.

2. Orange Guard QT Ready-To-Use Home Pest Control

Orange Guard is derived from oranges. It relies on an oil called d-limonene, which kills spiders by disintegrating their outermost layer.

Key Features

• Uses natural citrus oil.
• Pleasant orange scent.
• No mixing needed.

How to Use

• Spray into cracks and crevices or other potential hiding spots.
• Safe for floors, carpet and surfaces in the house.

Benefits

• Water-based and non-staining.
• Long-lasting as it repels spiders for weeks
• Safe for use around people, pets and the environment.

3. Bonide® Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer

This is a natural powder consisting of the fragments of minute fossil shells. It’s not poisonous; it kills spiders by desiccating their bodies.

Key Features

• Contains food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE).
• Acts when it cuts the spider with sharp, small edges.
• Completely chemical-free.

How to Use

• Carefully sprinkle near baseboards, in and around garbage cans, behind appliances and in cracks and crevices.
• Apply outside after rain or wind.
• Do not inhale when spreading it out.

Benefits

• Durable and safe for use indoors or outdoors.
• Will not harm earthworms or beneficial insects when used as directed in the garden.
• Great for those who desire a long term, nontoxic solution.

Application Techniques and Best Practices

There is a right way to use spider repellent spray that will enhance their efficacy. Correct use is also helpful for safety and to make spiders go away for longer.

1. Identify Common Entry Points

Before bringing out the repellent, make sure to locate where spiders are entering.

• Search for openings around doors, windows, and baseboards.
• Check in corners, behind furniture, and in closets or cabinets.
• Don’t overlook garages, basements and attics as spiders love cool, dark hideouts.

2. Clean Before Apply

Spiders may take shelter in dusty or unkempt corners. And cleaning serves to eliminate webs, eggs and other bug prey that spiders like to chow down on.

• Use the vacuum on corners, ceilings, and under furniture.
• Clean the window sills and baseboards.
• Organize the cupboards and remove cardboard boxes that attract bugs.

3. Use Repellents in the Right Places

Treat around doorways and where one thinks spiders may enter or lurk.

• Sprays: Apply around doors and windows, along the floor, and behind household appliances.
• Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Dust into cracks between walls and along baseboards and behind furniture.
• Citrus peels or oils: Apply directly or along windows, corners, or other spots one suspects.

Tip: Reapply sprays every 7–10 days or after usage of heavy scrubbing or rain.

4. Rotate or Combine Repellents

It can add to the resilience of the protection by employing more than one approach.

• Spray peppermint oil indoors and dust DE along the outside of walls.
• Mix any combination of essential oils (I’ve tried eucalyptus and tea tree) for fuller scent coverage.
• Plant repellent plants near doors or windows, such as mint or lavender.

5. Seal and Repair Entry Points

Repellents are more effective when spiders aren’t getting in to begin with.

• Seal small cracks with caulk.
• Fit door sweeps and window screens.
• Patch any broken vents or gaps around the pipes.

6. Safety Tips

Natural doesn’t always mean risk-free. Always use products as directed.

• Store sprays away from food and children’s toys.
• Avoid using vinegar on stone surfaces such as granite and marble, because it can damage them.
• Wear gloves and a mask while working with DE to prevent skin and lung irritation.

7. Stay Consistent

People only use repellents once and that's why spiders return.

• Make repellent use part of a regular cleanup schedule.
• Keep an eye out for spider activity and reapply if necessary.
• In heavy spider traffic areas, apply more often or with different methods.

Home Maintenance Strategies for Spider Prevention

A sealed, clean home is not only more comfortable but will help prevent spiders and other pests. The following are two important home maintenance tactics to get rid of spiders from the home effectively:

1. Cleaning and Decluttering

Cleaning is one of the best ways to keep spiders from setting up camp in home. Spiders prefer to be in dark, dust-ridden spaces where they can build webs and sidle away unnoticed. Simply integrating regular clearing routines into daily life will eliminate the spaces that spiders find desirable to set up house.

• Vacuum house regularly especially in places where spiders hide such as corners, behind, under and beneath furniture and other heavy items such as boxes as well as along baseboards. Spider webs, in particular, require attention.
• By dusting surfaces regularly, users avoid the build-up of the type of dirt that spiders like to use as food, since all it takes is dead bugs and other tiny pieces.
• Spiders love to hide in piles of clutter, so try to keep the floors and shelves organized to minimize hiding spaces; stacks of newspapers, boxes, and laundry all make for great hiding places if you are a spider.

2. Sealing and Structural Repairs

Keeping the spiders out is as important as getting them out. Spraying the home every now and then is a temporary fix; sealing all cracks and points of entry serves as a permanent solution. Here are some steps to take in response to possible vulnerabilities:

• Check for fractures in exterior and interior walls, ceilings, and flooring. Caulk any gaps or cracks on windows, doors and where utility lines enter the home.
• Put door sweeps on exterior doors as a way to eliminate the space between the door and the floor; spiders can’t crawl into it as easily.
• Make sure that all windows have good-fitting and well-maintained screens. This will keep spiders and other bugs from getting in but will not block fresh air from passing through.
• Inspect around plumbing pipes, vents, and air ducts as these are common entry points for spiders. Fill these areas with caulking or weather-stripping.

FAQs

What is the best natural spider repellent?

One of the best natural spider repellents is peppermint oil. It has a powerful, earthy aroma, and it’s famous for warding off spiders. Dilute a little in water and spray around doorways.

What smells do spiders hate the most?

Spiders do not like strong smelling things so essential oils to repel spiders are peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella and citrus. These odors can be detrimental to their senses and will hinder them from staying out.

What is the best natural way to deter spiders?

This can help prevent spiders naturally by cleaning regularly, decluttering, and sealing cracks. Keep spiders at bay with peppermint or vinegar sprays of essential oils.

The Bottom Line

Spiders are nature’s little pest control agents, but not everyone wants them in their house. People can use peppermint and eucalyptus oils, which are also natural deterrents, as are simple ingredients such as vinegar and citrus, all of which are safe and cost-effective for families.

In addition to natural repellents, it’s crucial to clean home, declutter and seal up any cracks or entry points spiders could utilize. These techniques are safe for children, animals and the environment. Check out Growcycle for eco-safe and effective natural ways to keep spiders and other pests out of the house.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.