Natural Spider Repellent: Pest Pros' Simple Solutions

Although they are mostly tiny creatures, creepy and crawly spiders can stir up feelings of uneasiness or fear when spotted inside your home. While most breeds of spiders that enter the home are harmless to humans, the bites of some varieties, like black widows, can cause nasty side effects like sweating, nausea and fever. What’s more? During cooler, rainier months of the year when it’s spider mating season, the eight-legged critters may enter your home more frequently seeking shelter so they can reproduce, which can lead to a spider infestation. Thankfully, deterring spiders from your home (and even your garden!) is as easy as making your own natural spider repellent. Read on for three easy, DIY natural spider repellent recipes that can help you stave off the critters and keep them out of your home for good.

What are the benefits of natural spider repellent?

“Using natural spider repellents is important for several reasons,” says Lidiya Shuppert, Marketing Manager at Rest Easy Pest Control. “First, chemical, store-bought repellents can be harmful to pets and children.” By using a natural repellent, you keep potentially harmful chemicals out of your home and reduce the risk of allergic reactions and respiratory issues associated with chemical sprays, she says. What’s more? “Natural repellents tend to be more eco-friendly, with a lower risk of negatively impacting the soil, water sources and non-target wildlife in your garden,” notes David Price, an Associate Certified Entomologist for Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company.

Dodge the dangers of commercial products with the below homemade natural spider repellent recipes.

Natural spider repellent #1: Peppermint essential oil spray

Natural spider repellant: Peppermint oil on a wooden disc surrounded by fresh peppermint leaves — Ronstik/Getty

A great way to deter Charlotte from spinning her web in your home? “Peppermint oil,” says Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal. Spiders “taste” the world around them via sensors in their feet, and they don’t like the taste of this pungent herb. To make your own spider-repelling peppermint spray, simply sprinkle 15 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle filled with water and spritz the anti-spider cocktail around your house in areas where spiders can enter your home (like windows and entryways), as well as any crevices or dark places where they like to nest, about once a week to ensure all eight-legged creatures take up lodging elsewhere.

#2: White vinegar spray

Put a little white vinegar from your pantry to good use in Caballero’s easy, two-ingredient vinegar spider repellent recipe. White vinegar’s acetic acid repels spiders and can actually be harmful to them, yet does not cause any harm to your home or garden. To do: Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray around your house in entryways, windows and crevices about once a week to keep the critters away.

#3: Citrus peel spray

Save the peels from oranges, lemons and grapefruits turn them into a citrus-y spider repellent spray, suggests Shuppert. Citrus contains the citrus oil D-limonene, which breaks down the exoskeletons of insects. “Pests can smell the citrus oil and find it unpleasant,” says Shuppert. To make, simply boil a handful of citrus peels in 1 cup of water, let cool, then strain the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray the liquid around your house in entryways, windows and crevices about once a week.

#4: Lavender spray

Spiders dislike the smell of lavender oil. Experts explain that it’s because the oil is believed to interfere with the pheromone trails that spiders use to communicate with each other and locate potential prey. The strong scent of lavender oil can confuse and deter spiders, making them less likely to venture into areas where the scent is present. Simply mix a few drops of lavender oil with water, place in a spray bottle and spray it around your home.

Don’t want to make a spray? Try these natural spider repellants

Cedarwood: Cedarwood contains natural oils that repel spiders and other insects. You can use cedarwood chips or blocks in closets, attics and other areas where spiders may enter.

Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon around windows, doors and other entry points to deter spiders.

Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that can help control spiders. Sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home or in areas where spiders are present.

In addition to making your own natural spider repellent sprays, you can take extra measures to make sure the critters steer clear of your space. First, Shuppert suggests using caulk to seal any cracks and crevices around doors, windows and pipes to prevent spiders from entering your home. Additionally, spiders love to nest and hide in cluttered areas, so be sure to keep surfaces free of any unnecessary clutter. Also smart: “Bright lights tend to attract insects like spiders, so keeping outdoor lights off can help reduce spider activity near your home,” she says.