Spiders might be helpful in the garden, but no one wants them setting up shop in the house!
And unlike in the movies, where spider bites lead to superpowers, most people try to avoid real spider encounters as much as possible.
But what if they manage to enter your home? You might reach for chemical sprays, but is that the only option? No!
In fact, a lot of homeowners in Mississippi and Tennessee prefer natural methods —especially if there are kids and pets running around. Luckily, there are natural remedies that can help keep spiders at bay without harsh chemicals.
We’re here to help you out with five tried-and-true natural repellents. These solutions make it harder for spiders to settle in, keeping your home pest-free. And don’t worry—each method here is easy, affordable, and safe when done right.
Peppermint Oil
Let’s start with a spider repellent that’s both effective and refreshing—peppermint oil! Spiders can’t stand the smell of peppermint, so using it around your home is a great way to make your space less inviting to them. Plus, you get a home that smells minty-fresh as a bonus.
How to Use Peppermint Oil to As A Natural Spider Repellent:
- Mix It Up: Grab a spray bottle and mix about 5-10 drops of peppermint essential oil with water (a few drops of dish soap help the oil and water mix).
- Spray Key Areas: This is a great natural spider repellent for the outside of your home. You can go around the house and spray the mixture along windowsills, door frames, and other common entry points.
- Refresh Regularly: The peppermint scent fades, so you’ll want to refresh this spray every week or two for the best results.
Alternatively, you can soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in corners or behind furniture.
If you do not want to make one yourself, you can buy a peppermint spray instead. One popular product is the Mighty Mint Spider Repellent.
Vinegar Spray
Vinegar is another affordable, natural remedy that works wonders for repelling spiders. This has numerous household applications so it is likely already in your home. Vinegar helps repel spiders because of two reasons:
- The strong smell of vinegar is unpleasant to them, so it can help deter them from entering or lingering in your home.
- Vinegar has acetic acid, which reacts with the spiders and can kill them.
How to Use Vinegar as a Spider Repellent:
- Create a Spray Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This simple mixture is all you need—no additional ingredients required.
- Target High-Traffic Areas: Spray the vinegar solution in areas where spiders like to hang out: around door frames, windows, corners, and under sinks. If you’ve noticed webs in certain spots, give those areas an extra spritz.
- Repeat as Needed: Vinegar has a potent scent that fades over time, so you’ll need to reapply this solution every few days or as you notice the smell dissipating.
NOTE: One word of caution: vinegar’s strong scent can linger, and it’s not always compatible with certain surfaces, like natural stone countertops. If you have any stone surfaces, try a small test area first or avoid spraying directly on those surfaces to prevent damage.
Citrus Peels
Spiders are not fans of citrus scents, making lemon, orange, and other citrus peels a simple, natural way to keep them at bay. Unlike many chemical-based repellents, citrus peels are also eco-friendly and can give your home a pleasant, fresh smell. The citrusy aroma masks scent trails that spiders use to navigate, making it tougher for them to stick around.
How to Use Citrus Peels as a Spider Repellent:
- Rub Peels Around Your Home: Try rubbing fresh peels from lemons or oranges along door frames, window sills, and other entry points to release the natural oils that spiders find so unpleasant.
- Leave Peels: You can also place small pieces of citrus peel in dark, undisturbed areas like corners, cabinets, and behind appliances—spots where spiders tend to hide.
Like the other two spider repellents we talked about above, you can create a citrus spray, too. You can also try this Insect Repellent Essential Oil Blend from VedaOils.
Cedar
Cedar has a natural, earthy aroma that makes it one of the best natural spider repellents. This makes cedar a fantastic, long-lasting repellent for your home. Whether you use cedar blocks, chips, or even furniture, cedar can be strategically placed to help keep spiders from settling in.
How to Use Cedar as a Spider Repellent:
- Place Cedar Blocks or Chips: You can place small cedar wood blocks in closets, under beds, or in cabinets. Cedar chips also work well in basements, attics, or around doorways—anywhere that tends to collect dust and invite spiders.
- Use Cedar Essential Oil: For a quicker solution, cedar essential oil can be applied around windows, door frames, and other entry points. Mix a few drops of cedar oil with water in a spray bottle, similar to the peppermint oil method, for easy application.
Using cedar blocks or chips is a great low-maintenance spider repellent option because, unlike vinegar or citrus which needs to be refreshed regularly, cedar can be left for weeks and continue to provide protection.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (often called “DE”) is a unique and natural pest control tool that’s not just for spiders—it can repel a wide range of household pests. We have mentioned DE as a strong repellent in several of our blog posts.
Made from fossilized algae, DE is a type of white powder that is harmless to humans and pets but deadly to insects and spiders. When they come into contact with it, the powder causes dehydration, deterring them from sticking around.
How to Use DE as a Spider Repellent:
- Spread Near Webs and Entryways: Sprinkle a light layer of food-grade DE in areas where you’ve seen spider activity, like basement floors, attics, and even under furniture. You can also apply it around door frames, windows, and cracks to create a barrier. DE works best in dry areas, as moisture can reduce its effectiveness.
If you have pets or small children, make sure to keep DE in out of reach spots and consider wearing a mask when applying it, as it can be irritating if inhaled. When used carefully, diatomaceous earth is a powerful, long-lasting repellent that can help keep spiders and other pests at bay.
Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Spiders In Memphis, TN
How Effective Are Natural Spider Repellents?
Natural spider repellents can be highly effective in the right conditions, especially when used regularly and in combination. Whether it’s the refreshing scent of peppermint oil or the versatility of vinegar, each of these methods brings its own benefits. These natural approaches are great for households looking to avoid chemicals and enjoy a more organic approach to pest control.
However, even the best natural remedies have their limitations. If you’re dealing with a heavy spider infestation, larger pests, or a recurring issue, professional intervention might be necessary.
Get The Best Spider Control Services In Memphis
Struggling to keep spiders out of your home? Jamison Pest and Lawn is here to help. We are a premier pest control company serving Memphis and the surrounding areas of Tennessee. We have years of experience and terrific references from previous clients.
Our effective spider control services ensure you get your home back from these pesky creatures. And not only spiders! We have expertise in getting rid of different types of pests including roaches, fleas, and ticks. Contact us today at (901) 452-1505 to learn more about us.
