How do you make peppermint repellent for spiders?

Author: Dr. Major Zulauf PhD  |  Last update: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Spiders do not like peppermint, and because they “taste” with their legs, it is an easy way to keep them away. Make a mixture of 1-1/2 cups water, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and 20 drops of peppermint oil. Spray this concoction on windowsills, entryways, and where you find spiders.

How to make peppermint spray to keep spiders away?

Use a spray bottle to shake together 5-7 drops of peppermint oil with 16 ounces of warm water and a squirt of dish soap. Then, spray the mixture anywhere you don't want spiders--especially entry points to the home.

What is the best homemade spider repellent?

Spiders hate peppermint and citrus! Mix about 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil OR a citrus essential oil (orange essential oil, lemon essential oil, or lime essential oil) to every 2 cups of water. You can also add a few drops of dishwashing soap or Castile soap for a little extra power.

How long does peppermint oil really repel spiders?

After heavy rain or exposure to the elements, the peppermint scent may dissipate faster, reducing its deterrent effect. In such cases, it's best to reapply the oil every two to three days to maintain a strong barrier against spiders.

How to mix peppermint oil for bug repellent?

Peppermint and Geranium essential oils naturally repell insects. Simply add 3 drops of oil per 1mL of water (roughly a 10% solution) to a glass or stainless steel bottle and you're good to go. If spraying on your skin, use caution to not get it in your eyes, nose or ears.

How to Make Spider Repellent | At Home With P. Allen Smith

What do you mix peppermint oil with to make a spray?

Combine water and peppermint oil in a spray bottle. Shake bottle before use and spray the solution around entry spots such as windowsills and door frames, or places where insects may hide. The strong odor acts as a repellent.

How often do you need to spray peppermint oil to keep bugs away?

Generally, reapplying the spray every few days is effective for ongoing pest control. In areas with heavy pest activity, daily application might be necessary until you notice a significant reduction in pest numbers.

How do I keep spiders away permanently?

Seal up your home to keep spiders from entering through cracks and crevices. Cover vents with fine mesh insect screens. Apply caulk around wires, cables, faucets and electrical components that run to the outside. Replace or fix torn window screens and caulk up gaps around windows.

Is it okay to spray peppermint oil around the house?

Peppermint oil can be used as an environmentally friendly solution for pests but may not be a permanent solution. Contact your local pest control professional to identify the pests and provide the best treatment solution to effectively remove the pests from your home or business.

Is peppermint oil toxic to dogs?

Peppermint essential oils or extracts—Exposure to small amounts of diluted peppermint oil may not be a problem for healthy dogs. But it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, respiratory problems, and ulcers in the mouth in the undiluted form or in high amounts.

What do spiders hate the most?

In addition to peppermint, which was mentioned earlier, you can try using essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus, as spiders tend to dislike these scents. You can create a homemade spider-repellent spray by mixing a few drops of these essential oils with water and applying it to spider-prone areas.

How often should I spray vinegar for spiders?

Fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar. Identify areas where spiders are commonly found, such as corners, crevices, and entry points. Spray a generous amount of vinegar directly onto these areas. Repeat this process daily until the spider activity subsides.

What does baking soda do to spiders?

Baking soda is not only helpful for deodorizing but it can also help deter spiders. Sprinkle baking soda on potential entry points like doorways and windowsills. Keep in mind you may want to re-apply the baking soda once or twice a week.

Is peppermint oil or vinegar better for spiders?

Repelling spiders with vinegar is much like repelling them with peppermint oil, in that you fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water, and spray all the cracks and crevices around your home. If you add Peppermint oil to the vinegar, it will be even more powerful! It'll smell good to you, but awful to the spiders.

How long does peppermint oil last when sprayed?

Since the scent of peppermint oil fades over time, it is important to spray it again every few days or at least once a week. This ensures that the scent remains strong and effective in repelling mice.

How to mix peppermint with water?

Try mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with some hot water and place it in a spray bottle. A good ratio is 5 to 10 drops of essential oil per ounce of water. Use the mixture to spray down countertops, furniture, curtains and blinds and hard-to-reach areas of the home where insects are often present.

What not to mix with peppermint oil?

Possible Interactions
  • Famotidine (Pepcid)
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  • Ranitidine (Zantac)
  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
  • Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
  • Omeprazole (Prilosec)

What happens if you spray too much peppermint oil?

Large doses of menthol, a key ingredient in peppermint oil, can be poisonous. This can lead to serious side effects, including seizures, slow heartbeat, and irregular breathing.

How to dilute peppermint oil for bug spray?

2 tablespoons liquid soap 2 teaspoons peppermint oil 1 gallon warm water Mix dish soap and water together, then stir in the peppermint oil. It cuts through a bug's waxy shell.

What is the number one spider repellent?

Spiders hate the smell of peppermint. Fill a spray bottle with water and 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil and spray in places spiders tend to hide—under furniture, in closets, and in other corners and crevices of your house.

What smell attracts spiders?

Food Scents: Leftover crumbs, rotting food, and fruit attract insects, making your home a hunting ground for spiders. Light Floral or Fruity Scents: Some studies suggest that certain insects are drawn to sweet-smelling fragrances, which can lead spiders to follow.

How do you make homemade spider repellent?

How to Make Nontoxic Spider Spray
  1. Add liquid soap to glass spray bottle.
  2. Fill spray bottle up to the neck with vinegar.
  3. Add 30 drops of cinnamon essential oil to the filled spray bottle.
  4. Screw on the spray nozzle top (make sure it's on tight) and shake for 20 seconds to combine.

How to mix peppermint oil for spiders?

Spiders do not like peppermint, and because they “taste” with their legs, it is an easy way to keep them away. Make a mixture of 1-1/2 cups water, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and 20 drops of peppermint oil. Spray this concoction on windowsills, entryways, and where you find spiders.

What bugs are attracted to peppermint?

Mint flowers attract hoverflies and predatory wasps. Earthworms are quite attracted to mint plantings. Be careful where you plant it as mint is an incredibly invasive perennial. Placing peppermint cuttings (fresh or dried) where mice are a problem is very useful in driving them off!

Is peppermint safe for dogs?

Peppermint is practically everywhere once the winter months roll around. But is peppermint safe for dogs? Quite the opposite: Peppermint is extremely dangerous for your pet. According to the ASPCA, eating peppermint can cause vomiting and diarrhea, among other reactions.

Previous article
What happens if Wi-Fi goes out with smart thermostat?
Next article
Does ice help unwrinkle clothes?