What is the most effective spider repellent?

Author: Kyla Walter DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, August 9, 2025

Substances typically rumored to be natural spider repellents include essential oils, like lemon and peppermint, as well as lavender, horse chestnuts, cedar, cinnamon, and cloves.

What repels spiders the most?

To deter spiders, try peppermint oil, keep your space clean and clutter-free, seal cracks and gaps, and use cedarwood. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs and birds can also help control spider populations. These methods, individually or combined, effectively keep spiders at bay.

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.

What is the best deterrent for spiders in the house?

You can spray peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil around every entrance and every area a spider may enter. Spiders do not like the smell of either and will avoid the smell. You could also buy spider repellant plants: Citronella Lavender Eucalyptus Mint.

What can you spray around your house to keep spiders away?

Lavender, mint, eucalyptus, and citronella are known to deter spiders from building their webs near them. If incorporating these plants into your landscaping isn't a possibility, you can also spray essential oils with these scents, in addition to peppermint or tea tree oil, anywhere spiders are a problem.

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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.

How do you make homemade spider repellent that actually works?

Here's what you do:
  1. Step 1: Measure the ingredients. Add 5 to 10 drops of peppermint oil to 2 cups of water.
  2. Step 2: Add dish soap to the mixture. Add one tablespoon of dish soap to your mixture, and you're all done.
  3. Step 3: Pour solution into a spray bottle and use.

Does pine sol repel spiders?

A: Many people use Lemon Pine-sol to eliminate spiders and other pesky bugs and insects. Most insects, spiders, and other bugs don't like the smell of citrus. Mops your floors with Lemon Pine-sol, and put some in a spray bottle and lightly spray the baseboard.

How to protect yourself from spiders while sleeping?

Protect yourself from spiders while sleeping by keeping your bed away from walls, using bed risers, and washing bedding regularly. Consider using lavender-scented sheets or placing cedar blocks near your bed.

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.

Does WD-40 keep spiders away?

'WD-40 is not an effective way to kill spiders and it will not repel or keep them away either. It is a lubricant and solvent, not a pesticide. The WD-40 may coat the spider's exoskeleton, making it difficult for the spider to move or breathe (and with enough could kill them by drowning/suffocation).

What eats a spider?

Many amphibians, reptiles, and fish eat both insects and spiders. Some hunt spiders, while others wait near their nesting places to ambush them. Snakes and lizards like geckos, chameleons, and anoles also help keep the spider population in check.

What is spiders biggest enemy?

A study by scientists from the University of California showed that lizards are so voracious when it comes to spiders that they can eradicate them in controlled environments.

Do plug-in spider repellents work?

The evidence suggests not. There are two main kinds of device: those that emit ultrasound and those that produce a pulsing electromagnetic field. Numerous studies have failed to show anything more than a very temporary effect from either.

What smell does spiders absolutely hate?

Rub Citrus Peels Along the Windowsills: Spiders absolutely hate the smell of citrus. Rubbing the peels along your window sills, or just leaving a bowl of citrus fruit near the window, is a great deterrent. Use Peppermint Essential Oil: The strong smell of peppermint can keep spiders away.

Will a bowl of vinegar keep spiders away?

The acetic acid in the vinegar is harmful to spiders, but the strong odor of the vinegar alone will be enough to keep spiders away. Maintain a clutter-free environment in rooms you do not frequent often. A clean and clutter-free garage, basement, or attic will reduce harborage areas for insects and spiders.

What should you not use Pine Sol on?

Pine-Sol® is not recommended for use on marble, aluminum, or unsealed, waxed, oiled or visibly worn wood. Q: Where should I NOT use Pine-Sol® Cleaners? A: We do not recommend using Pine-Sol® Original Multi-Surface Cleaner on aluminum, copper or marble surfaces.

What is the best homemade spider repellent?

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. In addition, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a cotton ball and strategically place them in trouble spots.

What do house spiders hate the most?

Spiders really don't like strong scents such as citrus, peppermint, tea-tree, lavender, rose or cinnamon. Add 15 to 20 drops of your chosen essential oil or a couple of capfuls of Zoflora fragrance to a spray bottle filled with water, and spritz around the house.

Does Vicks keep spiders away?

Strangely, it does! The eucalyptus and menthol in Vicks VapoRub are also scents spiders hate. You can rub Vicks straight onto your chest, in the corners of your room, under your bed, and around your windows and doors to reap the benefits of unblocked airways and a spider-free zone.

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.

What to spray around the house for spiders?

Use Spider Repellents: Natural repellents like peppermint oil or vinegar sprays can be effective at keeping spiders away. Spray these around windows, doors, and any cracks where spiders might enter.

How long does peppermint oil 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.

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