Keeping spiders at bay: the power of scent and a simple TikTok trick

Spiders have a keen sense of smell and respond differently to various aromas. Some scents are appealing to spiders, whilst others repel them. Luckily for us, spiders are deterred by scents we find pleasing, specifically lavender and mint. If feasible, plant these near your front door. If not, place them in containers adjacent to the door or on external window ledges. Both lavender and mint give off strong scents that deter spiders. If they get a whiff of it, they won't attempt to cross the threshold of your home.

Summer is the time of the year when spiders are particularly active. They crop up everywhere - in forests, parks, on streets, and inside our homes. If you're keen to stop spiders from taking up residence in your home, try this simple but effective TikTok tip.

A user named @karaskorner_123, also known as Kara, shared a video demonstrating how she makes an anti-spider spray. This concoction comprises just three ingredients - peppermint essential oil, dish soap, and water. If the user comments beneath the post are any indication, this tip is indeed very effective. How do you make it?

Pour water into an atomiser bottle, add a teaspoon of dish soap and a few drops of peppermint oil. Instead of peppermint oil, lavender essential oil makes a suitable alternative, or you can blend the two oils. Spray the finished product on window and door frames, as well as any potential spider hiding places. The aroma will not only deter spiders but also repel ticks and flies. Repeat this procedure every few days.