Turning the tables: natural remedies to keep spiders at bay at home

Many people find spiders objectionable. Their bites can be painful, and dealing with them is often a challenge. Chemical products aimed at controlling spiders frequently prove ineffective, and their use may pose risks to both humans and pets sharing the space. It's worthwhile to consider natural and effective alternatives for spider control.

Apple cider vinegar is an effective, natural solution for tackling spiders in your home. Simply mix it with water in equal parts, place it in a spray bottle, and apply it to areas where spiders have taken up residence. It's good to remember that while the sour scent and taste are a deterrent, they do not harm the spiders.

Mint serves as another natural deterrent for spiders. Spraying peppermint essential oil on window sills, doorways, and other spider hotspots can keep them at bay. For those opposed to killing even unwelcome insects, the uplifting news is that spiders dislike the smell of mint, but it doesn't kill them. Cultivating mint plants, whether in pots indoors or out, proves just as effective. On your window sill, placing pots with eucalyptus can also deter these unwanted visitors with its aroma.

Lemon water is yet another successful remedy. The juice can be freshly squeezed, derived from citric acid found in shops, or substituted with lemon essential oil. Other essential oils, including camphor, cedar, and eucalyptus, are similarly potent against spiders.

A clean home is your first line of defence. Dust, leftover food, decaying fruit, and vegetables attract pests like ants, fruit flies, and cockroaches, providing a food source for spiders. Hence, maintaining cleanliness is crucial to making your home less inviting to spiders.

Potted plants placed along window sills can also act as effective spider repellents. Choices like the previously mentioned mint, eucalyptus, and lavender emit scents that spiders find repulsive.