Are you tired of sharing your space with spiders but hesitant to resort to harsh chemicals? You’re not alone. Many of us prefer a living space that’s both spider-free and environmentally friendly. I promise you that getting rid of spiders naturally is possible and easier than you might think. Here, we’ll explore some simple, effective methods of natural spider control. They will keep those eight-legged guests out of your home and off your patio using ingredients and techniques that are gentle on the planet and safe for your family and pets.
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Why Do Spiders Come Indoors?
Spiders typically venture indoors in search of food sources or a mate. Eliminating these attractions can significantly reduce your indoor spider population.
Can Essential Oils Keep Spiders Away?
Yes, certain essential oils are known spider deterrents. Lavender, peppermint1, tea tree, and eucalyptus can repel spiders. To create a natural spider repellent, simply dilute a few drops of essential oil in water and use a spray bottle around windows, door frames, and any spider-prone areas.
Can Vinegar Help in Spider Control?
Absolutely. A mixture of white vinegar and water sprayed around your home can act as an effective spider repellent.2 I like to mix equal parts white vinegar and water plus a few drops of peppermint essential oil. The strong smell of vinegar and peppermint deters spiders without harming them or the environment.
Does Diatomaceous Earth Work Against Spiders?
Yes, diatomaceous earth is an effective, natural method for combating spiders.
Diatomaceous earth (fossilized algae) kills insects by cutting their exoskeletons with its abrasive particles and dehydrating them by absorbing their body oils, working effectively in dry conditions without chemical toxins.
I have an elliptical in an unfinished area of our basement and was seeing a lot of spiders. I knew deterrence wasn’t enough, so I sprinkled diatomaceous earth in the corners and a few locations along the walls. Though I still see a couple here and there, it’s cut them down by 90%.
While diatomaceous earth is effective, use indoors can be a bit messy since it’s basically a pile of white dust. I find it’s best for unfinished or inconspicuous locations or outside in areas that stay relatively dry.
Safe for use around family and pets, it’s a valuable addition to your eco-friendly pest control toolkit. Remember, use food-grade diatomaceous earth for best results and safety, and apply it in drier conditions.
Help me get started!
Do you want to live a less-toxic, more eco-friendly lifestyle but have no idea where to begin? Here’s our “Non-Toxic 101” guide to get you started today!
How Important is Regular Cleaning?
Regular cleaning removes webs and eggs and reduces the numerous insects that spiders feed on. Use your vacuum cleaner regularly and pay special attention to dark corners, under furniture, and other hidden spots.
Do Fruit Flies Attract Spiders?
Yes! Spiders will eat most insects and love fruit flies. To keep spiders away, keep your fruit bowl clean and rotate it regularly. Consider a cork-covered bowl to keep fruit fresher for longer.
What About Sealing Entry Points?
Sealing cracks, gaps around windows, doors, and any other entry points can prevent spiders from coming inside. Regularly inspect and maintain these seals to keep spiders out.
Can Planting Lavender Or Other Plants Keep Spiders Away?
Yep! Planting lavender and other plants outside or in pots indoors, like lemon balm, mint, and chrysanthemums, can naturally repel spiders.
These plants contain natural oils and compounds that spiders find unappealing. Not only do they keep spiders at bay, but they also add beauty and fragrance to your home or garden.
How Does Food Storage Affect Spiders?
Proper food storage is key. Spiders primarily visit homes in search of prey. Keeping food sealed and reducing the population of other insects will make your home less appealing to spiders.
Ensure that food is stored in airtight containers and that any crumbs or spills are cleaned up promptly.
Is It Beneficial to Invite Spider Predators?
Yes. For outdoor control, encouraging the presence of natural spider predators, such as birds, can help manage the spider population around your home.3 Birdhouses and baths can attract these beneficial visitors.
How to Keep Spiders Off Your Balcony?
To keep spiders off your balcony, regularly clean to remove webs and potential insect prey. Minimize the use of outdoor lighting. While spiders are not attracted to light, their prey are.
Use natural deterrents, such as spraying a mixture of water and peppermint oil around the area. Plant spider-repelling plants, such as lavender and mint.
A more permanent solution is to enclose the balcony in fine mesh screening.
How to Keep Spiders Off Your Patio?
To naturally keep spiders off your patio, start by maintaining cleanliness to remove webs and debris and minimize lighting to deter insects, which are spiders’ prey.
Use natural repellent sprays made from essential oils like peppermint or lavender and spider-repellent plants like mint and lavender around the patio area.
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the perimeter to dehydrate and kill pests.
Additionally, encourage natural predators by installing bird feeders and minimize outdoor clutter to reduce hiding spots for spiders.
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Car?
Keeping spiders out of your car involves similar principles to keeping them out of your home and patio. Clean regularly, and use essential oil sprays, especially around the windows and doors. Try placing a small sachet of lavender or a cotton ball soaked in peppermint oil under your seats.
What Do I Do If I Am Still Seeing Spiders?
Consider some more natural, non-toxic options to remove spiders from your home. Glue traps are very effective in catching arachnids. For an immediate no-kill solution, a catch-and-release spider catcher traps the spider while you walk it outside.
Final Thoughts on Natural Spider Control
By incorporating these natural control methods to keep spiders out of your home and off your patio, you can enjoy a more peaceful experience.
For the most effective reduction in spiders naturally, use an integrated approach employing a variety of these methods.
A little prevention and natural repellency can go a long way toward keeping these unwanted guests out of your personal spaces.
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