If there’s one thing we can all agree with, it’s that life is full of pests. Whether it’s mice, ants, or your annoying neighbor down the street, we all need a little pest control once in a while.
But when it comes to spiders, this may be a pest you want to keep around, because they eat harmful insects. Such as the wolf spider! They are good for our environment and help keep the pest bug population down.
However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that finding spiders in your home is just creepy and gross.
Here are some ways to keep spiders out of your home without killing them.
- Spray White Vinegar: Simply fill a spray bottle with one part water and one part white vinegar and spray it around any cracks in your windows, walls or floors. And don’t forget the windowsills.
- 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. Add about 15 drops to a spray bottle of water and spray it around the house. After a period of time, you might want to switch it out for another type of mint smell, since the spiders might get used to it.
- Use Diatomaceous Earth: You may not be able to pronounce it, but these fossilized remains of diatoms form an inexpensive, white powder that works like a charm for repelling spiders.
- Sprinkle Some Cedar: It’s hard to beat the sweet, woodsy smell of cedar blocks and chips around your house. They will keep spiders out, as well as other types of insects.
- Place Some Horse Chestnuts Around the House: Spiders hate the texture and smell of horse chestnuts. Strategically placing them in corners and on window sills can keep arachnids at bay.
- Keep Your Home Free of Dust and Cobwebs: Spiders love dark, dusty corners. Regular dusting and vacuuming will make them less likely to want to hide in your home. A clean, tidy home is a deterrent to all kinds of pests, spiders included.
- Seal All Cracks: Check your home’s exterior for cracks in the foundation or gaps in your roof, and seal them up with cement. Take a look at your windows and doors too, just to make sure there aren’t any cracks allowing them to find their way in.
- Use the Smell of Cinnamon: Use cinnamon oil or cinnamon sticks to fill your house with this smell that spiders hate. Even some cinnamon-scented candles will do the trick.
- Ditch the Cardboard Boxes: Spiders love the dark, hidden spaces within cardboard boxes, so don’t use these for storage. Instead, recycle regularly and consider storing belongings in clear plastic bins.
- Keep Your Yard Tidy: Place outdoor plants at least one foot away from the walls of your house to prevent spiders from finding their way inside. And avoid planting any tall shrubs that might grow along the sides of your home.
Like most things in nature, the proper place for spiders is outdoors. These simple methods will allow you to keep them there and keep them out of your home.
