If you see spiders crawling around in your home, or even spinning webs to catch prey in the corners, it can feel quite unsettling. With the spider breeding season approaching, experts suggest that simply sprinkling a certain spice at home can make spiders flee.
According to a report by the UK’s “Daily Express,” the spider breeding season has officially arrived, which may be troublesome for arachnophobes. However, there are many natural methods to prevent these eight-legged creatures from entering your home.
Liam Cleverdon, a cleaning expert and associate manager at the UK flooring retailer “Flooring King,” revealed that there is a spice that spiders detest, and people can make good use of it.
Cleverdon recommends using cinnamon powder to repel spiders. He explains, “You can sprinkle some cinnamon powder near windows, doors, and skirting boards to keep spiders outside. You can also add a tablespoon of cinnamon powder to warm water and your regular cleaning solution when mopping.”
He advises, “Make sure the cinnamon powder is thoroughly mixed because it can easily leave residue on the liquid surface. Improper dilution may leave rough residue. Once the mixture is well blended, you can mop the floor as usual.”
In addition to cinnamon powder, Cleverdon also suggests using peppermint oil because it has a scent that spiders dislike, effectively preventing spider invasions with “amazing results.” Just add 10 to 15 drops of peppermint oil into water, spray it around doors, windows, and crevices.
The third practical insect repellent recommended by Cleverdon is common white vinegar found in the kitchen. He says, “Vinegar is also a convenient natural insect repellent, acting similarly to essential oils. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray around door frames, window sills, or corners where spiders may enter.”
He reminds people to avoid spraying on painted or varnished surfaces, as vinegar can dull these surfaces over time.
Moreover, James Higgins, an expert from the UK carpet retailer “Online Carpets,” also suggests using cinnamon to drive away spiders.
Higgins says, “Spiders dislike several scents, such as cinnamon, peppermint, lavender, and lemon. Cinnamon is the perfect autumn scent, as spiders dislike its strong spicy aroma.”
He mentions that there are various ways to use cinnamon, so you can place cinnamon sticks near doors, windows, small holes, or where spiders might enter your home, or light scented candles with a cinnamon aroma to create a warm atmosphere.
Spiders strongly dislike the scent of cinnamon, so they will steer clear of areas with cinnamon, preventing them from spinning webs in your home.
Higgins also recommends using lavender or peppermint to repel spiders since spiders dislike their scents as well. “Plant lavender or peppermint in pots and place them around window sills. They not only beautify the external environment of the house but also prevent spiders from entering indoors from the beginning.”
Lavender contains compounds like linalool and camphor acetate, which have scents that repel spiders. When spiders encounter these scents, their receptors become confused, making these areas less desirable for them to reside in. (For more details, please click here for expert-recommended natural methods to prevent spiders from crawling into your home.)
Higgins further adds that the citrusy fragrance of citrus fruits is also an effective way to repel spiders. Simply laying lemon peels on window sills, skirting boards, or any shelves can drive away spiders.
He says, “The robust citrus scent not only repels spiders but also keeps your kitchen or bathroom smelling fresh.”