Tired of spotting spiders on your walls during the rainy season? You’re not alone. Monsoon showers often drive spiders indoors as they search for warmth, shelter, and food. And while these eight-legged visitors do help by eating other bugs, seeing them crawl across your living room or, worse, your bed and bathroom can be quite unsettling. These easy, homemade solutions are not only safe for families and pets (with some precautions) but also environmentally friendly. Here’s how to use them effectively.
How to get rid of spiders naturally at home
Peppermint oil spray
Spiders hate strong scents, especially minty ones. Peppermint oil is known for its intense fragrance, which overwhelms a spider’s sensory organs, driving them away from treated areas. Mix 10–15 drops of peppermint essential oil with a cup of water and add a few drops of dish soap to help the oil mix better. Pour this into a spray bottle and spritz around windows, doorways, under furniture, and in corners. Reapply every few days, especially during humid weather. You can also use alternatives like eucalyptus, lavender, or tea tree oil.
White vinegar solution
White vinegar contains acetic acid, which disrupts spider pheromone trails and irritates their bodies. Its strong smell discourages them from entering treated areas. Simply combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it along skirting boards, window sills, corners, and any gaps where spiders may enter. Although the smell fades for humans, it lingers just enough to keep spiders at bay. Avoid using vinegar on delicate surfaces such as marble or hardwood to prevent damage.
Baking soda
Baking soda works as a natural desiccant and irritant for spiders, which discourages them from nesting in your home. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda in spider-prone areas like behind furniture, under sinks, or near window edges. In addition to deterring spiders, it also helps absorb moisture and neutralise odours, making the home less inviting for insects in general. Vacuum and reapply every few days to maintain its effectiveness.
Salt barrier
Salt acts as a natural deterrent by dehydrating pests and creating a boundary spiders are less likely to cross. Create a thin line of salt along window tracks, thresholds, and cracks in walls to discourage spiders from entering. You can also dissolve salt in water and use it as a spray on window frames or doorways. It’s most effective in dry areas, as high humidity can dissolve salt quickly.
Diatomaceous earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth is a fine, powdery substance made from fossilised algae. When insects and spiders walk over it, the sharp particles damage their exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and death. Sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade DE along wall edges, behind appliances, and under furniture. Keep it dry for best results and avoid using it in damp or wet areas. Always wear a mask when applying to avoid inhaling the fine dust.
Spider-repelling plants
Certain houseplants act as natural insect repellents due to their strong scents and essential oils. Lavender, mint, basil, rosemary, and chrysanthemums are great choices to deter spiders. Lavender and rosemary emit fragrances that spiders dislike, while chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, a natural insecticide. Placing these plants near entryways, windows, and damp corners can create an invisible barrier that keeps spiders away, all while refreshing your home environment.
Keep your home clean and dry
Even the best natural remedies won’t work effectively if your home is cluttered or full of insects, the very food spiders come for. Vacuum regularly, especially under beds, behind curtains, and in room corners. Use silicone caulk to seal wall cracks, window gaps, and crevices. Install mesh screens on windows and vents, and reduce outdoor lighting at night, which attracts insects and subsequently spiders. The drier and tidier your indoor space is, the less likely spiders will stick around.Spiders tend to move indoors during the rainy season, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. With these natural remedies, peppermint oil, vinegar, salt, baking soda, and DE, you can safely and effectively keep them at bay. Combine these with a clean, well-maintained space and some spider-repelling greenery, and you’ll enjoy a bug-free home all season long.Also Read: 8 natural home remedies to remove lizards from your house this summer
