Spiders, our eight-legged little pals, visit our home gardens in the United States during the springtime. In the spring, egg sacks that they had deposited in early fall begin to hatch. Food sources are accessible now because of the warmth in the environment whilst they get ready for summer.
Most of us are aware that spiders aid in the health of vegetable and flower gardens by consuming threatening insects and pests. However, it’s still a little unsettling when they crawl indoors. We wouldn’t want to get rid of them entirely, but we would like to exterminate them from inside our homes.
Peppermint oil is a reasonable and successful solution for this problem. Spiders are repelled by the minty smell, so applying it around your home’s windowsills, doorways, and other entry points will help to keep them out. You can also make a spider spray by mixing peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and using it on any areas where spiders have been seen. If you’re willing to use an organic approach to get rid of spiders and aren’t sure whether peppermint oil will work, keep reading:
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Can We Repel Spiders with Peppermint Oil?
Though the method sounds like an old myth, it really works.
Not only peppermint oil, but other varieties of essential oil, such as tea tree, lavender, and rosemary, also deter spiders. However, among the various types of essential oils tested in studies, peppermint oil was found to be the most efficient.
You’re probably asking yourself what’s the reason behind peppermint oil’s spider-deterring capabilities? The explanation is the strong aroma of mint, which spiders and other insects despise. This intense odor drives spiders and most flying insects away from the area.
The strong smell of tea tree, lavender, and rosemary may disrupt the movement and sense of smell of spiders. This is how insect-repelling Essential Oils work as well; the odors of tea tree, lavender, and rosemary are likewise disliked by insects and spiders.
So, will this strategy work? Let’s see if this technique is 100% effective or not.
How Effective is Peppermint Oil on Repelling Spiders?
There’s no proof that peppermint oil is completely effective in keeping spiders away. Whether or not peppermint oil should be used as a natural pesticide is still up for debate. Nonetheless, many users have claimed that the technique is quite efficient.
Another important question is: will peppermint oil repel all species of spiders? We already know that it may assist you in repelling common house spiders, but will it work against black widow or brown recluse spiders as well? The answer to this question is still unknown.
How to Use Peppermint Oil on Spiders?
The method is really simple. All you need for this method are a spray bottle, clean water, and naturally processed peppermint oil. You need to fill the spray bottle with water, add a few drops of peppermint oil to it, shake well and spray in the affected areas.
However, be extremely careful while adding peppermint oil because if you overdo it, it can be harmful to spiders and other insects. If you want to get rid of them without killing them, adding only 6-7 drops will do. Now you must be wondering, does spraying peppermint oil have any side effects? Here’s the answer.
Side Effects of Peppermint Oil
Yes, peppermint oil may have unwanted effects if used excessively. Add only a few drops at a time, as previously stated. If you want to take additional precautions before using it to avoid negative consequences, consider the following:
- Do a little research on the peppermint oil brand you’re using.
- Only go for a product that’s labeled as naturally processed.
- Test small areas first because strong peppermint oil can stain the floor, wooden furniture, or upholstery.
- Excess peppermint oil spray can be toxic for children, pets as well as adults.
- You can wear a pair of gloves as touching raw peppermint oil can burn or irritate your skin.
- If you get heartburn, headache, or dizziness after spraying peppermint oil, consult a doctor.
Other Spider Repelling Natural Methods
Since you need to keep in mind the safety of children and pets, choosing non-chemical products and methods is the best idea to repel spiders from home. Now you already know how to remove spiders naturally by spraying peppermint oil but how do you stop them from coming back? Here are some good techniques to apply:
Clean All Food Sources: The first thing that you need to do is to be a bad host. And to do it, you need to remove all food sources such as food particles, bread crumbs, and soda cans. It’ll stop insects from entering your premises in search of food and hence spiders won’t get any insects to feed on.
So, the first step is to keep your kitchen clean. From counterparts, remove all food residues. Also, seal up all your dry pet food. If the insects don’t get any food source, they’ll go elsewhere and the spiders will follow them. The second and final step is to keep the food garbage in a sealable bin.
Knock Down Spider Webs: The second approach is to sweep your entire house clean and destroy spider homes with a broom. The spiders will relocate if they can’t find any friendly surroundings.
Use Window Screens: Without screens, flies and other insects will find it very easy to enter your home. Spiders will most certainly follow if insects get into your house. As a result, you should make sure that all of your home windows have window screens and covers.
Now that you know whether you can get rid of spiders using peppermint oil, follow the method as recommended. Also, don’t forget to take precautions and try the additional methods mentioned above.
You should remember that cleanliness is the best way to keep spiders and all kinds of insects at bay during spring and summer.
Natural treatments are beneficial to everyone, not just your family. All of the suggestions above are completely natural and therefore safe. If you were on the fence about the adverse effects, you shouldn’t be now.
People Also Ask
Why do spiders hate peppermint oil?
One of the reasons why peppermint oils are effective as a spider repellent spray is due to their scent. Almost all spiders will flee from the strong fragrance of mint (as well as other strong-smelling natural oils for spiders).
How long does the smell of peppermint oil last?
The smell of peppermint oil can typically last for days and weeks, depending on how much was applied and the concentration. There are various factors – such as storage, application method, etc. – that can change this duration, but it’s safe to say that you can expect your surfaces to smell minty fresh for quite some time.
Does peppermint oil help with IBS?
Peppermint oil is an antispasmodic, a type of treatment that relaxes muscles. It helps with stomach cramps and bloating, as well as farts (flatulence), particularly if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It works by relaxing the muscle wall of the bowel.
Is peppermint safe for dogs?
Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are essentially poisonous to dogs. These are dangerous whether absorbed through the skin or inhaled via a diffuser or licked up in the event of a spill.
What happens if my dog smells peppermint oil?
Dogs dislike peppermint, which is only natural. While peppermint essential oils may be used to reduce inflammation or just relax you, these potent solutions are poisonous to dogs and can cause toxicity symptoms including lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Can you drink peppermint oil in water?
Peppermint oil is not recommended for internal use unless you have been directed to do so by a doctor. Ingesting peppermint oil (or any essential oil) can be extremely toxic, even in small doses. If you would like to drink the water with peppermint oil, it’s always best to ask your healthcare professional before doing so.
Is smelling peppermint oil safe?
When used in aromatherapy, peppermint oil is generally considered safe. However, it’s important to follow all manufacturer’s instructions, including how often to diffuse the oil and for how long. Inhaling diffused peppermint oil can sometimes cause coughing and wheezing in people with asthma.
Will vinegar and peppermint oil kill spiders?
Locust, chili pepper, and eucalyptus are three natural deterrents that repel spiders. Vinegar is a wonderful solution for keeping spiders out of your house. You may also use vinegar to keep insects at bay. White vinegar in a 1:1 water solution works similarly to peppermint oil to keep bugs and spiders away.
How often do you have to spray peppermint oil to keep spiders away?
You’ll need to reapply the peppermint oil spray every few days, or as needed. This will depend on how often you’re using the treated surfaces and how strong of a scent you desire. You may also want to add a few drops of peppermint oil to a diffuser to keep spiders away from larger areas.
