What Natural Spider Repellents Can You Use?

A repellent is a product or substance designed to keep spiders away or prevent them from settling in. It works as a deterrent by making the exposed area or surface less attractive or unsuitable for them. These solutions can work in different ways, such as by releasing a repellent scent or creating a physical barrier that interferes with spiders’ natural behaviour. Natural repellents are made from plant-based active ingredients. Unlike conventional repellents, they are often preferred because they are gentler and generally better tolerated, especially in homes with children or pets.

Spiders are attracted by several factors that are commonly found in our homes. Dark and damp areas, undisturbed corners, and the presence of potential prey such as insects are all reasons why they may enter our living spaces. The warmth and shelter provided by indoor environments can also attract these arachnids, especially during periods of bad weather.

1. Presence of webs: This is the most obvious sign that your home is home to spiders. The web is made of spider silk and allows the spider to capture prey, particularly flying insects such as flies, mosquitoes or gnats. The appearance of these webs can vary depending on the species.

2. The presence of egg sacs: Often hidden in dark corners or behind furniture, these small silk sacs can contain dozens or even hundreds of eggs, indicating a potential increase in spider numbers.

3. Spiders visible during the day: Spiders are generally more active at night. Seeing them during the day may indicate a significant presence in your home.

To get rid of spiders naturally while protecting your health and the environment, here are our best traditional home remedies.

Which Repellents Should You Use Around Windows?

White vinegar: White vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can be used to repel spiders. Its pungent smell and acidity give it powerful repellent properties. Mix one-third white vinegar with water in a spray bottle, then spray this solution in corners, along baseboards, around windows, and behind furniture—in places where spiders hide—to create an effective deterrent barrier.

Cinnamon: This spice with many benefits also has spider-repellent properties. Its strong scent and spicy taste are unpleasant to spiders. You can use cinnamon sticks directly or sprinkle ground cinnamon around potential spider entry points, such as windows, as well as in areas where they tend to hide, to create a natural barrier against spiders.

What repellents should you use outdoors?

To protect outdoor spaces like the garden or balcony, certain plants and natural products are effective against spiders.

Baking soda: Baking soda acts as a physical barrier by creating an inhospitable environment for spiders. Additionally, its ability to absorb moisture makes surfaces less appealing to arachnids. Sprinkle baking soda in corners and cracks—for example, on a balcony where spiders might enter—to naturally repel them.

Citronella: The strong, fresh scent of citronella is also an effective and powerful natural repellent against spiders. You can use citronella candles outdoors, on a balcony, and inside your home.

How do you get rid of spiders in a bedroom?

In a bedroom, it is essential to choose natural repellents with pleasant, non-irritating scents. This resting space should remain comfortable and free from anything that could cause respiratory discomfort.

Bay leaves: Spiders dislike bay leaves. Place bay leaves directly in areas where you have noticed spider activity to discourage them from settling there.

Lavender: Among the best-known natural repellents and the scents most detested by spiders, lavender sachets rank high. Their scent is unpleasant to many species of spiders. Place sachets in closets and drawers to naturally repel spiders, especially in bedrooms. 

Cedar: Spiders hate the smell of cedar wood, making it an effective natural repellent to keep them away from your home. Place pieces of cedar wood or cedar balls inside small fabric pouches and place them in areas where spiders are likely to be found, such as closets, basements, and garages, to discourage them from settling in.

What Is the Best Spider Repellent?

Peppermint remains one of the best natural spider repellents. Its scent is very powerful, and spiders tend to avoid this strong aroma, which can be overwhelming for their sensitive sensory systems. Peppermint can be used in various forms, including essential oil, hydrosol, dried leaves, or natural flavouring.

To prevent spiders from taking up residence in your home, here are our tips on the steps and habits to adopt:

1. Keep your home clean: Remove food sources for spiders and dust build-up by keeping your home clean and tidy. Vacuum regularly to remove spider webs and insects that could attract them.

2. Reduce clutter: Spiders are attracted to places where they can easily hide. By reducing clutter in your home, tidying up regularly, and getting rid of piles of newspapers, dusty boxes, and other items lying around, you can limit potential hiding spots.

3. Inspect regularly: Make a habit of regularly checking corners, skirting boards, windows, and doors for spider webs or other signs of their presence. If you spot spiders, remove them and look for potential entry points to block. Regular monitoring can help prevent an infestation.

4. Maintain your garden: A well-maintained garden can help limit spider activity. Spiders often find shelter in dense bushes, wood piles, and fallen leaves. By caring for your garden, regularly trimming shrubs, removing dead leaves, and avoiding the accumulation of wood or debris, you can significantly reduce their natural hiding places. This limits the chances of spiders settling near your home and entering indoors.

5. Be on the lookout for spider bites: Learn to recognise the signs of a spider bite, including red marks, itching, or swelling on the skin. To learn more about managing spider bites, check out our dedicated article on this topic: Spider Bites: What to Do

6. Use repellent plants: Grow naturally repellent plants such as lavender and citronella around your home or place them in flower pots near your windows to deter spiders from entering.

7. Use natural repellents: Opt for natural repellents such as white vinegar, citronella, and cedar to keep spiders away without using harmful chemicals. To discover our many other natural insect repellents, including those for mosquitoes, click here: Which natural mosquito repellent should you use?

The use of repellents requires a few precautions. It is recommended not to apply these substances directly to the skin, as they may cause irritation, especially on sensitive or damaged skin. When sprayed onto surfaces, they should also be used with care. If you are bitten by a spider, monitor how the affected area develops. If the redness spreads, the pain worsens, or other symptoms appear (fever, nausea, fatigue), seek medical advice promptly.

To help keep spiders away, consider installing insect screens on windows and doors. You can also seal cracks, gaps, and any unprotected air vents where they may enter.

Stéphanie Catrysse is a naturopath (certified by the FENA), a wellness massage and lymphatic drainage practitioner, and a personal development coach. She is passionate about alternative medicine and practices a holistic approach to health.