What Herbs Keep Spiders Away

If you’re looking for a natural way to keep your home and garden free of eight-legged visitors, you might be wondering what herbs keep spiders away. Using plants is a safe, chemical-free method that repels these pests while adding beauty and fragrance to your space.

This approach is kinder to pets, children, and the environment than many sprays. It also creates a lovely garden. Let’s look at the best herbs to use and how to make them work effectively for you.

Several common herbs contain strong scents and oils that spiders actively avoid. These aromas mask the smells that attract spiders or simply overwhelm their sensitive senses. By strategically placing these plants, you create a natural barrier.

Here are the top herbs known for their spider-repelling properties:

Peppermint: This is perhaps the most famous spider deterrent. Its potent menthol aroma is overwhelming to spiders. It’s easy to grow and can spread quickly, so consider planting it in containers.
Lavender: Loved by humans for its calming scent, spiders dislike it intensely. It’s a beautiful, drought-tolerant plant that also repels moths and flies. The dried flowers can be used inside your home.
Rosemary: This woody herb has a strong, pine-like fragrance. It thrives in sunny, well-drained spots and can be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill. Crushing the leaves releases more of its scent.
Basil: While you enjoy it in your cooking, spiders will steer clear of its pungent smell. Basil prefers warm weather and lots of sun, making it a great summer patio plant.
Lemon Balm: A member of the mint family, it has a strong citrus scent. Be warned—it can be invasive. Growing it in a pot is the best way to control its spread.
Citronella (Lemon Grass): Known for repelling mosquitoes, its sharp lemony odor also discourages spiders. It’s a tropical grass that needs to be brought indoors in colder climates.
Dill: This feathery herb has a sharp, tangy smell that spiders find unpleasant. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which is a great bonus for your garden.
Chives: Their mild oniony scent is another effective repellent. They are perennial, coming back year after year, and are very low-maintenance.

How to Use These Herbs in Your Garden

Planting these herbs strategically is key to creating a spider-free zone. You don’t need a huge garden; even pots on a balcony or by doorways can make a big difference.

Follow these steps for garden placement:

Identify Entry Points: Look for areas where spiders might enter your home. Common spots are around windows, doors, foundation cracks, and vents.
Create a Perimeter: Plant a border of repellent herbs around the outside of your house. Focus especially on the sunny sides, as many of these herbs need sunlight to thrive and produce their strong oils.
Use Containers: Place pots of peppermint, lavender, or rosemary near your front and back doors. You’ll brush against them when entering, releasing their scent.
Under Windowsills: Planting basil or chives in window boxes helps keep spiders from crawling inside through window screens.
Near Outdoor Seating: To keep patios and decks clear, surround the area with pots of citronella, lemon balm, and rosemary.

Bringing the Protection Indoors

You can also use these herbs inside your home. This provides an extra layer of protection and keeps your living spaces smelling fresh.

Here are some simple indoor methods:

Potted Plants: Grow small pots of rosemary, basil, or mint on sunny kitchen windowsills. They’re handy for cooking and for pest control.
Herbal Sachets: Fill small fabric bags or old socks with dried lavender, peppermint, or rosemary. Tuck them into corners, drawers, closets, or under furniture.
Essential Oil Sprays: Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil with water and a little witch hazel in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray along baseboards, window frames, and in corners. Always test on a small area first to avoid damaging surfaces.
Fresh Herb Bundles: Tie together sprigs of fresh herbs and hang them in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, or mudrooms, where spiders sometimes like to hide.

A Note on Safety and Effectiveness

While these herbs are effective, they are a repellent, not an instant killer. They work best as a preventive measure. You need to refresh dried herbs and sprays every few weeks, as the scent fades.

Also, remember that essential oils are highly concentrated. They can be harmful to pets if ingested in large quantities. Keep sprays and sachets out of reach of cats and dogs, and consult your vet if you have concerns. Always dilute oils properly before use.

Making a Simple Spider-Repellent Spray

This is a quick project you can do in minutes. It’s perfect for indoor use on non-porous surfaces.

Gather your supplies: a clean spray bottle, 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of witch hazel or vodka (to help the oil mix with water), and 15-20 drops of your chosen essential oil (peppermint is very effective).
Pour the witch hazel into the spray bottle.
Add the essential oil drops. Swirl gently to combine.
Add the water, secure the lid, and shake the bottle thoroughly.
Label your bottle clearly. To use, shake well and spray in target areas. Avoid spraying directly on plants, fabrics, or finished wood without testing.

Companion Planting for a Healthier Garden

Using herbs to repel spiders fits perfectly into the practice of companion planting. This is where you grow certain plants together for mutual benefit.

For example, planting basil near tomatoes can improve the tomatoes’ growth and flavor while deterring pests like spiders and flies. Lavender planted near roses can help repel aphids. By integrating spider-repelling herbs into your vegetable or flower beds, you get multiple benefits from a single plant.

It’s a smart way to garden. You reduce the need for any chemicals and create a more balanced ecosystem right in your backyard.

When Herbs Aren’t Enough: Additional Natural Steps

Herbs are a powerful tool, but for a severe problem, combine them with other natural strategies. Spiders go where there’s food, so eliminating other insects is crucial.

Seal Up Cracks: Use caulk to seal gaps around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation. This physically blocks entry.
Reduce Clutter: Clear away piles of wood, leaves, or debris near your house’s exterior. Keep indoor areas tidy and vacuum regularly to remove webs and egg sacs.
Control Other Pests: Use yellow outdoor lights instead of white ones, which attract fewer insects that spiders eat. Fix leaky faucets to remove water sources.
Use Diatomaceous Earth: This fine, natural powder can be sprinkled in dry areas where spiders crawl. It’s harmless to humans and pets but dehydrates insects. Reapply after rain or if it gets wet.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What smell do spiders hate the most?
Spiders strongly dislike peppermint, citrus (like lemon and orange), tea tree, and eucalyptus scents. Peppermint oil is often considered the most effective and readily available.

Does lavender really keep spiders away?
Yes, lavender is an excellent natural spider repellent. Both the plant and its essential oil create a scent barrier that spiders will avoid. It’s a great choice for bedrooms and linen closets.

Can I just plant mint to keep spiders away?
Planting mint is very effective, but it’s incredibly invasive. If planted directly in the ground, it can quickly take over your garden. Always plant mint in a container to control its roots.

How often should I reapply an essential oil spray?
For best results, reapply your homemade spray every week or two, or after cleaning the surfaces. The scent dissipates over time, reducing its effectiveness.

Are these methods safe for my garden plants?
Absolutely. Growing these herbs is beneficial for your garden. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies while repelling unwanted pests. Just be mindful of spraying essential oil mixtures directly on plant leaves, as the concentration could potentially cause damage.

Using herbs to manage spiders is a simple, satisfying, and natural approach. It connects you to age-old gardening traditions and reduces your reliance on synthetic chemicals. With a little planning, you can enjoy a more comfortable home and a more fragrant, vibrant garden. Start with a few pots of peppermint and lavender, and see the difference it makes for yourself.