Essential Oils As Natural Remedy For Spiders & Insects
Essential oils (EOs) are highly concentrated plant extracts containing active chemicals known as effective bug repellents.
If you’re looking for natural ways to get rid of spiders, mosquitos, ticks, fruit flies, and other crawlies then aromatherapy and EOs might work for you.
Creating a DIY arachnid or insect repellent spray can help you maintain a critter-free house and even prevent an infestation using natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals.
Oils like tea tree, citronella, lemongrass, and citrus oils can help deter insects like mosquitoes. The oils mentioned below may work for spiders.
While most spiders on your property are likely, harmless spiders like black widows and brown recluse are poisonous.
If you have a persistent problem with spiders, mostly indoors, be sure to call pest control.
The Best Essential Oils For Spiders
While there’s limited research on which oils truly deter spiders, a 2018 study found that peppermint essential oil and chestnut oil effectively repelled multiple spider species. (1)
The same study found no effect with lemon essential oil, despite being a popular choice for spider repellent.
Anecdotal research suggests that spiders hate peppermint oil, spearmint, cedarwood, clove, and cinnamon.
Safety Concerns
When used safely and mindfully, essential oils usually pose little to no side effects though you should always keep in mind that EOs are very concentrated and, therefore, very potent!
A little goes a long way.
Avoid using them with young children under ten years of age and pregnant women.
Don’t apply the oils directly onto children’s skin.
You can spray a small amount onto their clothing.
Many essential oils aren’t safe for dogs and cats so be careful and do your research if you have furry friends at home.
When using them, topically always dilute them with a carrier oil like coconut oil or add water, vinegar, or witch hazel for a quick DIY bug repellent solution.
Many of these oils can be irritating to sensitive skin types, so it’s good to perform a patch test before using them.
Do not ingest the oils or apply them to your eyes, mouth, ears, or any other cavity.
Always choose high-quality, therapeutic grade, certified organic EOs from trusted companies.
Unfortunately, many products on the market are diluted or contaminated with solvents and other potentially harmful substances.
Do your research and make sure you know what the contraindications are for each oil you’re going to use.
Pro tip: You can create essential oil blends by mixing various oils together. This will enhance their efficacy.
How To Use Essential Oils To Repel Spiders
DIY Spider repellent spray
Use this spider and bug spray as needed and spray it on cobwebs, baseboards, window sills, and any crevices in your home and exterior.
- 10 drops of peppermint oil essential oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil
- 5 drops of clove essential oil
- 5 drops dish soap
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- Fill a small dark glass spray bottle with water
Mix everything together in the bottle and shake, shake, shake.
Use as needed.
Be careful not to spray your eyes or face.
You can also soak cotton balls with the mixture and leave in different corners and areas of your home.
You could use a diffuser in your home, although this is a much less concentrated option that might not be as effective.
REFERENCES
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(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29309619/
