10 Best Plants To Repel Spiders

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Nobody likes spiders crawling around their home. Fortunately, natural solutions exist to keep them at bay, without relying on toxic chemicals. Plants can be a great way to naturally repel these unwanted guests. We have compiled a list of the top ten plants that have been reported to be effective in driving spiders out of your space.

1. Peppermint

Peppermint is an excellent spider repellent. Spiders are naturally repelled by the strong smell of peppermint, and it has been shown to be an effective option to drive spiders away from the house. You can either plant it in your garden or keep some sprigs freshly cut and placed around areas where spiders are commonly found.

What Makes Peppermint an Effective Spider Repellent?

The strong scent of peppermint disrupts a spider's sense of smell, making it difficult for it to hunt for prey or find a mate. Plus, it gives off a pleasant aroma in your home.

2. Lavender

Lavender has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties which makes it a popular choice in aromatherapy. As it turns out, it is also a natural spider repellent. Planting lavender bushes in your garden or keeping a few stems in vases around your house can both help deter spiders.

Why is Lavender Good at Keeping Spiders Away?

Lavender's strong smell, as with peppermint, interferes with a spider's sense of smell. This makes it difficult for them to seek out potential prey or mites, which are typically found in the home.

3. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is native to Australia and has long been praised for its medicinal properties. The leaves have been used to treat coughs and colds and as a natural antiseptic. But did you know that eucalyptus oil helps repel spiders too?

How Does Eucalyptus Oil Deter Spiders?

Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of the tree by steam distillation. It contains compounds called cineole and limonene, which have strong aromatic properties that make it challenging for spiders to locate prey, mate and even breathe.

4. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is one of the best natural spider repellents. Its leaves contain a strong, citrusy aroma that spiders dislike. You can break some leaves and rub them on window sills, doorways or other areas where spiders usually hang out.

What Is it About Lemon Balm That Spiders Hate?

Spiders hate the scent of citrus, and lemon balm has a refreshing citrus fragrance. Citral, Limonene and Caryophyllene are essential oils present in lemon balm that spiders can’t stand, and this makes it useful in keeping spiders at bay.

5. Citronella

Citronella is often used to keep mosquitoes away, but it may surprise you to learn that it works on spiders as well! Citronella plants are relatively easy to grow and maintain, and they are excellent addition to your garden for natural pest control.

Can Citronella Help Keep Spiders Out of the House?

The strong scent of citronella acts as an irritant to spiders, making them avoid areas where it is present. This method isn't foolproof, but it can help deter spiders from your living space.

6. Osage Orange

Osage orange trees are native to North America and are also known as hedge apples. Aside from being a great ornamental addition to your yard, these trees are said to be effective spider repellents.

Is Osage Orange an Effective Spider Repellent?

The fruit of this tree contains compounds that repel insects and spiders. Hanging some of these balls around your home or placing fruit rinds around your doorways and window sills might drive away these unwanted arachnids.

7. Spiderwort

Spiderwort may not sound like a plant that repels spiders, but it has earned its name because it was used in traditional medicine to treat spider bites. It is also said to have spider-repelling abilities.

How Did Spiderwort Get Its Name, and Does It Really Repel Spiders?

Spiderworts produce strong chemicals called saponins, which are thought to repel spiders. These plants grow well in gardens or raised beds both indoors and outdoors.

8. Mint

Mint is a fragrant herb which, like peppermint, emits a strong scent that terrifies spiders. This property makes it an excellent option for repelling spiders naturally, and it can also be used to keep other pests such as mosquitoes and ants away.

Is Mint a Good Natural Spider Deterrent?

Peppermint has a more potent scent than mint. However, using mint plants in your garden or infusing mint oil with water for a natural spider repellent spray could be effective in creating a spider-free environment.

9. Rosemary

Rosemary is a versatile herb that adds flavor to dishes and has proven natural mosquito-repelling abilities. Many people also swear by rosemary as a spider repellent.

Why is Rosemary a Popular Choice for Keeping Spiders Away?

The strong smell of rosemary makes it difficult for the spider to hunt for prey. The natural aroma repels spiders and keeps other insects at bay, making it an excellent option for pest control.

10. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are not just attractive flowers, but they are also highly effective spider repellents. These flowers contain substances called pyrethrins, which are present in many insecticides.

What Makes Chrysanthemums a Good Option for Spider Control?

Pyrethrins are natural chemicals derived from flowers that insects find toxic. For this reason, planting these flowers around windows and doors can be an effective spider deterrent.

Using these plants can help control spiders and keep them from entering your home naturally. By incorporating them into your garden, patio or indoor plant collection, they will provide a natural beauty to your living space while keeping those pesky spiders at bay.

FAQ

Which of these plants is the most effective at repelling spiders?

All of these plants on this list have properties that make them natural spider repellents, but peppermint and lavender are the most effective among them.

Do spider-repelling plants have any side effects on pets or people?

Generally, these plants are not toxic to pets except for chrysanthemums, which can cause digestive issues when ingested. It is always better to check before introducing a new plant to your living space.

Can I use essential oils derived from these plants instead of the actual plants themselves?

Yes, you can mix essential oils with water and spray it in affected areas, or you can burn essential oil candles or diffusers.

How often should I replace these plants?

The majority of these plants are perennial and will last several years with proper care. Some plants on this list such as lavender also serve as ornamental plants, so they serve a dual purpose.

Are there any other natural methods for controlling spiders?

Besides planting spider-repelling plants, other natural ways to control spider infestations include keeping your home clean and dust-free, sealing any cracks or gaps in your house to prevent entry, and vacuuming regularly.

Can't I just use pesticides instead of these plants?

Pesticides are an option, but natural options such as these plants are safer both for your health and the environment.

Will growing these plants stop spiders from coming inside my house entirely?

Spider-repelling plants are not guaranteed to completely stop spiders from entering your house. They are more likely to discourage them from making their homes near the planted areas.

Can I grow these plants indoors in pots?

Certainly! Many of the plants on this list make great indoor plants and help keep away pesky spiders.

Do I need to take any special precautions when planting these outside my home?

It is best to ensure that the plants receive enough sunlight and water. Also, some of these plants can be poisonous to pets and children, so it is important to keep them out of reach.

Are all varieties of these plants equally effective at repelling spiders?

Different cultivars may have different chemical compositions, making some variations of the plant more effective than others. So it is better to do some research before choosing the right variety for your space.