How To Keep Spiders Off Patio Furniture

After designing a perfect patio, the last thing anyone wants to see when lounging on their outdoor furniture is a spider crawling across an Adirondack chair. Even if a spider can't be found, just seeing its web constructed under a table or awning is enough to send chills down some people's spines. Many of the common spiders that might find their way onto a patio are harmless, but they can still make hanging out in the garden less comfortable. Fortunately, there are a number of methods to keep spiders off of your patio furniture, ranging from simply tidying things up to employing chemical means.

Spiders are generally helpful to keep around since they eat other bothersome insects, so rather than killing them once they invade a patio, it's better to use preventative measures to keep them away in the first place — that means avoiding these plants that are attracting spiders to your yard. Start by cleaning your patio furniture regularly to ensure spiders don't have a chance to start making webs or laying eggs. Then, create a border around your patio using natural pest repellents like peppermint essential oil, citronella candles, and vinegar. Finally, if you're still having a spider problem, opt for a chemical spray specifically made to ward off spiders.

As you tidy up your patio, keep an eye out for potential spider hiding places like piles of leaves or leftover sports equipment. Clear these spots out, and dust away any debris. If you have the space, you may also want to consider moving any potted plants, which may serve as a home for spiders, off of the patio. Remember that the more texture a piece of furniture has, the more space there is for a spider to hide, so it may be worth it to swap out woven or spindly pieces for those made out of more solid material. While cleaning, be sure to avoid outdoor furniture cleaning mistakes.

Spraying a homemade solution of water and peppermint essential oil on your furniture is a natural way to keep away spiders, and make your patio smell refreshing in the process (rosemary and basil essential oil can also work, as can distilled vinegar). Citronella candles, which are a popular choice when deterring mosquitoes and other insects, are another natural option that work for many people. In extreme cases, it might be best to opt for a commercial pesticide to get rid of troublesome spiders once and for all. However, it's usually possible to repel spiders using natural methods as long as you stick to the routine of regularly cleaning and spraying down your patio.