Keep Spiders From Invading Your Home With The Help Of One Popular Scent

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Are you dealing with a spider problem? Little critters crawling into your space, making you feel unwelcome in your own house? Well, there is a simple and eco-friendly way to keep them out, and it smells great. The key is to use peppermint oil to discourage these eight-legged intruders from sneaking into the premises. Repelling spiders is just one of the many ways you can use peppermint essential oil in your home.

While the methodical research is limited, entomologists have found success with mint oil as a repellent for certain types of spiders, particularly brown widows and cross orb weaver spiders, as found by a 2018 study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the strong scent of peppermint overwhelms some spiders' sensory organs, sending them in the other direction. Using peppermint as a first line of defense against spiders has fewer downsides than chemical repellents. It smells good, it is eco-friendly, and it is all natural. Although store-bought chemical spider repellents may be more effective, they are toxic to people and pets. Instead, try DIY repellents that use essential oils or common table ingredients that can get rid of spiders in your home naturally. You can even purchase peppermint designed for linens if you'd like to use the repellent in your bed.

In addition, peppermint has the upside of being a gentle spider repellent. It does not kill them. It encourages them to vacate the premises. This matters because spiders eat other bugs, including ticks and mosquitoes, which can spread disease. Therefore, a gentle essential oil-based repellent can help keep your family safe, as well as preserve the ecosystem.

To use peppermint oil as a spider repellent, start by diluting it in water and making a spray. Take a refillable glass spray bottle, like this one from Worldgsb, and fill it with about 2 cups of water and 20 drops of peppermint essential oil. If you do not have any on hand, Majestic Pure peppermint essential oil is highly rated on Amazon. To make it work even better, you can add white vinegar into the mixture, which also has a strong scent and will help deter spiders. 

Now, shake the bottle and spray it on entryways where spiders come into your home, like windows and doors. You should also spray a bit of the solution in areas where you tend to see spiders, like in room corners. Over time, the spiders already in your home should leave. It is a sustainable and safe way to make your house inhospitable for the little critters. If you continue to see signs of a spider infestation (more webs, spider eggs, and bites), it might be time to call a pest control company. 

If you have pets, it is important to note that peppermint oil can be dangerous. Instead, look for pet-safe essential oils like cedarwood, which could also work to repel spiders thanks to its strong smell but is not as toxic for cats and dogs. Do not hesitate to shop around. Peppermint is just one out of plenty of essential oils you can use to keep various types of pests at bay.