Natural Spider Deterrent Spray
A peppermint-based spray that keeps spiders away from doorways and corners
5 min beginner Yields 16 oz spray bottle
Ingredients
- 2 cups Water
- 20 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 1/4 cup White vinegar
- 3 drops Liquid dish soap (plant-based)
Steps
- Pour 2 cups of water into a 16 oz spray bottle.
- Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
- Add 20 drops of peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita, not fragrance oil).
- Add 3 drops of plant-based dish soap as an emulsifier.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Spray along baseboards, door frames, window sills, corners, and any cracks or gaps.
- Reapply weekly or after cleaning sprayed surfaces.
Why It Works
Menthol overwhelms spiders’ leg-hair sensory organs, interfering with their ability to sense their environment. Vinegar’s acetic acid creates an inhospitable surface. Dish soap emulsifies the oil for even distribution.
Alternative
Tea tree oil (10 drops) or eucalyptus oil (15 drops) also repel spiders. Both are also toxic to cats.
Tips
- Remove existing webs before spraying. Spiders rebuild in familiar spots despite repellent.
- Spray exterior doorways and window frames too for an outer barrier. Reapply after rain.
- For garages and basements, increase peppermint oil to 40 drops per batch.
- Cat owners: use a 1:1 vinegar and water spray instead (no essential oils).