I am being overrun by spiders on my patio and garden. I know they are good for the garden and all, but I would like to step out at night without fear of walking face-first through a web, and its owner!
Does anyone know of a natural recipe I could spray on my patio structures to deter them? I have cats and dogs, so it has to be something safe and gentle. I don't necessarily want to kill the spiders, only get them to set up house elsewhere.
See this link for a recipe for a natural spider repellent recipe: http://www.ipmofalaska.com/files/spidersnatural-dr_bronners.html
(08/08/2005)
By P
I heard on an infomerrcial to spray a mix of Vinager and Coconut Oil around to get rid of spiders. (08/23/2005)
By Jane
1001 All Natural Secrets to a Pest Free Property is the name of the book. It is written by Dr. Myles Bader. Here is the link http://www.1seenontvstore.com/g-pest-free-property.html (09/28/2005)
By Terra
Just saw the infomercial today. The number to call is 1-800-697-1958 and the book is called 1001 ALL NATURAL SECRETS TO A PEST FREE PROPERTY by Dr. Myles Bader. Hope this helps. I had also been searching for that same infomercial ;-) (10/30/2005)
By Joyce
Spray straight 5% white distilled vinegar with a teaspoon of coconut oil to help remove and help prevent spider webs.
(05/06/2006)
By rlarson760
I found this link with a good natural spider repellent recipe : http://www.homestead.com/ipmofalaska/files/spidersnatural-dr_bronners.htmlA
Natural Spider Spray Formula for inside the house:
Dr Bronners Peppermint or Lavender Soap, or any other natural soap.
1 ounce of Neem oil
You can also add 1 to 5 drops of any of these Essential Plant Oils (depending on your preference) to 1 quart of water:
Catnip Oil, Citronella Oil, Lavender Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Peppermint Oil, Citrus Oil, Tea Tree Oil, or other essential oils.
Add 5 tablespoons of the soap per quart water. Add one ounce of the Neem oil to the water which you have added the soap and label it. Shake well and spray inside house where spiders are seen. Test for strength.
(05/30/2006)
By Madonna S
I have drop ceilings in my home where I have seen several spiders dangling from, and was also bitten in my sleep, so I am trying everything I can.
Other than expensive, chemical treatments that aren't always effective, here are the other methods I have found through research and asking people:
I have heard that spiders can taste and hate lemons. The information I found suggested spraying Lemon Pledge.
I have animals, so I am going to blend some lemons up, strain the juice and dilute it to spray inside my house. I have not tried this yet, so I am not sure if it will be sticky. I also thought about blending up a jalapeno pepper in the mixture because I am also not sure if lemon will attack bees, which have also been mysteriously appearing in my kitchen and bathroom.
(07/31/2006)
By Crystal, Indiana
Hi there,
You can mix up a potion with 5 table spoons of natural soap i.e. lavender or peppermint to 1 quart of water, then add 1 ounce of Neem Oil (available at most heath food shops) and then lastly add 1 to 5 drops of essential plant oil i.e. lavender oil, garlic oil, tee tree oil.
By Liana
I use spray petrol. It works a treat.
(02/25/2007)
Spider repellent for both indoor & out:
Mix coconut oil and some white vinegar and put into a spray bottle. Pay close attention to ceiling corners.
(03/26/2007)
By Trudie
I too hate spiders. I haven't tried the coconut oil and vinegar yet. There is a spray made from hot shot called spider killer. oh let me tell you one spray, and they curl up right away. They only ones I seem to have to spray 5 times are the big baseball size wolf spiders. (03/26/2007)
By debbie
I use liquid cinnamon on cotton balls. Good so far, in a basement (05/19/2007)
By jody
You will need, 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of dawn liquid soap, 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix oil soap and extract in a container. Now in a spray bottle put 1 table spoon of the mixture for every 1 cup of water. shake and spray your spiders away.
Editor's Note: We heard by email that this was very effective:
I tried the recipe of veggie oil, dawn dish detergent and vanilla. It worked like a charm. I was finding at least a dozen weekly. Now I've only seen 2 in the past 2 weeks. I definitely recommend this! - Casie Lynn (05/20/2007)
By frank
I have a problem inside closets and don't really want to spray anything around my clothes. I found a neat idea on the net. Use old panty hose, string or ribbon, cedar shavings (pet dept. @ walmart), tea tree oil (walmart), and lavender oil (ordered off the net).
Cut the panty hose into sache sizes. Fill with cedar shavings and put in 5 - 10 drops each of the essential oils. Tie off the end(s) of the hose and put in closets, under sinks, etc. Whenever the smell weakens, just drop a few more drops to refresh the sache. (07/11/2007)
By Laura
Lavender oil works like a charm. Just spray where you want no spiders. Repeat once a week, or as needed. (08/23/2007)
By Sherry
All great ideas, and easy to find ingredients. I'm in a basement apartment and for some reason I've had a rush of spiders in the past week. I've been treating the baseboards with chemical repellent and Raid, which worked in the spring, but I don't like over-using those chemicals. I'm going to try some of these suggestions and see how they work. I'll report back with any notable results. Thanks! (09/10/2007)
By JJ
Does anybody have experience with this new gadget? It is now advertised on the web as electronic spider repellent. It claims that electric rays will keep spiders away in the entire house (I'd quite happy just to keep those huge Scottish spiders out of my bedroom). It's about £26 and can be ordered from a London shop or on Amazon. I'd appreciate any comment if you know this device. (09/13/2007)
By Eva
I have heard that Toilet Duck is an extremely effective substance when it comes to killing spiders instantly! Although I wouldn't recommend it indoors on carpets or soft furnishings, but would be very effective outdoors. (09/24/2007)
By Vix
I have heard that citronella and lemon eucalyptus are very good to get rid of spiders as they do not like the acid in the citrus. (10/04/2007)
By nicole
I find that spiders are rather irritating. They do bother me a lot. I have to always check out for spider from getting into my car. I will become panic while driving on the road if I notice there's a spider in my car.
Found this website, but not sure if it works.
http://www.shop.naturalhealthcaretoday.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=294 (10/17/2007)
By Maureen
Clean using lemon lysol lightly diluted or you can just spray it around your house
(01/06/2008)
By jesse
I used a teaspoon of coconut oil to a one quart bottle of distilled white vinegar. Boy did it work! I was overrun with spiders. I use the solid coconut oil. Warm it up to melt it - warm up the vinegar. Worked so good I bought a little pump up sprayer and went after my garage, outside under the eaves, everywhere. House stinks like vinegar for about a day. But it sure worked. (04/10/2008)
By bill
http://www.spiderrepel.com/ (04/22/2008)
By Toni
Someone suggested putting broken saucers, etc. in the dirt because cats don't like to walk on it. Perhaps you don't realize that a cat could cut it's paws and get an infection? This is not the way to deter a cat. There a safe cat deterrents available in pet supply stores; also consider consulting a veterinarian or animal control service. (05/04/2008)
By Maria
Anything that contains lavender or lemon. Spiders detest the smell of these. My bedroom window is right next to the garden and if I left it open for about a hour...even at night i would always find a huge spider on my wall!
It sounds stupid but I had some lavender bubble bath in the bathroom so I used an old toothbrush and like dabbed bits on the windowsill, and then used a bit of lemon!
No spiders since! I can leave my window open all the time!
and if its hot and sunny. It makes the room smell so fresh and fragrant! (05/08/2008)
By Charlie
Lizards love to eat spiders. (05/18/2008)
By Chris
To prevent Spiders in gardens and areas of a home not used on a regular basis: Mix 1 ounce of table salt in a gallon of water and spray on plants and in non-finished area of your home (unfinished basements, garages and unfinished rooms) spray once a week outdoors and and needed to prevent spiders indoors.
Spiders In The U.S.
There are about 3,000 species of spiders in the U.S. Most types preferring to live outdoors. Although spiders eat thousands of insect pests, few spider bite humans. For the most part, they can be controlled by frequent indoor vacuuming of webs and crevices where they hide. Heavy spider activity can be controlled with residual pesticides that are specified for spiders and there are many HOME BREW pesticides, but users most be aware that any brew of household items are chemicals that may harm young children, elderly and non target pests.
Spiders To Avoid
Two species are dangerous-the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Female Black Widows are found in the eastern and southern U.S. About an inch long with double red triangles on a rounded black bell., their back are sometimes spotted with dull red dots. Males are smaller, white and streaked with red and yellow coloring. The males are not dangerous, but the females are aggressive if their webs are disturbed.
Be on the watch for these spiders in garages, under decks, in crawl spaces and log piles around stacked plant pots and shrubbery near foundations.
Brown Recluse Spiders
They are less than an inch but can grow to up to 2 inches in favorable conditions. They have an oval body colored tan to brown. They are likely to appear indoors but hide from human activity. Most bites occur when an unused room or attic is suddenly occupied, or when stored clothing, sheets or towels are disturbed.
Black Widow Spider Bite
is very painful, leaves two distinct fang marks and can result in dizziness, headache and nausea within 30 minutes. Immediate hospitalization is essential for any such bite, with young children and older people being more susceptible to death than a healthy, non elderly adult.
Brown Recluse Spider Bites
Aren't as dangerous, but the wound swells to about the size of a quarter and blisters quickly. The bite is surrounded by a red welt ring. Generally the spider is found stunned near it's victim and should be killed and taken to a doctor along with the patient.
Be sure the doctor checks the spiders prostate cause the spider should be checked out since he is at the doctor anyway and it's hard for the spider to get to a doctor on a regular basis. Sorry wanted to make sure you were still paying attention.
Summary
If you have children who play around wood piles , or under decks and porches, be certain such areas are free of spider activity. Spray with residual pesticides on a seasonal basis to discourage spider infestations.
I hope some of this information will help to keep more people from killing spiders out of fear and a lack of knowledge. I do work with spiders and although I have never tested pesticides on any of my lab spiders I am going to try some of the home remedies and see if I find something that is easy to use safe for pets and doesn't kill the spiders but deters them from going into certain areas. Thank you for reading my long addition I hope it helps in some way. (05/19/2008)
By John
I have been spraying RAID Flying Insect Repellent (indoor use) on the Wolf Spiders outside my house and it kills them almost instantly. I have tons of them that creep up under the ridges in the siding and they all hang down at night. I had about a week of no sightings before going out again to spray them.
Unfortunately they love chlorine water and I have a pool out back and a wooded area behind the fence. I don't think I can keep them away permanently, but it sure is nice to nab the ones I can before having people over to swim. I have a LOT less of them in the pool since I started this. (06/12/2008)
By Shannon
To the person above that wanted to know where they could buy Hedgeapples to repel spiders. There is actually a website that sells these things. http://hedgeapple.com (06/24/2008)
By Greg Smith
Just had to reply to the myth of spiders being repelled by chestnut odor. Ummmm, I'm a chestnut farmer and I can tell you they have no smell whatsoever (until you roast them). I can also report that we have monstrously big hairy spiders living in our chestnut trees, which tends to dispel the myth as well.
Stick with the lemon oil (drip it onto your broom's bristle then swish along the walls/ceilings/doorways. If that doesn't work you need to ramp up to chemical-based surface spray, I'm afraid. (07/17/2008)
By xine
Does just plain vinegar work? I heard if you set it out in a bowl spiders won't come near you. (07/21/2008)
By mia
Does anyone know if ground cinnamon (bark) repels spiders? And people above who need spider repellent please see above entries. thanks. (07/31/2008)
By angelica
I would say the best spider repellent is a big foot covered by a thick boot but I understand how fast those little jerks can be lol. Anyways the cheapest and easiest looking one is vinegar and coconut oil. (08/03/2008)
By Dillon
I mix a little gum spirits of turpentine and citronella oil with alcohol and spray as often as needed, it really helps. You could apply straight on a rag if you like. I also spray it under wooden furniture, window sills, and door tracks about once a month or so. It smells good too. I know spiders have a purpose, but I've been bit twice by black widows and just can't stand them.
Not only does the bite itch for six months, but you have terrible stomach cramps. Mine lasted a week. You may not even know if a young child gets bit, just a small red bite. But watch out for the stomach cramping, it could be passed off as a stomach virus. Good luck. (08/03/2008)
By Mattie
The most effective way I have found to repel and/or kill spiders is to spray for termites. I have been told by more than one exterminator that spiders rarely come into a house unless there is "food" inside. So if you have a spider infestation in your house, garage, or surrounding area, it may mean that you have a termite infestation too.
I use a "natural" termite company that sprays using chrysanthemum oil as its main ingredient. It is safe for people and pets (though it may give your dog diarrhea, so you should keep the dog away for about 15 minutes). And to top it off, I have rarely seen a spider since. And I only need to spray once or twice a year.
If you are getting them in your car, then try going to the car wash and getting the undercarriage washed. Not all car washes offer this, but most do. They spray soap and water under the car (meant to get rid of mud but is also gets rid of bugs too). Then afterward you can spray any store bought pest repellent underneath to keep them away. (08/05/2008)
By Marissa
I found this recipe online it is just a bit of citronella essential oil mixed with the essential oils, eucalyptus, lemon oil, and wintergreen. I just put a few drops of each in a spray bottle with water and was told to put it on before I go to sleep and to spray wherever you have seen the spiders. I think it is specifically for the BROWN RECLUSE.
Since I live in Eastern Maryland where there are also black widows, I suggest you try it. I'm not 100% sure it will work but I hope so. Give me some feedback if you can. (08/08/2008)
By Danielle H.
Cedar chips and moth balls is the best and most cost effective. I have been using this for 2 years and have not seen a spider since. Throw these under your house and in closets (I keep the cedar chips in a bag but opened) and under sinks etc. (08/18/2008)
By Merlin
Aqua Net hair spray seems to work on spiders that I've found living in the house. A few second spray of this, they'll curl up and die. Good for a quick spray whenever you see a spider in the bathroom or something, which is how I discovered it works. (09/03/2008)
By Chuck
Wow! I just tried the Dr. Bronner's soap and neem oil recipe and it works brilliantly! I didn't have the Lavender Dr. Bronner's, so I used the Eucalyptus and the spiders just keeled over and died! How weird (but wonderful!) is that? (09/14/2008)
By Jen
(submitted via email)
I'm concerned about your kids. I have kids of my own so I'll give you some idea why you have spiders. The infestation is due to having food for spiders to survive. Ants are the main food for spiders. Eliminate the ants you might eliminate the spiders. Another source of food chain is Termites. Christ is good, God bless you.
jesse (09/26/2008)
By Jess
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Had problems with brown recluse in kitchen for months. Place eucalyptus leaves, orange peels around base boards of kitchen area and sprayed 1-teaspoon liquid concentrate in a spray bottle with 1 pint of hot water sprayed kitchen area . This will kill poisons spiders. Tried many, many receipes. This is what works. The liquid Lysol concentrate -1 teaspoon to 1-pint hot water will kill brown recluse, black widows, hobo spiders within seconds. Good luck! Also place a daddy long leg spider in the kitchen. They will eat other spiders. Don't believe in killing spiders , unless they are poisonous in my house. Wintergreen alcohol also works. 1 teaspoon wintergreen alcohol to 1-pint of warm water in a spray bottle. Works well.
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