ATH - Keeping the cobwebs away: Natural solutions to keep spiders from invading your home this fall

  • Jennifer Kneuss
  • August 23, 2010
  • 291
                        
Autumn brings much beauty to the landscape, but its chilly nights can also send spiders scuttling for the cozy warmth of your home. Spiders, of which there are about 3,000 species in the US, can usually be controlled by frequent indoor vacuuming of webs and easy to hide in crevices. Spiders are great insect predators, but there are some that bite humans. When cleaning the house for fall, you may want to try some natural, home concocted recipes that are non toxic to humans but send the hairy beasts running. Always be aware of keeping spider repellent solutions away from children and pets, however. Also note that some solutions may discolor furniture or fabrics, so test in an inconspicuous area before using. Try one or more of the following tips to de-spider your home environment. q Remember that spiders live off the tinier insects that invade the home. It stands to reason that if you get rid of the food source, the spiders will leave, too. q Sprinkle peppermint leaves or peppermint essential oils around the house. q Borax and sugar mixed in a 50/50 solution and placed in a small dish will help get rid of ants, one of a spiders’ food staples. Keep away from kids and pets. q Spray 5% white distilled vinegar around the perimeter of rooms every few days. Mixing in a teaspoon of coconut oil along with the vinegar is reported to be particularly effective. q Mix a solution of peppermint soap and tea tree oil. Spray as needed. q Some claim that mock or osage orange fruits, easily found along roadsides in the fall and placed in windows and doorways, have a strong citrus scent that deters pests. They can even look decorative in a basket. q Diatomaceous earth (DE) can be found in local garden stores or by mail order. There is even a medical grade DE that can be used to de-worm both animals and humans. This will kill insects that spiders feed upon. q Mix 1 ounce of Neem oil with 1 to 5 drops of an essential plant oil, putting both in a quart of water in a spray bottle. Use catnip, citronella, lavender, cinnamon, peppermint, citrus, tea tree, or other essential oils. This may be sprayed as often as needed. Doesn’t last long term, but acts quickly. Neem oil can be found at health food stores or garden supply centers. q Place liquid cinnamon oil on cotton balls, and place strategically around the house in corners and dark hiding places. Makes the house smell great, too! q Purchase cedar shavings from a pet department. Cut up old panty hose into sachet sized pieces, then fill with the cedar shavings and 5-10 drops each of several essential oils (found in craft shops) Tie off the ends of the hose and place under sinks, in closets, or anywhere else you can think of. Refresh periodically with a few drops of the oils. q Many swear by using straight lavender oil. Mix in a small spray bottle, and spray as needed. Lovely scent, too! q A mix of citronella oil and lemon eucalyptus is said to be an all around spider and insect repellent. q Straight lemon oil can be dripped onto the bristles of a household broom and swished along walls, ceilings, and doorways to repel spiders. q Mix citronella oil with eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, and wintergreen oil. Mix with water in a spray bottle to use on spider prone areas. Said to be useful also on ones skin before sleeping to avoid insect bites. Use on skin with caution, making sure mixture is highly diluted.


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