![]() ![]() Pet-friendly and child-friendly natural home remedies to deter spiders do exist, though - one of which is chestnuts.Īnd as luck (well, science) would have it, of the three natural substances tested in the Journal of Economic Entomology study, chestnut fruits were also determined successful at repelling spiders. Also, like many other essential oils, cloves are not safe for pets, so keep that in mind before using. Note: Eugenol, which is derived from cloves, can be toxic to human skin cells, though it is used as an ingredient in certain retail pest control sprays. Clemson University’s Cooperative Extension service cites eugenol, a component of clove oil, as a type of pesticide. There is one other essential oil that may prove useful - clove oil. Websites abound touting the use of other essential oils as spider repellents, but there is no scientific evidence to prove those claims.įor example, entomologists in the 2017 study found that lemon oil is not a deterrent. ![]() ![]() Even breathing in the peppermint smell can cause illness, such as aspiration pneumonia. Pets can accidentally ingest plant leaves and tea bags left in their paths or roll around a treated area and irritate their skin. When it comes to pets, avoid using peppermint oil in general, as it is toxic to dogs, cats, and birds. Peppermint is generally considered safe for people when used properly, which is why it’s found a lot in beverages, massage oils, toothpastes, and mouthwashes.īut if you have young children or live with people who suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems, the spray, diffuser, and vaporizer methods are not suitable. Is Peppermint Oil Safe to Use Around Kids and Pets? Outside, plant peppermint near entryways to help keep spiders from entering your home. Alternatively, try placing peppermint tea bags or cotton balls soaked in the oil in different rooms of your house. Be careful not to spray the solution on fabrics or wood as it can leave oil stains.Īnother way to fill rooms with this scent? Add those few drops of peppermint oil into a diffuser (see photo above) or vaporizer. To make an aerosol repellant, add three to four drops of peppermint oil to water in a spray bottle, and mist it around your home. You, too, can create your own peppermint oil repellent. The stick bug, for example, releases a milky substance with a sharp peppermint aroma to fend off spiders. There’s no specific study that explains why peppermint repels, while another oil does not, but it’s believed the strong menthol odor is just too intense for a spider.Įven in nature, insects co-opt this smell to fend off spider attacks. The “Spidey senses” of real-life arachnids include smell, which they experience through special organs on their legs. But Why Do Spiders Dislike Peppermint So Much? There is no evidence, however, that this oil could make a spider leave a web it’s already built. So, as a barrier spray peppermint oil is a definite option. During the study, two spider species (of three tested) avoided entering areas sprayed with this oil 75 percent of the time. And it turns out, science backs up this claim.Ī 2017 article in the Journal of Economic Entomology published findings that yes, peppermint oil deters spiders. Mentha piperita, or peppermint oil, is one of those essential oils, and it’s said to repel spiders. Now these highly concentrated, plant-derived solutions also can help with household issues, such as pest control. So, how did peppermint oil become a go-to for saying bye-bye to arachnids?įor thousands of years, people have praised essential oils for their fragrant aromas, healing properties, and promotion of overall wellness for mind, body, and spirit. Does peppermint oil repel spiders? Studies suggest yes, and even better, at least one other essential oil, and chestnuts (yes, chestnuts) can keep daddy long-legs and his pals at bay. ![]()
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