Perhaps, you're wondering: how to get rid of spiders? After all, as the colder months are drawing in, you're bound to be finding some unwanted guests in your home. Whether you're a fan of the eight-legged insects or they give you the creeps, it's fair to say most of us would rather see spiders on the outside of our walls than have them on the inside. While things like humane mouse traps can combat the mice, deterring spiders isn't so straightforward.
Just like us, spiders are sensitive to smells. By using some natural scents in and around the home, you can repel unwanted spiders while giving your home a boost of fresh fragrance. One type of smell they can't stand is anything citrus-scented. By rubbing the peel of any citrus fruit on skirting boards or any other corner they manage to get through, you may deter them from entering. Use citrus cleaning products and candles as an extra deterrent.
How to get rid of spiders at a glance
• Best humane spider catcher: Katcha Humane Spider Catcher - View Offer on Amazon UK
• Best essential oils for deterring spiders: AMMIY Essential Oils Set of 6 - View Offer on Amazon UK
• Best diffuser to deter spiders: Tisserand Aromatherapy Aroma Spa Diffuser - View Offer on Amazon UK
Luckily, you should be able to find most of the natural deterrents in and around your home already. Of course, we love having aromatherapy diffusers and sweet-smelling wax melt around the home, but spiders are triggered by certain scents. We've rounded up the best products needed by those of us asking: how to get rid of spiders? Our list consists of essential oils and scents to keep the spiders away, humane spider catchers and more.
Our guide on how to get rid of spiders may be sweet-smelling for us, but unappealing for them.
How to get rid of spiders naturally
Best humane spider catcher
Description
If, despite your best efforts, an eight-legged friend still manages to get inside your home, you
Pros
- You let them go unharmed
- Useful to have around the house
Cons
- May not be best for larger spiders
Best essential oils for deterring spiders
Description
Natural scents including lavender, peppermint and tea tree will really make spiders steer well
Pros
- 100 per cent pure and natural
- Great variety of fresh scents
Cons
- Does take quite a few drops to get the required scent
Best diffuser to deter spiders
Description
If you'd rather fill your home with pleasant scents while fending off the spiders, a diffuser is a
Pros
- Award-winning therapy at home
- Fine, silent mist to set the mood
Cons
- Could do with having a timer
Best vinegar spray bottle for deterring spiders
Description
If you're not a fan of essential oils, you can always use vinegar as spiders can't stand the
Pros
- Premium BPA-free, eco-friendly set
- Multiple uses around the home
Cons
- Glass isn't shatterproof
Best cedar blocks for repelling spiders
www.johnlewis.com
Description
While it's thought that using conkers to repel spiders is an old wives tale, the use of ceder
Pros
- A great size, blends in with your homeware
- Refresh the fragrance with fine sandpaper
Cons
- To be kept away from water
Best lavender plants to keep spiders away
www.sarahraven.com
Description
Plant this Potted Lavender outdoors, around your home - by doorways, keeping it in full sun and in
Pros
- A perfect outdoor spider deterrent
- Fragrant and can be used in cooking
Cons
- Only fare well outdoors
FAQs
What else deters spiders?
Cleaning and tidying
If you're not keen on the fragrances, how else to get rid of spiders? Well, there's nothing spiders love more than plenty of places to hide. As such, it's really important to keep your home clean so the spiders can't find a cosy place to hide.
It's also a good idea to keep the exterior of your home as tidy as possible, too, by ensuring there are no big piles of leaves or chippings and that any openings such as windows are well sealed both internally and externally.
Outdoor plants
As mentioned previously, spiders hate certain smells including lavender. Not only does lavender smell great to us, it always looks so pretty around the garden so it's a great idea to place lavender plants in pots around the house in the garden, being mindful of the spots where the spiders usually come in. This may be around the front door of many homes.
Below, are some tips from Anthea Turner who shared her best advice on how to get rid of spiders:
Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer for Mother&Baby and Yours and has been a part of the team since 2020.