With the onset of Autumn and cooling off of the outdoors spiders start moving into our homes. They may be hiding in the attic, in the corners, under the stairs or behind your cupboards. Believe me they are there whether you want them to be or not. Learn how to get rid of spiders naturally and frugally.
Spider Season
Spiders are present both inside and outside our homes all year round but during the fall months they tend to move indoors where it’s warmer. It is also spider mating and nesting season. So don’t be surprised if you see more eight legged creatures during September to December depending on where you live.
How To Repel Spiders
You can repel spiders in numerous ways, some more frugal than the other. Spiders like to sneak in to tiny holes in your window or door ways or around venting or piping. Sealing up these areas with caulking or weatherproofing is a great bug repellent idea and it’s great weatherproofing for the cooler months.
You can repel or kill spiders with a common fly swatter as well, or you can make sure the fast moving eight legged creature won’t get away by using and electric bug zapper.
Household Products That Kill Spiders
Several common household products can be used to deter and repel spiders. Such as peppermint essential oil, vinegar, dish soap and salt.
Natural Way Of Getting Rid Of Spiders
There are numerous natural ways to get rid of spiders including many homemade and do it yourself spider repellent sprays.
Salt Is A Natural Spider Poison
It will deter the spider from entering the home, killing the spider and egg sacs if sprayed on them. Create a water and salt solution by dissolving 1/8 cup of salt in one gallon of warm water.
Place this solution in a spray bottle and spray on spiders, spider web and egg sacs. You can use this spray as a perimeter home spray as well but you will need to repeat once it rains. Salt water is effective at killing spider nests.
Dusting or placing salt or epsom salts at common spider entry points is also a bug repellent option.
Vinegar Is A Great Spider Killer
Vinegar has a high acetic acid level and can kill spiders on contact. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray spiders nests to kill spider. The strong odor and acid levels of the vinegar will deter spiders from entering the spray zone area making this vinegar solution a great spider deterrent.
If using this vinegar solution as an outdoor home perimeter spider repellent spray ensure to respray once it rains in case the solution is washed away.
Spiders Hate Peppermint
If you are looking for a spider repellent plant to grow around your home to help deter pests peppermint is a great one. Spiders hate peppermint.
A common solution of water and peppermint essential oil can be used as a spider deterrent and spider killer. The suggested solution is 10 drops of peppermint essential oil to 2 cups of water. Place this solution in a spray bottle and spray on spiders, spider nests or the perimeter and entry points to your home. Plus it will make your home smell amazing.
Pet Safe Spider Repellent Spray
Too much of anything isn’t good. In small amounts salt, peppermint and vinegar are okay and safe for animals. In high doses they can cause stomach upset and other side effects. When making homemade bug repellents keep the spray area clear of pets till the solution is dry or cleaned up.
Child Safe Bug Repellent Spray
All of the natural ingredients listed that are great for killing spiders are child safe. But again too much of something can be harmful.
Keep your DIY spider killer solution out of child reach and prevent contact till solution is dry or removed.
DIY Natural Spider Repellent
As noted above salt, peppermint or vinegar mixed alone with water work great as a spider killer solution. A common homemade spider repellent can also be formulated from peppermint essential oils, vinegar, water and dish soap.
How To Make Homemade Spider Killing Spray
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup vinegar
- 15 drops of peppermint essential oil
- A pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp of dish liquid
Place all of the listed ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to ensure mixing of the ingredients. Store in a room temperature location. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
This homemade spider killing solution can be used to spray directly on and kill spiders. Or can be used as an indoor or outdoor bug repellent spray. It can also be used as a spider nest and egg sac killing spray.
This solution contains natural products and may need to be reapplied to the area to ensure continual spider repellent. The above homemade bug repellent can be used as well during the summer months to deter mosquitoes for your patio or sundeck area.