Best Natural Repellents to Keep Spiders Away
If you’d rather not spray pesticides around the house, natural repellents are a friendly first line of defense. They won’t eliminate every spider overnight, but used the right way—alongside cleaning and exclusion—they make your home a far less attractive place for spiders to live and hunt. Below are the most reliable, homeowner-tested natural repellents, how to use them safely, and practical steps to combine them with prevention so you actually see fewer webs and creepy-crawlies.
Quick reality check: natural repellents help, but they’re not magic
Let’s be honest up front: spiders are predators that follow prey. Natural repellents can discourage spiders and reduce web-building in visible areas, but they won’t fix an underlying insect problem, seal every tiny entry point, or remove an established infestation. Think of repellents as one part of an overall strategy: clean + exclude + repel.
Top natural repellents that actually work
1. Peppermint oil — simple and effective
Why it helps: Spiders dislike strong minty scents, and peppermint oil is one of the most commonly recommended natural deterrents.
How to use it:
- Mix 10–15 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 cup of water and a teaspoon of mild dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist around door frames, window sills, baseboards, attic entrances, and garage corners (avoid soaking wood or fabrics).
- Reapply every 1–2 weeks or after heavy cleaning.
Notes: Essential oils are potent — keep them away from pets that might be sensitive (cats in particular) and test surfaces first to avoid staining.
2. Cedar — slow-release, odor-based deterrent
Why it helps: Cedarwood contains natural oils that repel many insects and can deter spiders when fresh.
How to use it:
- Use cedar hangers, blocks, or drawer liners in closets and storage areas.
- Sand cedar surfaces lightly every few months to refresh the scent.
- Replace or re-oil cedar blocks yearly for best effect.
Notes: Cedar is great for closets and clothing storage but should be combined with cleaning—cedar alone won’t save a moth- or spider-infested closet.
3. Vinegar spray — broad, inexpensive deterrent
Why it helps: The strong smell and acidity of white vinegar can temporarily discourage spiders from rebuilding in the treated area.
How to use it:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray cracks, corners, and baseboards (avoid natural stone that vinegar can etch).
- Reapply after cleaning or weekly for maintenance.
Notes: Vinegar doesn’t kill spiders and the scent fades — it’s best used for short-term deterrence or after web removal.
4. Diatomaceous earth (food grade) — physical barrier for hiding spots
Why it helps: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from fossilized algae that damages the exoskeletons of insects that crawl through it.
How to use it:
- Lightly dust DE in voids, under appliances, and along foundation edges (out of reach of children and pets).
- Leave in place for a few days to a week, then vacuum and reapply if needed.
Notes: Only use food-grade DE indoors, and apply sparingly — breathing the dust can irritate lungs, and it won’t affect flying insects.
5. Citrus peels & essential oils (lemon, orange)
Why it helps: Many spiders dislike citrus scents. Fresh peels or diluted citrus oils can discourage activity temporarily.
How to use it:
- Rub lemon or orange peels along windowsills and baseboards, or place dried peels in closets.
- Make a spray with citrus essential oil and water for spot treatment.
Notes: Replace peels regularly to prevent mold.
Non-repellent habits that matter more than any spray
Natural repellents work best when they’re part of a larger prevention plan:
- Reduce prey: Fix leaks, clean crumbs, and address other insect problems (drain flies, pantry pests). Fewer insects = fewer spiders.
- Declutter: Store boxes and seldom-used textiles in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard.
- Seal entry points: Caulk gaps, repair torn screens, and install door sweeps to stop spiders and their prey from entering.
- Routine cleaning: Vacuum corners, eaves, and under furniture monthly. Removing webs deters spiders from reusing the same spot.
- Outdoor maintenance: Keep vegetation and woodpiles away from the foundation and trim shrubs that touch the house.
Safety tips for natural repellents
- Essential oils are concentrated — dilute them, test on a small surface, and keep them away from pets and children.
- Don’t over-apply powders or sprays; they should be targeted, not blanket treatments.
- Avoid using household acids (straight vinegar) on porous stone or finished wood.
When natural methods aren’t enough — call a pro
If you have persistent webbing, many egg sacs, or suspect a venomous species — or if spiders return quickly despite your efforts — it’s time to call professionals. Specter Pest Control takes a practical, low-chemical approach: we’ll inspect to find the root cause (often an insect food source or entry point), recommend habitat changes, and use targeted treatments only where needed. We focus on long-term prevention so you don’t keep repeating the same DIY steps.
Quick weekend plan
- Vacuum corners, eaves, and closets. Empty the vacuum outside.
- Apply a peppermint spray around baseboards and door frames.
- Place cedar blocks in closets and sealed bins for storage.
- Caulk any visible gaps around windows and doors.
- Trim plants and move woodpiles at least a few feet from the house.
Bottom line
Natural repellents — peppermint oil, cedar, vinegar, diatomaceous earth, and citrus — can meaningfully reduce spider activity when used correctly and combined with cleaning and exclusion. They’re a great first step for homeowners who want low-toxicity options. For stubborn problems, heavy infestations, or safety concerns, Specter Pest Control offers family-focused inspections and targeted solutions that protect your home without unnecessary chemicals.
Want help building a natural, practical spider-prevention plan for your home? Schedule your free home inspection today with Specter Pest Control and get a tailored, long-term strategy to keep spiders out and your family comfortable.
