If you are like me, you are not a big fan of spiders. However, I can certainly appreciate them for keeping away pests like flies or mosquitoes.
But we don’t want spiders crawling all around our homes, both inside and outside! I have already walked through enough spiderwebs this summer to last me a lifetime! Eew!
Below is a great way to keep the spiders at bay using a few simple essential oils, that although smell pleasant to us…spiders can’t stand them!
Essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, and citrus have intense smells that spiders simply can’t handle. So, by creating a mixture and spraying it around your home…will keep the 8-legged creepy creatures away!
What you will need:
- 5 to 7 drops of peppermint, tea tree, citrus, lavender, or neem essential oil
- A reusable spray bottle
- Liquid dish soap (The soap breaks apart the oil molecules in the water, making for a more consistent solution)
- Warm water
- A dash of white vinegar* (optional)
Directions:
Put 5-7 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle (about 16 ounces is good), and fill mostly to the top with warm water. Add a squirt of dish soap, place the top on, and give the mixture a good shake.
Before using, use the hose attachment of your vacuum to suck up any egg sacs or old webs. Test on an inconspicuous area, and then spray in the corners of window frames, along door cracks, or in dark dingy places spiders may be hiding out. You can also add a dash of white vinegar to the mixture, but keep in mind this could affect some fabrics and surfaces.
And there you have it! Do this and within the first day of spraying you will notice that the spiders have decided to make their homes elsewhere…and not in or around your home! 🙂
