Spiders are common around homes, especially in garages, basements, windows, and other quiet areas. While most household spiders are harmless, many people would rather keep them outside.
One simple approach is using scents that spiders may avoid. Scent-based repellents aren't a complete solution, but they can be useful when combined with cleaning, sealing gaps, and controlling other insects.
7 Scents Spiders May Dislike
1. Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the most popular scents used as a natural spider deterrent. Its strong smell makes it a good choice around doors, windows, garages, and other possible entry points.
2. Cedarwood
The strong woody aroma of cedar is another popular choice. Cedarwood oil can be used around garages, closets, storage areas, and entrances.
3. Citrus
Strong citrus scents such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit may also help discourage spiders. Citrus-scented cleaners can be especially convenient around window frames and doors.
4. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has a strong, distinctive aroma. Diluted eucalyptus oil can be applied around areas where spiders frequently appear.
5. Lavender
Lavender has a pleasant scent for many people but may be less appealing to spiders. It can be a good option for bedrooms and other indoor areas where you don't want an overpowering smell.
6. Tea Tree
Tea tree oil has a very strong scent and is another essential oil commonly used in homemade pest-deterrent sprays.
7. Vinegar
The strong smell of vinegar may also discourage spiders. However, because vinegar has a powerful odor, it may be more suitable for garages and outdoor entry areas than living spaces.
How to Make a Simple Peppermint Spider Spray
A homemade peppermint spray is easy to make.
You will need:
- 2 cups of water
- 10–15 drops of peppermint essential oil
- A few drops of dish soap
- A spray bottle
Add everything to the spray bottle and shake well before each use.
Lightly spray around:
- Exterior doors
- Window frames
- Garage-door edges
- Baseboards near entrances
- Cracks and gaps
- Corners where spiders frequently build webs
Reapply periodically, especially after cleaning or when the scent disappears.
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Garage
Garages are particularly attractive to spiders because they provide dark hiding places and often contain plenty of insects.
Start by vacuuming existing webs and egg sacs. Keep boxes and other stored items away from walls when possible, and consider using sealed plastic storage containers instead of cardboard boxes.
Check the bottom and sides of your garage door for gaps. Replacing worn weatherstripping can make it much harder for spiders and insects to enter.
Also pay attention to lighting. Outdoor lights can attract flying insects, which in turn provide food for spiders.
The Most Effective Approach: Remove Their Food and Entry Points
Using peppermint or another strong scent can help discourage spiders, but scent alone usually won't solve a spider problem.
Spiders often enter a house because they can find insects to eat and protected areas where they can build webs.
For better long-term results:
- Seal cracks around windows and doors.
- Replace damaged weatherstripping.
- Vacuum webs and egg sacs regularly.
- Reduce clutter in garages and storage areas.
- Keep insects under control.
- Repair window and door screens.
- Keep vegetation and debris away from the foundation when practical.
Are Essential Oils Safe Around Pets?
Use essential oils carefully if you have pets. Some concentrated essential oils can be harmful or irritating to dogs and cats, with cats being particularly sensitive to certain oils.
Don't spray essential-oil mixtures on pet bedding, food bowls, toys, or surfaces where pets may lick the residue. If you have pets, check with your veterinarian before regularly using essential oils around your home.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a natural way to discourage spiders around your house or garage, peppermint and cedarwood are good places to start.
However, the best spider-control strategy is a combination of deterrence and prevention. Seal entry points, remove webs, reduce clutter, and control the insects that spiders feed on.
A cleaner, well-sealed home gives spiders fewer reasons—and fewer opportunities—to move inside.