Does Peppermint Oil Repel Spiders: Fact or Myth?

Having issues with spiders in your home? Although many of these eight-legged creatures are harmless, that doesn’t mean you want to share your space with them. You may have heard the peppermint oil spiders myth, which posits that this everyday household item keeps them at bay. Is this claim fact or fiction? Let’s take a look.

Does Peppermint Oil Keep Spiders Away?

We’ll go right ahead and answer this burning question: yes, you can use peppermint oil for spiders! It’s a popular natural remedy that can help you stop these pests from entering your house. Many people have had success in keeping spiders at bay through the use of peppermint oil because they are averse to this scent.

Why Do Spiders Hate Peppermint?

The answer to this question remains somewhat unclear. Spiders are sensitive to strong smells in general, not just peppermint, and they do their best to avoid them. They use their legs to smell, and it is thought that they prefer not to crawl through surfaces covered in pungent aromas.

While we’re still unsure why spiders hate peppermint exactly, we can look to a couple of studies that affirm this fact.

One study in particular revealed that mint strongly repelled spiders. Another showed that essential oils like peppermint oil contains monoterpenoids. Monoterpenoids are natural fumigants against common household pests, such as spiders, which explains their effectiveness in barring them from your home.

Can You Use Peppermint Oil to Kill Spiders?

While we know that it’s highly efficient at stopping spiders from entering your domicile, does peppermint oil kill spiders?

Unfortunately, if you already have an infestation, you’ll need to find another solution to rid your house of the spiders. Peppermint oil will stop them from entering if used correctly, but it won’t kill the spiders once they’re inside.

How to Use Peppermint Oil to Get Rid of Spiders

Now let’s talk about the most critical information you need to know, which is how to use peppermint oil to get rid of spiders. You can use one of three main delivery methods to defend your dwelling against these creatures:

• Spray
• Diffuser
• Burning

Of these three methods, spraying is probably the most convenient—though if your problem is contained to a small area, a diffuser or candle can work well, too. While there are plenty of peppermint oil sprays available for purchase online, you can make your own if you have peppermint oil on hand.

All you have to do is mix ½ cup of white vinegar, 1½ cups water, and twenty drops of peppermint essential oil. Shake the mixture well, and then it’s ready for use.

But where should you use it? The first step once you have your spray is to identify the problem areas in your home. These areas are typically windowsills, entryways, and corners. Once you’ve created a plan of attack, spray in these areas. You may also want to spray the outside perimeter of your house.

The one downside to using an all-natural repellent is that you’ll have to re-spray every week or two. You can, however, strengthen your efforts by adding peppermint plants outside in strategic locations or by placing peppermint leaves in areas that the spiders frequent.

Are There Side Effects to Peppermint Oil?

Despite being an all-natural remedy that’s safe to use in small doses, there are a few side effects that are important to mention.

Pet owners should steer clear of peppermint oil as a natural spider repellent. According to the ASPCA, mint is highly toxic to cats and dogs. They can suffer from severe symptoms just by inhaling it, so if you have furry friends in your home, it’s best to find another solution.

Peppermint oil can cause some adverse reactions in humans, as well. The menthol it contains may provoke skin irritation, so take care not to touch it. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy also advises that inhaling large doses of peppermint oil can cause some unwanted side effects, including:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Double vision
• Confusion

Always exercise caution when using peppermint oil. Make sure to dilute it properly, spray just a few areas at a time, and leave your windows open when spraying for proper ventilation.

Benefits of Using Peppermint Oil for Spiders

Peppermint oil, aside from being an effective all-natural remedy against spiders, has other advantages that make it an attractive anti-spider solution. Here are a few of them.

Cost-effectiveness

Peppermint oil costs less than chemical-based pesticides. Creating your own mixture is not only more cost-effective, but it will also save you money in the long run because you won’t require an exterminator.

A Natural Solution

Peppermint oil is all-natural. You can avoid exposing yourself and your family to the dangerous chemicals present in commercial solutions.

Easily to Find

You can find peppermint oil at most convenience stores and herbal remedy stores. It’s also easy to find online.

Works Against Other Pests

Besides keeping spiders out, peppermint oil is also effective at stopping other pests like mice, fleas, roaches, and flies from entering your home.

Peace of Mind

Lastly, this all-natural remedy will give you peace of mind. Most spiders are harmless, but some can be dangerous.

Other Uses for Peppermint Oil

This essential oil has plenty of other uses around the home besides being a fantastic spider stopper. You can use it:

• As treatment for conditions like headache and the common cold
• As a dietary supplement for digestive problems like IBS and dyspepsia
• To flavor food
• As a pleasant scent for the house
• As a topical application for muscle pain and itching

Other Natural Remedies to Repel Spiders

Maybe you’re not a big fan of peppermint oil for spiders remedy because you’re not a big fan of peppermint oil. The good news is that, as we mentioned earlier, spiders go out of their way to avoid pungent aromas. You can try any of the following essential oils and natural herbs to repel spiders:

• Eucalyptus
• Cinnamon
• Citrus
• Cedar
• Citronella
• Tea tree

Not comfortable with DIY Spider Repellents?

We work with 1,000s of exterminators across U.S. and Canada. Use our contact page today to get in touch with an expert.

Did you know that spiders are typically carnivores, eating insects, other spiders and sometimes even small animals? Learn more about spiders here.

FAQ’s

How do you get rid of a spider infestation?

To get rid of a spider infestation, start by thoroughly cleaning your house. This gets rid of any nests, eggs, webs and most of the adult spiders. Pay particular attention to the corners. Keep them clean. Then, seal up any cracks, weed around the house and spray a mild pesticide. If they come back, let the Pest Guide team find you a pest controller that will be able to get rid of them for good.

What household product kills spiders?

White vinegar is the best household product to kill spiders. Mix 1-part white vinegar with 1-part water to produce a solution that is strong enough to have an immediate effect when you spray it on them. If you do not like the smell of vinegar, try peppermint or eucalyptus oil, instead. You can also sprinkle baking powder and turmeric into corners and cracks. But, be careful with turmeric, it can stain. For a more permanent solution contact us at Pest Guide.

How do you get rid of spiders outside your house?

To get rid of spiders outside your house take action to make it a less friendly place for them to live. Start by switching off outside lights. They attract other insects most of which spiders like to eat. Seal up the cracks that some spiders like to live in. Also, make sure there is no vegetation growing too close to your house. If the infestation is a serious one, contact Pest Guide. We will find you a specialist pest controller.