Yes, some air fresheners, particularly those with strong scents like citrus, peppermint, or eucalyptus, can help deter spiders because they dislike these strong smells, but they aren't a foolproof solution and work best as part of a broader cleaning and sealing strategy to keep them out. Using essential oil sprays with these scents around entry points (doors, windows) and cleaning regularly to remove food sources (other insects) and existing webs are key.
Spiders do not appreciate citrus scents. In fact, it acts as one of the natural scents that repel them. You can use a citrusy commercial air freshener and spray near your windows and doors to ensure they stay away. This will also make your home smell fresh and completely free of spiders.
Spiders hate strong, pungent smells, especially essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and lavender, as well as scents from citrus (lemon, orange), cinnamon, eucalyptus, and cedar, which disrupt their senses. You can deter them with DIY sprays using these oils mixed with water, or use plants like basil and marigolds, or even vinegar, though vinegar's effect is temporary.
Natural Spider Repellents
Spiders avoid people, animals, and most insects – except for the one's they're about to eat of course. As stated above, most spiders are relatively small. That makes them especially vulnerable. Many birds and animals may try to eat spiders, or at the very least, they'll probably interfere with the spider's food source.
Use Essential Oils: Spiders are repelled by certain scents like peppermint, tea tree, and lavender. Using these oils around your room can deter them. Call Professional Pest Control: For a more thorough approach, hiring a pest control service can ensure your home is spider-free.
Vicks VapoRub contains menthol, a strong smell that spiders may avoid.
Use natural scents and essential oils
Peppermint oil: Evidence suggests that peppermint oil effectively deters spiders. In a spray bottle, mix 5-10 drops of pure peppermint oil with 240ml (1 cup) of water. Shake well, then spritz generously around windows, door frames, and the corners of your room.
It has been proven that Spiders don't like the smell of peppermint. i spray around doors and windows, skirtings and I check behind the headboard before i go to bed.
You should never squish a spider because it can release dozens of baby spiders if it's a mother carrying eggs, attract pests with released pheromones, cause allergic reactions from its internal fluids, leave stains and odors, and you'd be killing a beneficial predator that controls other insect populations. Most spiders are harmless to humans, and squishing them can backfire, worsening pest problems or causing messes.
Six most common ways to deter spiders in your home are:
However, wasps, lizards, and birds are the main spider predators.
Cleaning and decluttering
A tidy home is less appealing to spiders. Vacuuming regularly, removing webs, and keeping storage areas organized can help reduce hiding places. Reduce clutter in closets, basements, and garages, since spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed spaces.
Linalool is a proven pest-repelling chemical, and it's common to find it in the most popular brands of bug sprays. For this reason, any dryer sheet that contains linalool stands a good chance of chasing away spiders and stinging insects.
Some common factors that attract spiders include the presence of insects or other prey, warm and dark spaces, and moisture. Spiders may be drawn to damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms, as well as cluttered areas where spider infestations are more likely to occur.
Spiders want to avoid human contact as much as people want to avoid spiders. So unless there is some sort of food source for them in or around your bed, spiders are not likely to come crawling on you while you sleep. Spiders love to eat bugs and other creepy crawlies.
Spiders are most active at night, and they're often on the hunt for their prey (insects) while we're fast asleep. In general, you'll see an increase in spider sightings during late summer and early autumn.
Increased prey: A recent surge in other pests (like flies or ants) can attract more spiders looking for food. New entry points: Recent home repairs, open windows, or gaps in doors may have created new ways for spiders to get inside.
Lavender and Spiders
How it works: Spiders, like many insects, have a very acute sense of smell, and they generally dislike strong, pungent odors. The compounds in lavender essential oil, particularly linalool, are considered offensive or disorienting to spiders.
After heavy rain or exposure to the elements, the peppermint scent may dissipate faster, reducing its deterrent effect. In such cases, it's best to reapply the oil every two to three days to maintain a strong barrier against spiders.
Lavender Oil
Spiders dislike the intense scent of lavender and will typically avoid areas where it is present. Using lavender oil in a diffuser or as a spray around the home not only keeps spiders at bay but also provides a calming environment for you and your family.
The idea that spiders crawl across our faces while we sleep is one of the most persistent pest-related urban legends. You've probably heard the story: “The average person swallows eight spiders a year in their sleep.” Spoiler alert—that's a myth.
Sleeping with a spider in the room is generally safe since most household spiders are harmless and avoid human contact. They usually do not bite unless threatened, and their presence can even help control pests.
Use lemon peel rub
“This is a favourite trick of mine,” says Holland. “Rub lemon peel all over the windowsills or anywhere spiders may perch, like behind the toilet or cabinets. The citrus will repel them and will give your bathroom a nice scent.”
If you have a recurring problem with spiders in your house, it's a good idea to use a vacuum cleaner. This will allow you to remove webs from hard-to-reach places. Another way to get rid of spiders is to use a cobweb duster.