Spiders can be creepy, crawly, and downright unwelcome guests in our homes and gardens. While pesticides are an option for controlling spiders, many people prefer natural and chemical-free solutions. Fortunately, certain plants contain aromas and oils that naturally deter spiders and keep them away. With a bit of strategic planting, you can create an environment that spiders won’t want to inhabit.
Why Choose Plants That Repel Spiders
There are several benefits to using plants to repel spiders rather than chemical pesticides:
- Natural and non-toxic: Plants provide a natural way to deter spiders that is safe for people, pets, and the environment. Pesticides can contain harsh chemicals.
- Cost-effective: Once established, spider repelling plants provide ongoing protection year after year for a one-time cost. Sprays and foggers must be applied repeatedly.
- Easy to use: Simply grow spider repelling plants around areas you want to protect. No special skills or equipment needed.
- Complement other pest control: Plants can be combined with limited pesticide use for a comprehensive strategy.
- Versatile: Different plant varieties can be incorporated into landscaping beds, container gardens, and more.
With some strategic planting, it’s easy to leverage the natural spider deterrent properties of certain plants. Keep reading to discover 14 of the top options.
14 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Keep Spiders Away
1. Lavender
With its antimicrobial and insect repelling properties, lavender is one of the most versatile plants for deterring spiders. Both the smell and oil released by lavender are offensive to a variety of pests. Plant lavender in borders, beds, containers, or indoor pots. Choose compact varieties like Munstead for indoor growing.
2. Chrysanthemums
The pungent smell of different chrysanthemum varieties repels crawling insects, including spiders. Pyrethrum insecticide is actually derived from chrysanthemum plants! Grow mums in container gardens, landscape beds, or indoors. Seek out strongly scented varieties for maximum spider protection.
3. Mint
Mint’s strong, fresh aroma can effectively drive away spiders. Grow mint in pots near doorways or other Spider access points. Choose compact mints like Corsican mint for indoor growing. Cuttings root readily in water so it’s easy to multiply your spider-repelling plants.
4. Garlic
Garlic’s distinctive smell deters all kinds of pests, spiders included. Plant garlic cloves around gardens, borders, or doorways to create a protective barrier. You can also make a natural garlic spray. Indoors, grow garlic in containers. Seek hardneck garlic varieties for the strongest aroma.
5. Basil
Lush green basil provides culinary and spider repelling benefits! The scent of basil plants and leaves helps deter crawling insects. Grow this multi-purpose herb in garden beds, mixed containers, or indoors on a sunny windowsill. Fertilize periodically to maintain the aroma intensity.
6. Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular ornamental plant that also repel spider mites, mosquitoes, and other garden pests. Plant marigolds liberally in beds, borders, and containers. Seek out scented French or African marigold varieties for maximum spider protection. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage ongoing flowering.
7. Bay Laurel
With its pungent aroma, bay laurel is an effective deterrent for spiders, ants, roaches, and more. Grow this woody herb in containers by a doorway or near problem areas. Prune occasionally to maintain its natural shape. Harvest leaves as needed for cooking. Dried leaves retain the repellent properties.
8. Geraniums
In addition to offering gorgeous blooms, scented geraniums release aromas that repel crawling insects. Grow them in mixed containers, window boxes, or indoor pots. Rub the fragrant leaves periodically to release more of the oils. Geraniums are relatively low maintenance but require plenty of sunlight.
9. Lemongrass
A tropical plant, lemongrass deters spiders with its citrusy scent. It’s easy to grow indoors or outdoors in warm climates. For maximum spider protection, locate containers near doorways or susceptible areas. To release more of the aroma, bruise the grassy leaves occasionally. Use lemongrass in cooking too!
10. Cedar
With its strong woody scent, cedar naturally repels moths, ants, roaches, and spiders. Grow small cedar plants in containers indoors or on your patio. Or use cedar mulch or wood chips around your garden beds and landscaped areas. Dried cedar planks can help repel closet and basement spiders.
11. Peppermint
The minty aroma of peppermint plants drives away spiders and other pests. Grow peppermint in pots indoors or outside in garden beds. Cut back rampant growth periodically to encourage a dense, bushy plant. Crush or brush against the leaves occasionally to release more of the essential oils. Dried peppermint leaves can be used to make a repellent tea.
12. Citronella
Typically used in candles and sprays, citronella’s lemony scent deters mosquitoes, ticks, and spiders when released by live plants. Citronella grass thrives in containers indoors and outdoors. For maximum spider protection, place pots around entryways or susceptible areas. Bruise the grassy leaves periodically to boost the aroma.
13. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is known for its medicinal properties, but the strong herbal scent also repels spiders when grown as a plant or shrub. Plant eucalyptus in well-draining soil in warm climates. Cut back overgrowth as needed. Bring cut branches indoors to deter spiders and refresh rooms with aroma therapy.
14. Rue
A woody perennial, rue has an herbaceous scent that helps deter crawling insects. Plant rue around gardens or grow as a decorative container plant. The bluish-green leaves provide visual interest. Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling rue as the foliage can cause skin irritation for some.
Utilize Plants Strategically
Now that you know which plants help repel spiders, take some time to assess your property. Identify areas where spiders are frequently a problem. Then choose one or more of these natural spider deterrents to grow in strategic spots:
- Plant mint, lavender, or marigolds in container gardens on decks and patios where you gather.
- Border entryways with garlic, lemongrass, eucalyptus, or other aromatics.
- Keep potted herbs like basil and bay laurel in kitchen windows.
- Place geraniums or chrysanthemums around garage and basement doors.
- Use cedar mulch in landscaped beds, or grow rosemary and lavender as decorative edging plants.
- Grow mint or citronella in pots indoors near doors, windows, and other access points.
With the right plants in key places, you can create spider-free zones! Natural aromatics offer a chemical-free approach to keeping these unwanted pests at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scents repel spiders the most?
The most effective scents for deterring spiders include mint, lemon, citrus, lavender, eucalyptus, garlic, and spices like cinnamon. Strong herbal aromas overwhelm spiders’ senses causing them to avoid areas where these plants grow.
Should plants touch the house to repel spiders?
For maximum effect, aromatic plants like mint and lavender should be situated right next to house foundations, along borders, and around door and window frames. This creates a barrier the scent deters spiders from crossing over.
How often should you replace repellent potted plants?
Most aromatic plants that repel spiders will remain effective for 1-2 growing seasons. To maintain a strong repellent effect, replace container plants with fresh ones about every year to keep scent production robust.
What plants keep black widow spiders away?
Black widows dislike strong minty, lemony, and peppery smells. Growing mint, lemongrass, basil, garlic, and chilies around yards can help deter these venomous spiders from taking up residence in dark corners and crevices.
Do dried plants repel spiders?
Yes, drying certain plants can help produce a long-lasting repellent effect. Bundle dried lavender, mint, cedar, eucalyptus, bay leaves, rosemary, and other aromatics to use indoors and outdoors. The scent deters spiders even when plants are dried.
Use Aromatic Plants for a Natural, Chemical-Free Pest Solution
With some strategic placement of plants like lavender, mint, basil, garlic, and more, you can effectively repel spiders without relying on harsh chemicals. Aromatic plants provide ongoing spider control when grown in gardens, containers, and indoors. Combined with regular yard maintenance and other integrated pest management strategies, these natural spider deterrents allow you to protect your home in an eco-friendly way.