What plants repel spiders, whether it’s in your home or your garden. We understand that nobody enjoys having those unsightly eight-legged creatures creeping up from random parts of their house.
That’s why we’ve compiled this guide with a list of plants proven to help eliminate these pesky insects. Take a look below to know all about these plants.
Contents
Types of Plants That Help Get Rid of Spiders
1. Basil
Ocimum basilicum, popularly known as basil, is a common herb found in most homes. But apart from being a fragrant cooking ingredient, its strong scent makes it an excellent spider repellent.
– Growing Location
Basil is a very easy plant to grow, which means that you can grow it in pots around your kitchen or yard, and you can also use fresh basil leaves to make your insect repellent. All you have to do is soak the leaves in some vodka for about two to three weeks, then spray it in places you commonly find spiders around your home.
– Growth Requirements
Although basil is an easy plant to grow, it does require a lot of direct sunlight and water. At least six hours of sunlight is enough daily, and if you’re growing it in a container indoors, you should use moist, nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a reasonable acidic level.
The containers you use should provide proper drainage for the plant to prevent the soil from becoming too soggy. On top of this, you may even fertilize once a month with an organic, all-purpose fertilizer.
2. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus spp oils are essential oils commonly used to heal symptoms of colds and congestion, and this is one of their advantages. But the distinct menthol smell of this plant is one that spiders hate and would strictly stay away from. Which means that if you’re looking for an effective spider repellent, it might be worth investing in this plant and to see them gone fast enough.
– Growing Location
You can grow eucalyptus as a potted plant in your home, but you must be careful not to ingest or use it directly. Due to the bark and leaves, when they are used directly, can be toxic and cause irritations, burning sensations, seizures, and organ failures in humans and animals.
– Growth Requirements
You can grow the eucalyptus plant in any soil, including sandy, loamy, and clay. But the soil must be well drained and slightly acidic. It also needs about six to eight hours of full, uninterrupted sun daily.
However, you should note that because they grow very fast, eucalyptus trees don’t typically grow well as potted plants. Which means that if potted, you should only expect your plant to grow to about 10 feet, with proper health conditions provided to it.
On the other hand, if you choose to grow your eucalyptus plant outside, you need to place it where it will get enough sunlight without other trees blocking it. It also requires a lot of space, as it can grow to a total height of 53 feet and spread up to 15 feet when mature.
3. Lemon Grass
Lemon grass, also known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a tropical herb popularly used to repel negative energy from homes. This plant is where citronella oil comes from and is a very effective ingredient for keeping spiders out of homes. As a result, you’ll be sure to find citronella oil in a lot of pest control products.
– Growing Location
You can select to grow lemongrass in containers in your yard or inside your home, as it will thrive either way, and keep the spiders out of the area. However, as another option, you can grind up the leaves to extract the oil and spray them in areas familiar to spiders.
– Growth Requirements
The perfect time to plant lemon grass is in spring, and you can grow it in-ground as well as in containers. It requires full sun, about six hours of uninterrupted sunlight daily, and moist, acidic, well-drained soil.
Also, remember that you need to provide your lemon grass with enough moisture to prevent the root from drying out, because the roots must be kept humid, you can place some pebbles around it or mulch it, or even mist the soil. If you’re growing it in a pot, you need to add compost to the topsoil now and then to ensure it is getting enough nutrients.
Lemon grass is a fast-growing plant, so you can expect it to germinate within two weeks if you keep the seed warm and moist.
4. Citronella Grass
Citronella grass is a common plant used for its insect-repellent properties and other health benefits. Although some people mistake this grass for lemon grass because they look alike and have a similar sweet lemon scents, but they are two different plants.
However, they are both insect-repelling plants. The oil, however, can be extracted from both the fruit and the grass and actually works to deter spiders and other insects.
– Growing Location
You can grow your citronella as a garden plant, as it looks great outdoors. But this perennial plant does not like cold climates, so if you’re planting it solely for repelling spiders from your home, it is best to grow it indoors.
– Growth Requirements
Like most indoor plants, citronella grass should be placed where it will receive up to six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. However, the area should be slightly shaded as it will wilt in too intense sun, so that the fragrant foliage won’t be subjected to burn.
If you choose to grow your citronella outdoors, you should plant it in a container and in areas surrounded by trees to give it a more natural shade.
The plant can do well in moist, loamy soil as long as the soil is well-drained. On another note, it would also need to be watered daily, significantly if you’re growing it indoors, and fertilized with nitrogen-rich fertilizer at least once a year.
5. Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis, otherwise known as rosemary, is a plant with a pleasant aroma to the human nose but has an intense foul odor to spiders. It is also a very effective remedy against spider mites due to the way it would attack their nervous system and kills their eggs.
Growing rosemary in areas where you commonly find spiders or spider mites is sure to make them run away, and as it is killing the eggs, the spiders will feel like the area is unwelcoming, and not significant for their grow, and very soon, they will be gone.
– Growing Location
Rosemary is an evergreen six feet tall plant that doesn’t do well in extremely cold or freezing weather. Hence, you must be sure to plant it in containers indoors where you find a number of spiders and where it will be sure to get enough warmth.
– Growth Requirements
Just like lemon balm, dill is a beginner-friendly plant, so it doesn’t require a lot of care. Although it grows very fast, it dies out after about two years, but can reseed itself if you leave it.
Which means that it comes back every year. It also thrives in hot and cold weather and can survive in almost all soil types as long as it is nutrient-rich, moist, and well-drained. It also requires total exposure to the sun; therefore, about six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily will do.
6. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is an aromatic perennial member of the mint family. Also referred to as balm gentle, it is often grown for its citrus-fragrant leaves that are often used for herbal teas because of the calming properties that it has.
However, not only this, but the lemon balm is also very good at keeping spiders and houseflies away all together with other pests as well.
– Growing Location
Lemon balm plants are best grown as outdoor plants because they don’t thrive in hot weather. However, they don’t do well in freezing climates either.
Which means that you can plant it in a container and transfer it indoors during freezing weather, so that the plant doesn’t get impacted by frost. Once mature, the leaves of lemon balm are bright and glossy, so it can serve as a decorative plant while helping to repel spiders, and you won’t see these pests any longer.
– Growth Requirements
Lemon balm is a resilient plant and is very easy to grow. This makes it a perfect plant for first-time gardeners who don’t know much about it or don’t have time for so much plant care.
It requires plenty of sunlight, usually up to six hours daily, in full sun or partial shade. Soil requirements are moist, acidic, and well-drained. Watering should be done regularly, and fertilizer is unnecessary, as it reduces the effectiveness of the scent used to repel spiders, because the plant would thrive already with the simple givens.
7. Dill
Anethum graveolens, commonly known as dill, is a common herb in the celery family used in the kitchen, but many people don’t know it is an excellent herb for getting rid of spiders. It doesn’t have a strong scent like other spider-repelling plants, but the traces of lemon and anise notes in its leaves keep spiders scurrying away.
– Growing Location
Dill is a very adaptable plant that doesn’t require much space so it will flourish anywhere. You can plant some dill in your garden, in a container, or inside your home along your window sills.
– Growth Requirements
Just like lemon balm, dill is a beginner-friendly plant, so it doesn’t require a lot of care. Although it grows very fast, it dies out after about two years, but can reseed itself if you leave it.
Which means, it comes back every year. It also thrives in hot and cold weather and can survive in any soil type as long as it is nutrient-rich, moist, and well-drained. It also requires total exposure to the sun; therefore, about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily will do.
8. Lemon Thyme
Lemon thyme is a popular culinary herb with a lemon flavor that helps keep spiders away. This evergreen shrub also has attractive foliage with its lilac flowers and helps attract bees that help pollinate surrounding plants.
– Growing Location
With plenty of sunlight and little water, you can grow this plant in your garden or inside your home on a window sill. It is a great addition to your herb garden due to its ornamental value and to help scare away spiders, big or small ones.
– Growing Requirements
Lemon thyme requires a lot of sunlight and doesn’t do well in the shade. Which means that, whether you’re planting it in your garden or indoors, be sure to place it where it can get up to eight hours of uninterrupted sunlight daily. Unlike other garden plants, however, it doesn’t thrive in acidic soil. So, its soil requirements are alkaline, well-drained, dry, rocky soil.
Since this plant is low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and prefers dry conditions, watering can be done weekly or less. Using fertilizers on it is not a good idea as this will reduce the strength of its aroma, because it will do well already on its own.
This plant thrives best in warm weather, so it blooms during summer. This is when you can fully benefit from the strong lemon scent of its essential oils.
9. Chives
Allium Schoenoprasum, known as chives, are easy-to-grow herbs with a mild-garlic and onion smell that work to repel spiders and spider mites and aphids. Since their colorful flowers can also be eaten raw, they can be used as food toppings or garnishing. Hence, they will make a great addition to your herb garden.
– Growing Location
Chives can be grown both indoors and outdoors, as long as they are being given the proper growth requirements. Nonetheless, if planted outdoors, they need to be overwintered indoors during cold climates, so that the plant’s growth doesn’t get hindered.
– Growth Requirements
Chives are primarily low-maintenance, hardy plants that can grow anywhere with the right amount of water and sunlight. Although they grow better in the full sun of up to about eight hours, but can also thrive in partial shade.
They thrive best in cool weather, so you’ll see a lot of growth in spring. Chives should preferably be planted in nutrient-rich, moist, loamy, well-drained soil.
Since they are drought-tolerant, they can survive without water for a while, but it is best to water them regularly for the best results. Fertilizing should also be done in late spring with only nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
10. Lemon Verbena
Also known as Aloysia citrodora, lemon verbena is another culinary herb with a lemon scent that is very effective for repelling spiders, in gardens or even in doors. It is commonly used in food and for treating asthma and insomnia. The lemon scent of this plant can be appealing to humans but is too strong for spiders, hence, keeping them away.
– Growing Location
Lemon verbena can grow to a height of about nine feet when mature, so it is best to grow it outdoors. However, if you choose to grow it indoors it is best planted near a window where it will be able to fully spread, and receive proper sunlight.
– Growth Requirements
Lemon verbena is a perennial plant that only grows well in full sun. It doesn’t thrive in shaded areas as this will lead to spindly leaves, weak stems, and low essential oils.
The plant requires nutrient-rich, moist, well-drained, acidic, loamy soil and must be deeply watered regularly, but make sure that the water doesn’t stay on top. It is very crucial you use well-drained soil because soggy roots will cause the plant to die off quickly.
This plant is one of few herbs that require regular fertilization, so an all-purpose fertilizer can be used on the plant at least once every month.
11. Peppermint
Peppermint is an aromatic member of the mint family with the most intense scent, and that’s why it is a very good remedy for getting rid of spiders. The most effective way to use peppermint is to extract its essential oils from the plant. But even if you plant it and keep in indoors, in a pot, your house will still be spider-free.
On another note, the peppermint oil, has an unmistakable scent, which means you can surely use it to spray areas where spiders are commonly found to discourage them from taking up residence. You can also grow the plant in areas around your home or sprinkle some leaves around to repel the pests.
– Growing Locations
Peppermint plants are known to grow and spread rapidly, so they are best grown outdoors in containers. Be ready to trim and repot your plants as they grow to prevent them from growing out of their containers, because they tend to get overly developed.
– Growth Requirements
Peppermint plants are generally low maintenance and easy to grow. They only require loamy, well-drained, moist soil with full sun or partial shade to grow. You can water your plants only when the soil is too dry to keep them moist.
12. Dwarf Citrus Trees
Spiders hate the smell of citrus fruit or citrus oil, which is why the dwarf citrus tree is a good plant for getting rid of these insects.
Dwarf citrus trees are just regular citrus trees grown on the root stalk of smaller plants. Which means that, you can grow dwarf citrus trees with any variety of citrus fruits, including lemons, tangerines, oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, lime, etc.
The difference between a dwarf citrus tree and a regular citrus tree is that dwarf citrus trees are significantly shorter and narrower than regular citrus trees, which can grow to a height of about 30 feet.
This makes dwarf citrus trees easier to plant in any location than regular citrus trees. This makes it a lot easier to repel spiders because you can have as many dwarf trees as you want in closer proximity to locations where spiders are found.
– Growing Locations
Dwarf citrus trees make a beautiful addition to your home decor. So you can plant them indoors, and have as many as you wish, since they typically don’t grow past eight feet high.
– Growth Requirements
Dwarf citrus trees can be grown in containers but must be planted in moist, loamy, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soil. They often require full sun between six and eight hours daily. But it must not be direct sun light as it can cause the leaves to burn.
Watering your dwarf citrus trees should be done twice a week because the soil in their containers dries out quickly. Only organic, slow-release citrus fertilizers should be used once every two weeks on your dwarf citrus tree.
13. Lavender
Popularly known for its aromatic calming effect and for its health benefits, the smell of lavender is upsetting to spiders. With its beautiful purple and fragrant flowers, this evergreen perennial is a very effective plant for turning spiders away, in addition to other types of pests.
All you need to do is pluck a few cuttings of the plant and place at the entry points of the spiders into your home.
– Growing Locations
Lavender is every garden owner’s dream, as it is not only aesthetically pleasing, it makes the environment around your home fresh. However, it is best grown outdoors in containers because it requires a lot of airflow.
Which means that, if you wish to grow it indoors, you must plant it near a window that is always open, because it would grow well this way, and keep a number of pests away.
– Growth Requirements
Lavender plants are easy to grow and don’t require constant care to be maintained. But, they require well-drained, dry, slightly alkaline soil with full exposure to the sun and lots of air daily.
You don’t need to use fertilizers on your lavender plant because they can bloom very well on their own. They are also drought-resistant and watering can be stopped once they have started to mature. Lavenders also tend to outgrow their containers, so they will require frequent pruning and repotting.
Conclusion
Spiders have a role to play in the ecosystem, so we understand why killing them might not always be your first option. But they will always find a way to enter your home or disturb your yard. You can use any of these plants to eliminate spiders by growing them inside your home or in your garden.
So, take note of these few tips;
- You will need to position your plants in a place with ample amount of sunlight if you choose to grow them indoors.
- Always take note of the water requirements of your chosen plant and follow them accordingly.
- Not all plants require fertilizer, so be careful to ensure you’re putting fertilizer on a plant that needs it, because if you do, it may lose its fragrance.
- You can lavender, because the aroma that it would repel not only spiders, but other pests also.
Using nature’s plants is the best way to repel these pesky creatures. So, give any of these plants a try to have a spider-free home.
References
- https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/garden/1667961/how-to-deter-spiders-from-homes-plants-bail-mint-lavender-tips
- https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-dwarf-citrus
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/lemon-balm
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