Wiping lavender essential oil on doorframes can help keep spiders out of homes this summer, as the strong scent acts as a natural deterrent, according to cleaning expert Chantel Mila, known as Mama Mila on TikTok.
Simple Method with Lavender Oil
Mila recommends applying several drops of lavender essential oil onto a cloth or sponge and wiping it across the front of the door and around the door frames, ensuring the surfaces are thoroughly covered. Alternatively, the oil can be mixed with water in a spray bottle and applied to the area.
Lavender contains a non-toxic compound called linalool, which is a key ingredient in many commercial and natural insect repellents, as explained by Seeds of Africa. Besides lavender oil, candles or incense can also be used to ward off spiders.
Other Effective Essential Oils
Spiders are put off by powerful fragrances, so a range of essential oils can prove effective. In addition to lavender, peppermint, tea tree, citrus, cedarwood, and clove bud essential oils also repel spiders.
However, lavender will not exterminate spiders, only deter them. Sentinel Pest Control recommended essential oils as a thorough method for keeping pests away, particularly when incorporated into a regular cleaning routine. The pest experts wrote: "A clean home, sealed entry points, and minimal clutter are crucial for preventing infestations. Essential oils enhance these efforts, delivering an extra punch in keeping spiders at bay and ensuring your home remains a no-go zone for these eight-legged intruders."
Additional Tips for Spider Prevention
Another useful tip is to soak cotton wool balls in lavender essential oil and place them in room corners or behind furniture. Gardening Know How suggests: "Take a cotton ball and add four to five drops of peppermint oil and 4-5 drops of lavender oil to each one. Place each one in a small dish, plant saucer, or rest it on a coaster, and position them directly on windowsills, near doorways, around trash bins, and even inside cabinets or pantries. Replace or resoak cotton balls every two to three days, or whenever the scent fades."
For added protection, planting lavender in the garden alongside other strong-smelling herbs can help. Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys, previously told Express.co.uk: "Planting fragrant herbs such as mint, lavender or rosemary can also help. These don't guarantee rodents will disappear overnight, but they do make the garden far less appealing. Mint is a good choice, but it's best grown in pots as it can spread quickly."
