Insect infestation is a common problem among homeowners who have lived in their homes for quite some time. No matter how regular your cleaning and maintenance are for your place, you will soon learn that insects tend to thrive stubbornly in easily overlooked corners. We find ourselves sharing our own living spaces with these unwanted creatures and ridding them becomes a bothersome seasonal task.
The common overstayers of their welcome are these eight-legged visitors that often send shivers down our spines at the sight of them. They are more than just nuisance creepy crawlers on our walls, spreading pesky webs everywhere.
They can also pose potential dangers to family members and pets with their itchy insect bites. Spiders can also be a sign that other forms of pest infestation are growing discreetly in other areas of your home, serving as food for these critters. Getting rid of spiders may prove to be challenging, aside from being frightening.
It’s easy to resort to harmful insecticides to get the job done, but continuous exposure poses significant health risks to all household members. Better yet, you may consider employing the services of professional exterminators, like Hadlow Pest Solutions, for safe and expert handling. Additionally, you can maximize the value of this investment by naturally reinforcing a pest-free environment in your home with spider-repellent plants.
The Natural Vile Enemies for Spiders and Other Insects
As many eco-warriors would know, nature offers the most sustainable solution to household problems. Specifically, a wide array of plants are known for their spider- or insect-deterring attributes. Spiders have a naturally acute sense of smell, and certain smells may be immensely revolting. Thankfully, humans find these very same scents soothing or refreshing.
Plants also contribute to the overall aesthetic of your home, whatever the style. Thus, strategically placing these insect-repelling plants around each corner of your home not only serves as a natural defense against infestations but also creates a perfectly earthy and serene ambiance.
1. Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is a favorite fragrance for perfumes and home diffusers due to its calming effect on the human body. Its effects on spiders are, thankfully, a different story. Spiders find lavender’s sweet, soothing smell repugnant, making them a relaxing addition to your bedrooms. You may be surprised by the many other uses of lavender for overall human well-being when you read this article.
2. Citronella (Cymbopogon)
This plant is renowned for its effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes, but only a few people know that this quality also works well against spiders. On the other hand, their robust and lemony fragrance can be quite overwhelming indoors, making them a favorite outdoor hanging plant on porches or any outdoor seating area, where mosquitoes also often thrive.
3. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is a popular choice for discouraging spiders from proliferating in the area. They can be planted in pots, adding to the entryway aesthetic while deterring spiders from venturing into the indoor vicinity. The refreshing scent also creates an inviting ambiance for visitors coming in through the doorways.
4. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
Eucalyptus plants tend to be light-lovers, so they would do well as outdoor plants. However, you can still take advantage of their fresh, minty aroma indoors by putting them near windows or areas in the house that receive direct sunlight for at least 5-6 hours daily. As a window plant, they can be very effective at keeping spiders away when you want to open your windows wide to let some fresh air in.
Here’s an interesting reference to growing your eucalyptus indoors efficiently: https://www.theindoorgardens.com/eucalyptus-plant-care/
Essential Tips for Plant Care
While these plants are relatively low-maintenance, they still require proper care to ensure their potency in deterring spiders.
1. Sunlight
Like most of their peers, these plants flourish in sunlight and are reasonably drought-tolerant. Sufficient sun exposure is essential for optimal growth, health enhancement, and the effectiveness of their repellant function. Thus, it is critical that you place them in areas where they get adequate sunlight for many hours a day.
2. Watering
Each of these five plants has specific watering needs. Adhering to these requirements is the determining factor in the longevity of your fragrant plants. Overwatering or underwatering can compromise their growth and potency in deterring spiders. Make sure that you monitor and water the plants according to their individual needs to maintain their vitality.
3. Pruning
These plants thrive on regular pruning and trimming; some will even enjoy a good conversation! This practice encourages healthy growth and stimulates the release of scents to repel insects effectively. So, ensure you make time to engage your plants with a hearty conversation; it not only revitalizes them, but it can also be a therapeutic activity for you.
Creating Your Customized Spider-Repelling Spray
You can take a proactive approach by addressing corners and spaces your plants may not cover. If indoor plants aren’t cut out for your limited space, consider making your own natural bug spray. The process is swift and easy, needing only a few ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe you can follow:
1. Materials
a. Spray bottle
b. Distilled water
c. Witch Hazel
2. Procedure
a. Essential Oil Mix (for this recipe, you need to make your own)
- Gather your chosen herb, chop them into pieces, and add them to a glass jar.
- Pour in your choice carrier oil/alcohol, just enough to cover the leaves.
- Cover the jar with its lid and put it in a slow cooker.
- Fill the slow cooker with water until the jar’s halfway point.
- Heat on low for a few hours. The oil should take on the color and smell of the plants.
- Remove the jar and let the infused oil cool. Then, drain and store it in a dark-colored glass out of sunlight.
b. DIY Spider-repellant
- Fill your spray bottle halfway with distilled water
- Pour in witch hazel the rest of the way
- Make 25-50 drops of your essential oil mixture
- Put the lid on the top and shake. Always give it a good shake before use.
Check out this similar recipe for bug spray, but using peppermint oil.
Spider-repellent plants and essential oils offer a natural, aesthetically pleasing, and effective means of deterring spiders from invading our living spaces. When you embrace the power of these natural defenders, you are cultivating not just a sanctuary free of spider infestation or even a home filled with therapeutic fragrance but a sustainable practice that facilitates great appreciation of the earth’s wonders.
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