A clever little hack to stop spiders entering your home
As autumn settles in, you’ll probably see more eight-legged visitors inside the house. Spiders do a great job outdoors (they help control garden pests), but most of us don’t want them wandering around indoors. There’s a simple, cheap and natural trick to discourage spiders from settling in your home — it uses just two ingredients, no harsh chemicals and no faff, so it’s friendly to the environment and easy to use regularly.
What you need — simple and effective
The repellent is made from two everyday items: white vinegar and water. It works whether you choose organic or standard vinegar. You’ll also want a spray bottle to apply it (a standard household spray bottle is fine). For a personal touch, add a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil (both are known to repel spiders).
Fill the spray bottle halfway with white vinegar, then top it up with water to dilute the acetic acid while keeping its strong odour. Add the peppermint or lavender oil if you’re using it, and give the bottle a good shake before each use so everything mixes properly.
How to use it — strategic and effective
Spray the mixture where spiders are most likely to pass: window corners, door frames, skirting boards and dark recesses where they hide. Don’t forget hidden spots like under furniture, behind curtains and other nooks and crannies. A few well-aimed sprays and regular reapplication should put them off setting up camp indoors.
Why vinegar works
The active ingredient in vinegar is acetic acid, which gives off a strong odour spiders find unbearable. Spiders have a very developed sense of smell (they’re highly sensitive to odours), so the smell drives them away quickly without harming them — it just encourages them to find a spot outside instead.
Safety and environmental perks
One big plus is that this vinegar-and-water mix is gentle on household surfaces. It won’t stain or leave marks, so it’s safe to use on textiles, wood and painted walls. It’s also safe for children and pets, unlike many commercial chemical insecticides that can pose health risks and often smell nasty. The vinegar scent fades fairly quickly, leaving no toxic residue behind.
It works on other pests too
This solution can also discourage ants and midges. Adding peppermint or lavender oil boosts its repelling power and adds a pleasant scent around the house.
Keep spiders out for good
To get the best results, pair the spray with good housekeeping. A tidy home has fewer hiding places, so watch for clutter — piles of clothes, boxes and other stuff in dark corners attract spiders. Regular dusting and cleaning (especially under furniture and behind curtains) helps remove webs before they take hold. You can use white vinegar as part of your cleaning routine too.
By choosing this natural, practical and economical method, you can keep spiders and other pests out of your home. The power of vinegar is at your fingertips — why not give it a go today? Beware, spiders; there’s a new sheriff in town!