Ways to stop spiders coming indoors during mating season including using basil plants and anything mint or lavender scented

Nov 28, 2023

We might be some months from Halloween but thanks to the summer’s cool damp weather households may be already starting to notice a steady arrival of spiders indoors.

Mating season encourages the eight-legged critters to go on the move in search of a dry place to mate.

And while an invasion of our homes, garages and other outbuildings would normally happen between September and October – the recent dismal weather is said to be driving some arachnids indoors prematurely as climate experts note changes in the behaviour of many UK creatures.

But a number of household herbs and plants could become unlikely allies in keeping spiders firmly in the wild during the autumn and here are six of the most popular.

1. Basil

Basil is a popular herb used in the kitchen for a range of dishes, but insects don’t like it either say the experts at Garden Buildings Direct. Any variety can be successful at keeping spiders away so don't be afraid to grow the plants in your kitchen, dining room or even outside on your patio.

Its strong aromatic properties will also discourage a number of other insects including ants, mosquitoes and houseflies making it a popular choice for those keen to make their homes insect-free!

2. Mint

The strong smell of mint is another natural insect repellent – with retailer Amazon even selling a peppermint spider repellent spray.

Leaving a mint plant in your home or by doors and windows can discourage the arrival of spiders, while any form of peppermint scent will also do the trick. For those looking to mix-up their own spray – five drops of oil mixed into a 16oz spray bottle and sprayed liberally on window sills and around doors should help.

3. Cinnamon

The smell of cinnamon and cloves are among the spices and scents that spiders detest most suggest a number of pest control websites.

Again, rather like the smell of peppermint, spraying a cinnamon-infused essential oil or lighting something like a cinnamon scented candle might be useful in discouraging spiders from dropping in. Sprinkling the spice or oil on items like pine cones and leaving them by doorways and windows is also said to be a useful way of letting the smell work its magic as autumn sets in.

4. Onions

‘An old but effective wives tale’ suggests that the strong smell of onion – and even garlic – can act as successful natural spider repellents.

Unlike mint or cinnamon however it is often a less popular method with households who would rather their homes didn’t carry the eye-watering smell of onion or a garlic clove. But should your house be overrun with spiders then leaving the vegetable or garlic cloves on windowsills or doorways could help your home remain spider free during mating season. While anyone who is particularly green-fingered can discourage them from coming inside in the first place by growing onions in the garden.

5. Lavender

It's a scent which many insects detest and is one more popular with households too.

Anything lavender-scented from bushes and plants to scented candles and essential oils will help to discourage the scuttle of spiders. Even lavender-scented cleaning sprays, confirms company Zoflora, are successful in discouraging critters when used liberally around the house. Peppermint, tea-tree and rose are also other strong scents spiders are said to detest.

6. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums join eucalyptus flowers, blossoms on hot pepper plants, and citrus flowers in being among the popular items gardeners often choose to grow to repel common household spiders.

It is the chrysanthemum flowers which spiders don't like and so by either growing – or buying some to display on shelves and windowsills – it can be a win win when it comes to eradicating arachnids.