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8 houseplants that are proven to repel spiders naturally
- 1/9
8 houseplants that are proven to repel spiders naturally
As the temperatures begin to tumble, you may notice spiders creeping into your home through open windows, doors and small cracks in search of somewhere warm. While common house spiders pose little threat to humans, the creepy crawlers are not everyone's favourite roommate.
'There are many old-wives' tales about how conkers can repel spiders – but many don't know that a lot of fragrant plants can do just that,' Evie Lane, Gardening Expert at Primrose, says. 'Most spider-deterring plants have a strong odour since aromatic plants are generally more effective at repelling insects – but they still smell great in your home too.'
Need some help repelling spiders? Take a look at the fragrant plants which could help below...
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1) Basil
Hate spiders? One of the best ways to keep the creepy crawlies away is to place fresh basil around the home. Like other strong herbs, spiders despise the smell of basil — and will stay away from its presence.
If that's not quite working, Evie suggests making your own basil spray mixed with witch hazel: 'Simply spray the mix onto a surface and give it a wipe down. The herb can be grown in any area of your home, as long as it gets access to direct sunlight for four to five hours per day.'
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2) Lavender
Lavender might be used to promote calmness, but did you know it can stop spiders crawling into the home? Simply take a cutting from your lavender bush outside, tie it into small bunch, and hang in each room. Why not give this a go during spider season...
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3) Mint
Mint is a brilliant natural pest repellent, thanks to its pungent smell.
'If you grow fresh mint in your kitchen, pluck a few leaves and add to a bottle topped with spray water and leave to absorb,' Evie says. 'By spraying this on the entry points to your home, any spiders hiding around windowsills and doorways will retreat rapidly.'
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4) Rosemary
Certain plants have been proven to repel spiders, with rosemary being one of them. It might be faintly scented for the human nose, but spiders can't stand rosemary's intense odour. All you need to do is place a pot inside (target areas such as windows and doors) to keep the bugs at bay.
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5) Chrysanthemums
These blooming lovely flowers not only brighten up our borders, but they are pros at keeping spiders out of sight. According to Primrose, chrysanthemums naturally contain pyrethrum — an ingredient frequently used in natural insect repellents.
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6) Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, from the mint family, is often used for adding a citrusy edge to dishes, but this low-maintenance houseplant also repels spiders and fruit flies. Spiders hate anything that smells of citrus; although it's pleasant to humans, the smell is overpowering and acts as a natural repellent.
Take a cutting of lemon balm, add it to water, and spray the solution in dark areas of your home where spiders love to hide.
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7) Eucalyptus
'The scent of eucalyptus is the driving factor that keeps arachnids out of your home,' Evie says.
'Add sprigs of eucalyptus around your bathroom, kitchen and living room. You can also mix a few leaves with witch hazel and water and spray any areas that a spider could hide to prevent them from making webs in any discreet corners or cupboards.'
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8) Marigolds
Marigolds are a no-fuss annual that are famous for their joyful burst of colour, but they're able to do so much more. According to Evie, marigolds will repel nearly every small pest known, including spiders, snails and bugs. Time to bring them inside...
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