Have you ever wondered if an herb like lavender could be a natural repellent for spiders? It’s not uncommon to find spiders lurking around trees, windowsills, and other dark corners in your home.
While some homeowners may opt for chemical repellents or professional exterminators, an emerging trend involves eco-friendly alternatives such as essential oils or aromatic herbs like lavender.
But does lavender genuinely repel spiders, and how can you effectively use this eco-friendly method? In this blog post, we’ll address these questions, helping you determine if lavender is indeed effective in keeping spiders away from your house!
So Does Lavender Repel Spiders?
Lavender is a popular plant that is often used in gardening and aromatherapy and is known for its sweet aroma and calming properties. However, did you know that this fragrant plant is also a natural spider repellent? That’s right!!
Lavender contains a chemical called “linalool” that spiders find repulsive. These chemicals are found in most insect repellants and can be released into the air when the plant is crushed or disturbed, creating an environment that disrupts the spider’s senses.
So, it seems that spiders really dislike the smell of lavender, which means adding lavender to your windowsills or dresser drawers is a great way to chase these eight-legged critters out of your home.
Types Of Lavender You Can Use As A Spider Repellent
Lavender is a popular choice for repelling spiders, and it can be used in various forms to keep these unwanted guests at bay. Here are some types of lavender you can use as a spider repellent:
- Lavender Candles: Lavender candles are not just a delightful addition to your home, but they also have a hidden talent, repelling spiders. Therefore, lighting up a lavender-scented candle in your home can keep those creepy crawlers away.
- Incense Sticks: Beyond their calming aroma, these sticks prove effective in repelling spiders. Opt for lavender-scented incense sticks as a natural and safe alternative, especially suitable for those averse to harsh chemicals or pesticides.
- Lavender Oil: lavender oil is an effective spider repellent. Spiders do not like strong scents, and lavender oil certainly fits the bill. It can be applied in areas where spiders are likely to be found, such as windowsills, doorways, and cracks.
- Potted Lavender Plants: Aside from adding color and fragrance to your home, strategically placing potted lavender plants helps deter spiders. The added advantage? Potted lavender is a long-lasting solution, making it one of the most effective options.
Another great benefit of adding lavender around your home is its calming effects! Lavender is well known for its ability to create a relaxing atmosphere that can help you unwind after a long day, while keeping your space spider-free.
Related Articles:
Does Dried Lavender Repel Spiders?
While dried lavender may not be as strong as lavender oil or freshly picked lavender, it can still effectively repel spiders. One advantage of dried lavender is that it’s easy to find and relatively affordable.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that its effectiveness may not last as long. So if you want to keep your home spider-free, you may want to consider using the types of lavender mentioned above.
How Long Does Lavender Repel Spiders?
The ability of lavender to repel spiders varies based on factors like its form (oil, fresh plants, dried lavender), scent concentration, and environmental conditions.
Highly concentrated lavender oil typically offers a more potent and enduring scent compared to fresh or dried lavender.
Mixing lavender oil with water in a spray bottle and spraying it around the house can maintain its spider-repelling properties for up to two weeks. Therefore, it’s recommended to reapply the mixture every two weeks for ongoing spider deterrence.
Fresh lavender plants should be fine! However, the strength of their scent will decline over time, especially if picked from the ground Therefore, the frequency at which you’ll need to replace fresh lavender will depend on these factors.
The best option would be to place the lavender in the small plant pots that you can place in and around the house, this way the lavender will last indefinitely.
Dried lavender may not be as effective as oil or fresh plant because the drying process can reduce the potency of the scent. But it can still serve as a deterrent when placed in areas where spiders are known to frequent.
Just remember that while lavender is effective at repelling spiders, it does not kill them. If you have a severe spider infestation, it may be necessary to seek professional pest control services.
How Much Lavender Do You Need?
The amount of lavender needed to repel spiders largely depends on the form of lavender you’re using and the size of the area you want to cover.
If you’re using lavender oil, most sources suggest using about 10-20 drops mixed with water in a spray bottle. This mixture can then be sprayed around your home, particularly in areas where you’ve noticed spiders.
If you’re using fresh or dried lavender, the amount can vary. It’s best to place small handfuls of lavender in areas where spiders frequent. The strong scent of the lavender will deter the spiders.
How To Use Lavender To Repel Spiders?
Based on the information gathered from various sources, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use lavender to repel spiders:
- Step 1: Prepare a Spray Bottle Take an empty spray bottle (dark glass is best but plastic will also work) and fill it with tap water almost to the top.
- Step 2: Add Lavender Essential Oil Add about 10 drops of lavender essential oil into the spray bottle. Some sources suggest using a few more drops, but there is no guarantee of success.
- Step 3: Shake and Spray Shake the bottle to mix the water and essential oil, then spray the mixture anywhere spiders are a problem. You can spray around windowsills, doorways, corners, and any other areas where you’ve noticed spider activity.
Remember, if you have a severe spider infestation, you may need professional pest control services.
Conclusion
So yes, lavender does repel spiders. However, it really comes down to the type of lavender you are using. For the best results go with the oil, it’s the most potent and you can pretty much place it anywhere even in small cracks.
Related Articles:
