Pests Don’t Go Away in the Winter

If you have noticed an increase in your home's spider population, you might wonder if there is anything you can do to get rid of and keep them out of your house. If so, try one or more of the following three natural ways to repel spiders.

Spray The Foundation Of Your Home With Tobacco Spray

One way to keep spiders from getting into your home is to spray the foundation with tobacco spray. Not only does the tobacco's scent repel spiders, but the juice also burns them if they were to walk through it.

To make your tobacco spray, boil a gallon of water on the stove. After removing the pot from heat, empty an 8-ounce bag of pipe tobacco in the water. Let it soak for two to four hours.

When you are ready to spray your home, pour one cup of the juice into a spray bottle hose attachment. Then, saturate your foundation and the lower parts of your home's out walls.

Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth Along Your Floorboards And Window Sills

For spiders that have already invaded your home, you can sprinkle diatomaceous earth along your floorboards and window sills. While the earth does not repel the spiders, it will eventually kill them once it penetrates their exoskeleton. Once this happens, it severely dehydrates and kills them.

If you have pets or small children, however, you should skip this method. While it may not kill children and pets, accidentally eating the earth could make them pretty sick.

Spray Your Carpets And Curtains With An Herbal Repellent Spray

Another way to repel spiders is to spray your carpets and curtains with an herbal repellent spray. The fragrances of the essential oils in the spray may be pleasing to humans, but they tend to send spiders running the other way. The spray also contains a small amount of dish soap that makes the oils cling to any spiders that do walk through it.

To make the spray, fill a plastic spray bottle halfway with warm water. Add a quarter of a teaspoon of dish soap, then five drops each of lavender, peppermint, and spearmint essential oils. After vacuuming your carpets, spray a fine mist over them. Repeat once a week.

Using one or all of the above natural methods should help you rid your home of a small spider infestation. However, if you see an increase in the number of spiders or believe you have a large infestation, you may want to contact a pest control service to have them inspect your home and offer you suggestions on how to get rid of your unwanted eight-legged visitors permanently.