8 common household plants that will banish spiders from your home this summer

20 May 2024 , 03:16

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Spiders are one of the UK's most common pests but several common plants can help to keep them at bay

As the mercury rises and the weather improves in the coming weeks, many of us will be basking in the warmer climate and soaking up the sunshine. However, with the increase in temperature, we often open our windows to let in some fresh air, inadvertently inviting some unwelcome eight-legged guests into our homes.

In the UK, spider season officially kicks off in September when amorous arachnids in search of a mate venture out into the open, often spotted scurrying across our living room floors. Yet while we may not always see them, spiders are actually present in our homes throughout the year, particularly during summer when we let in more fresh air, and inadvertently invite more of these unwanted visitors indoors.

While spiders do serve a purpose, notably catching flies - another common summer nuisance, there are several plants that can deter these arachnids from invading your home, helping to keep it spider-free.

Let's delve deeper into eight of the best plants to help ward off those eight-legged intruders....

Basil

Kitchen herb Basil, pictured here with Rosemary and Coriander is a natural way to repel unwanted spiders

When it comes to keeping unwanted bugs at bay, Basil is a versatile plant that not only repels spiders but also ants, flies and mosquitoes.The fragrant herb, which can also be used in cooking, is best placed in small pots around entrances to your home for maximum efficacy.

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Lavender

Sweet selling Lavender is another strong scented plant hated by spiders (Getty)

Lavender is another plant that spiders dislike. This sweetly scented plant offers a non-toxic way to rid your home of unwanted guests without the need for harsh chemicals.

For optimal results, place a lavender cutting in each room of your home.

Rosemary

Rosemary is another plant that can help to chase spiders away

Rosemary is an unexpected plant that many homeowners may overlook. Although its scent is faint to humans and typically doesn't cause too much discomfort, it's actually potent to spiders who can't stand the strong aroma. Much like Basil, it's best placed in small pots around entrances to the home, or on windowsills.

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Catnip

While Catnip is best known for being a treat for our feline friends, it also has a hidden talent of deterring spiders too

One plant that is often overlooked by homeowners due to the changes it can cause in our beloved cats' behaviour, is of course the infamous Catnip. However, besides driving cats wild, this plant can also keep spiders at bay. For best results, place the plant on a sunny windowsill and water once the soil has dried.

Marigolds

Marigold plants are well known for repelling several kinds of unwanted bugs, including spiders

Marigolds are also effective in keeping spiders away. The stunning yellow flowers were once hailed as the allotment keeper's best friend, and are renowned for their pest-repelling properties.

The sweet smelling flowers deter a wide range of small pests, from spiders and snails to flies and beetles. Plus, their vibrant golden blooms add a splash of colour to your garden while providing a humane method of spider control.

Citronella

Citronella carries with it a potent smell that spiders can't stand

Citronella is another potent plant known for its spider-repelling abilities. It also wards off mosquitoes, flies, gnats and numerous other unwelcome household pests. Often sold as an oil derived from lemongrass leaves, the actual plant, Cymbopogon, can be grown in your garden to keep spiders at bay.

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Mint

Adding an extra dose of minty freshness to your home could be the trick you need to chase spiders away

Peppermint is another favourite for keeping homes spider-free. This sweet, fast-growing plant can be used effectively by placing small pots in affected rooms or creating a spray with a few leaves in a water bottle.

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Spritz this around entrances like doorways and windowsills. Not only will your room smell refreshingly minty, but you should also notice a significant reduction in spider sightings.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is another popular houseplant to banish spiders

One sure-fire way to deter spiders is the earthy scent of Eucalyptus. Often used as a spider repellent, it's also effective against mosquitoes.

When mixed with witch hazel and water in a spray bottle, it can even prevent spiders from spinning their webs by simply spraying on the targeted area.

Phoebe Tonks