Spiders, with their eight legs and often terrifying appearance, are creatures that tend to divide people into two categories: those who find them fascinating and those who avoid them. The latter group, often suffering from arachnophobia, looks for different ways to remove spiders from their living spaces. This article explores the heated conversation about organic and natural remedies versus conventional chemical solutions for spider control. It delves into the reasons for our fear of spiders, their essential role in the ecosystem, and provides insight into natural spider repellents and preventative measures.
Spiders also play a vital role
Despite the fact that some spiders are poisonous, all spiders have a vital ecological benefit by keeping other insects out of our homes and gardens. Additionally, since spiders often hide in the walls of buildings, it can be extremely difficult to eradicate them permanently.
As more and more people realize the potential benefits that spiders can provide, they are turning to more humane “disposal” techniques. One is to catch the spider and carry it in a glass container to a nearby empty field. Release it into the garden as an alternative so that it can eat more harmful insects. Unfortunately, there is no factual evidence that natural treatments are more effective than their toxic counterparts.
Many commercial pest control companies claim that certain essential oils are “natural insecticides” and likely to repel spiders.
One natural remedy that spiders are said to avoid is peppermint oil. This scented product is easily available at almost any grocery store nearby. However, you can also find pure essential oil in the baking section of health food stores and stores that sell aromatherapy items.
The strong scent of this essential oil, along with the scent of other essential oils, is supposed to deter spiders. Spiders are thought to avoid having to crawl through odors and scents because they taste and smell with their feet. Another hypothesis is that virtually all essential oils include monoterpenoids, which are considered a type of botanical fumigants. In addition, peppermint oil is known to scare away insects and other unpleasant guests.
A recipe for spider repellent
You only need two ingredients to make a spider repellent spray:
Peppermint essential oil, five drops
Water Spray, 16 oz
Some websites also recommend using a small amount of detergent. After shaking thoroughly, spray the mixture on windowsills, doors, dark corners and the exterior of buildings, paying particular attention to corners and entrances. You should be aware that you will need to spray more regularly compared to other conventional pest control methods.
Peppermint Oil Safety
When taken in moderation, peppermint oil is widely considered harmless. Peppermint and other essential oils must therefore always be diluted with water. ALWAYS AVOID CONTACT WITH EYES. Additionally, the chemical menthol present in mint can irritate the skin, cause dizziness, weaken muscles, cause nausea, and occasionally cause double vision or confusion.
If you have pets, you should be aware that the use of peppermint oil spider repellent can endanger common pets. If you want to experiment with oils, it’s important to store them in a place where pets can’t get to them.
Other organic spider repellents include:
Lemon essential oil is said to help lighten skin tone.
Eucalyptus oil can also relieve cold symptoms.
Tea tree oil is said to have antibacterial properties and can be used to treat acne-prone skin.
Citronella oil is also said to repel mosquitoes.
Lavender oil is said to provide mood enhancing and calming properties.
To keep spiders and other pests out of gardens and yards and out of the house, spread cedar mulch around your yard. Having a cedar ball in the closet can deter them from hiding in dressers or inside clothing.
A less attractive, but still quite natural alternative are “sticky traps”. Although they can also be used to hunt spiders or other pesky insects, their use with flies is commonly recommended.
In the past, insecticides were usually sold by pest control companies or hardware stores to get rid of spiders and other common household pests.
They have been shown to be more harmful to the garden ecosystem, water supply, even our lungs and skin, while being quite effective at getting rid of spiders and other household pests. Standard options include:
Carbaryl – causes disruption of the nervous system and ultimately leads to the death of the spider. It is available as a dust or “wettable” powder, granules, liquid, and traps, among others.
Chrysanthemum flower extract is a source of pyrethrins and pyrethroids. In addition, these stimulate the neurological system, which ultimately leads to death. These come in the form of liquid, dust, bugs or mist.
Complete removal of spiders
Although getting rid of them can be difficult and require some time and patience, there are some precautions that can be taken to avoid spiders in the first place.
Step 1: Keep a dust-free and tidy home. focusing especially on window sills and corners.
Step 2: Search the area for spider egg sacs or obvious spider webs.
Step 3: Remove any woody debris, such as firewood, leaf piles, or compost piles, and store them outside the house. Be careful when removing the egg sacs as this will cause hundreds of spiders to hatch.
Step 4: Verify that this has sealed all doors, window screens and moldings. To do this, it may be necessary to seal or repair the holes.
While you may prefer do-it-yourself repairs, hiring a professional may be your best option if you have a serious spider infestation or dangerous spiders.
Rooted in fear and fascination, our relationship with spiders has evolved over time. As awareness of their ecological importance grows, so does the conversation about compassionate approaches to spider control. Whether you choose natural remedies, essential oils, or professional help, the key is to find a balance that allows you to live comfortably while respecting the role of spiders in our ecosystem. Ultimately, it is a journey from fear to coexistence that promotes harmony with the natural world.