I loved the discussion on ant problems, and will definitely keep them in mind if I ever have that problem. But what about spiders? I am terribly afraid of them, and hate to have pesticides sprayed to reduce them. Does anyone have any successful suggestions for that?
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Natural Spider Deterrents?
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A Few Essential Oils.. PT 2
I forgot a few points and can't go back to edit my post.
When dabbing the pennyroyal oil on the cloth, you do not need much! A little goes a long way!
When I said that pennyroyal is toxic, I should have said that it CAN kill spiders. The thing is, they're not stupid enough to hang around places that they can't breathe, which is what makes it such a great repellent.
If you're worried about the strength of the pennyroyal, just dilute it with some water and store in a glass jar for next time. Plastic will absorb the oil and it'll never wash out, so glass is best.
Since I read the comments....
Oils shouldn't be applied to anything too porous. I apply mine to woods, plastics and painted surfaces and I haven't noticed any damage. If you're worried about it though, best avoid it or just google "can I apply essential oils to [material]". Most definitely safe on granite and the like, though.
Spiders indeed bite. If you see a particularly venomous spider in your home KILL IT. House spiders do not live outside and are generally territorial, so they will continue to come back into your home if you don't deal with it. You don't want a black widow (or its cousin, which looks similar, just without the iconic red hourglass) or a brown recluse laying eggs in your house.
Wolf spiders are a breed that are usually around where there's food. If you see lots of wolf spiders, then you usually have an underlying infestation. I know this because I had an ant problem and subsequently, a wolf spider problem. Once I got rid of the ants, the spiders went with them. A good way to tell if you have an infestation is if you see cellar spiders around. If you see those long-legged wispies anywhere in your home, you're usually fine, as wolf spiders are territorial.
I'll post more if I can think of any more!
A Few Essential Oils..
Spiders hate mints, particularly pennyroyal.
I wait for a dry day and then open all the windows for airflow, as pennyroyal is known to be toxic to humans (but safe once your house is aired out). I then take a dry cloth, dab some pennyroyal oil on and wipe around any cracks in the walls (they can compress themselves to the size of a dime), door frames, windows frames, etcetera, and any place you see they like to hang out. I then wait about 20-30 minutes and close the windows. You'll still smell the lovely mint aroma, but it shouldn't bother your lungs at this point.
Pennyroyal is natural, but it's naturally poisonous. It won't kill the spider, but spiders can't breathe around the oil, as the smell is too much (they have book lungs, so it's constant absorption of the air around them; they can't just hold their breath). Other mints and lavenders will work, but pennyroyal is the most effective. I do this maybe once a month, but I tend to forget, so I'll do it when I see a spider again, which isn't usually for 2-3 months.
NOTE: If you decide to go with pennyroyal, make sure to air the place out before kids go in the room. It won't hurt them if you apply it while they're in the room, it's just it's hard on the lungs and it's just a precautionary. You can still use this method if there are people with breathing problems and things, just make sure the area is well ventilated.
ALSO: If you mix lavender, neem, and/or mint essential oils with vinegar and water into a spray bottle, you can spray your furniture, your bed, carpet, curtains, etcetera, and deter all sorts of pests. This will work on most unwanted insects including spiders and even fleas. I do this at the first sign of my cats having fleas (after vacuuming) as well as a flea treatment, and they always go away the first time.
How often do you need to spray?
How often do you need to spray these deterrents? I'm going to try some of these recipes using essential oils and soaps and I'm figuring I'll spray around windows, doors, cracks, all over the basement, etc. But how often do I need to spray? Daily? Weekly? I'll do whatever it takes to repel these spiders naturally because I refuse to use poison.
I'm so glad I found these recipes for natural spider deterrent. Right now we're using diatomaceous earth in the basement/garage to repel cave crickets, and that seems to be working fairly well, but now the spiders are coming in. This weekend my husband found a MASSIVE funnel web spider (also called a grass spider, I believe) in the house near the door to the basement. He doesn't get freaked out by spiders, but this one definitely freaked him out! I know they're not poisonous, but they are CREEPY and I want them OUTSIDE eating bugs, not freaking me out in the house!
Also - anyone use Borax as a repellent for spiders specifically? Like sprinkling it around the basement or spraying it in a mixture of something?
Yes, it's true...spider's DO bite
Since there seems to be some question over this issue, I would like to provide testimony to the fact that spiders DO, in fact, BITE. I always knew this, having experienced quite a few over the years, however, if I didn't believe it before, I certainly did after this:
When I was in high school about 20 years ago, living in Clearwater Florida, I woke up one morning with a bite on my leg. I figured it was either a mosquito or a spider that I had come into contact with while outside the previous night. The next morning, I woke up with more bites on my leg and I had not been outside the previous night. On the 3rd morning that I awoke with yet MORE bites on my leg, I tore off the sheets and there was a big old fuzzy black spider running across the bed! So, yeah, whether anyone has any affinity for these creature, or not, the simple fact is: spider's DO bite.
spider deterrent
I have been getting bitten at night by spiders after I began to dismantle my patio. I guess the natives are restless as they say. I am seeing many black widows on the patio & do not wish to tangle with them. I am so greatful (spelled as I think it ought to be spelled) to have found this site. Thank you so much.
Spiders DO bite
Where I live and have lived for over twenty we have Black Widows and they DO BITE they get into your bed and they will bit if you roll over in your sleep
they are highly poisonsonous and make you sick
I am terribly affraid of them and need this advice
Sorry Spiders Do bite people
Am not trying to be a trouble maker .... but have had CONFIRMED spider bites (by experts) .... and had nasty allergic reactions to them. Am working on arachnaphobia, yes, but only after the first bite many years ago. I do not hate them ....and do all I can not to kill them. That is why I searched for natural repellants ...so my sincere thanks for this thread .... will try some of the suggestions given here and will let you know how they work :)
Eucalyptus repels spiders to
Eucalyptus repels spiders to
Spider bites
Spiders DO NOT bite people at night!!! you either have fleas or mosquitoes or thrips (which bite my daughter a lot and she gets a welt) I love spiders and do not kill them and we don't have them crawling around our house.... I have to wonder how you think you have so many spiders. and if you are afraid of them.. you need to get over it. they aren't hurting you !
Natural Spider Repellents
I was bitten by a brown recluse recently and it was not a very nice experience. Since then I've researched some natural ways to get rid of spiders. I found some info on natural spider repellents and so far the homemade spray seems to be working.
baby wipes
I make my own baby wipes. They are very easy and cheap. Take viva paper towels (the white, choose your own size ones) cut them in half and take the cardboard out. Boil two cups of water on the stove, turn off then add 2 tablespoons each of baby wash and baby lotion and mix well. Pour over paper towels in tupperware container. Let cool and there you go. The best part is you can make them smell any way you want them to, or no smell at all.
Lemon oil mixture
Wow! I am so excited to try this mixture for the spiders in our house. My DD has gotten bitten quite a few times and now my step daughter as well. And now that we have a new baby who will be moving into my DD's room very soon, I NEED to fix this little problem ASAP! So, I think I can find the lemon oil in the natural section of my grocery store, but where do I actually spray this mixture? On the carpet at the base of the wall? On the wall where it meets the ceiling? Around the outside of the house? And does it stain? Any help would be appreciated!!
Fingers Crossed
After reading this thread, I purchased a spray bottle and lemon oil at my local natural market. I just made the spray (added soap too) and sprayed my apartment. It smells great in here and I am looking forward to a spider-free home.
Spider Spray
I have mixed up 16 oz water, 1 T liquid dish soap and 6 drops of Tea Tree Oil and sprayed my doorway outside and corner in my house, under wicker furniture in the sunroom for spiders.. It really works.
I was at my sons in TN and tried it on tiny ants he had in his kitchen. After a week of spraying the counters, floor and behind the refer, the ants have been gone totatally since August 2010, til now (January 2011. We were pretty happy it worked.
When I bought a bottle of the Tea Tree Oil at Walmart, the clerk said he tried it for skin 'tags' on his neck - I asked how it worked. He said he couldn't stand the smell, so he quit using it. I think I'll try a few of the other oils: lemon, peppermint and others that smell better. Glad they work as well.
Great tips!
Wilshel, I've been having the same spider problem and have been searching for a way to ease my little boys night time bites. He's 2 as well. I'll be trying that lemon oil mix tomorrow. I have noticed that when I lotion him up with a eucalyptus/spearmint lotion that he doesn't seem to wake up with any new bites but the nights I forget there's a new bite on the poor boy. These spiders are driving me mad at the thought of them searching him out! I've always been a rather 'live and let live' person with bugs but now whenever I see one of those jumpy guys (we figure those are the ones doin' it) I leap on them with a fury only a mother knows.
I really hope this oil works, I don't like the thought of bombing his bedroom to get rid of these guys. I suppose if it doesn't work I'll just have to be vigilant with the lotion, might be something you could try too.
Thanks for the oil recipes ladies!
Thank you so much!
Wow- great information here! I was searching for spider deterrents (my poor 2 year old gets terrible bites at night). I'm so happy to find this solution and see that people are pleased with it! And as a soaper, I have the essential oils at hand! I think I'll mix some up right now and go spray it around her as she naps :) I'll use the Eucalyptus solution too. Something was mentioned about laundry... can I just drop some EO's in a load of wash with unscented detergent? That never occurred to me either!
Thanks again for this information! I really hope to end this ongoing spider battle!
Silverfish repellent
JacquelineL, I would appreciate it if you would post your recipe for the silverfish & mold/mildew repellent. I'd love to get rid of these naturally. Thanks.
Are these recipes safe for granite & travertine marble
I am new here and would love to try some of these recipes and Seventh Generation products but I have granite countertops in my kitchen and travertine marble in my bathroom. I have to be really careful in the bathroom because most cleaners etch the marble surface wherever they touch it. Vinegar being an acid does this. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Lois
Spider Deterrants
Thank-you so very much fot the information, I am allergic to the affects from so many of my neighboor visitors; spiders-one bite put me in the hospital for many days from the cellulitis, misquoites,fleas, you name it and I am allergic. I have been using canned neurtoxins to kill spiders. Do not want to continue these products anymore, but need to protect myself. Thanks, Jan
Oh my word....I am soooo happy I found you...
I used to be so terrified of a spider that I would not take my eyes off of it the entire day until someone would come and kill it. I finally forced myself to do it myself, but it was really hard to do. Now, my DD sent me your web site and I am already in love with it. I have been using your green products but I did not know about the sprays, etc. I will get my essential oils next shopping day. God bless you all for being so kind as to share this wonderful information. Bev
essential oils really do work
The lemon and lemongrass really do seem to work in the battle against spiders. It's important to know that they have to be reapplied every couple of weeks to continue being effective.
wow!
You all have really great recipes for natural cleaning items. So far, I love the lemon for spiders, and I lover to make a spray with lavender and vanilla for the pillows, it's so relaxing!
More on this subject here
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/spider-repellent
Wow
I'm so glad you're liking my sprays GreenOne. I love making them. When I get tired of one smell I move on to something different :) But I just love bright citrusy smells around the house. I like the baking soda in the oven idea I'll give that a try next time it needs a clean. I love sharing this stuff. I'll keep a lookout for your posts.
Soldiersgirl... When I run out of something there are shops here locally I can buy from pretty easily, but about once a year I place a big order to restock myself from a place called Nature's Gift. I love their products, and she spends a LOT of time describing the different properties of each oil she sells. I recommend the site highly (and I don't own it or anything, I just wish I did).
Hey Soldiersgirl, Yep, I
Hey Soldiersgirl,
Yep, I tried using vinegar and hydrogen peroxide on my counters, and it worked really well too. As far as buying essential oils, I buy them at Whole Foods Market, but there may not be one near you. You may have better luck finding them at a natural foods store or a market of some kind. Gosh, I'm not sure - but you also may be able to find them at a mom and pop store that maybe sells different nick nacks, or you can perhaps try to order them online. They do last a long time, so if you know someone near a Whole Foods Market or natural foods store, perhaps they could pick some up and send to ya.
New here...
Hi to the both of you. I like what you both have been saying about the essential oils, lemon for the spiders, that sounds great. One question, where could I buy the oils at? I'm in a small military town in Oklahoma. And for my countertops, I had read at the National Geographic website once that the best way to disinfect countertops was to keep two separate spray bottles, one with vinegar and one with peroxide. They both disinfect. You just, keep them undiluted. Spray one, then the other let it sit for a few seconds, then I wash it off with a hot wash cloth and rinse it once more time. I love it. I keep a bottle of 7Gen's multipurpose cleaner for tough stuck on foods/greases around the stove top. It works faster and better than the vinegar. I used to use Borax around the stove, but the 7Gen cleaner is better and easier to use.
Jacqueline, I've been using
Jacqueline,
I've been using your lemon spray to deter spiders, and it's fantastic. I also like using your eucalyptus spray to kill dust mites. I read somewhere that adding it to your laundry can help to kill 'em too, so I'll be trying that too. Your mixtures are amazing. I'll be checking back a lot to try the ones you mentioned with lemongrass and palmarosa.
Overall, it's a lot of fun using these sprays, since you can custom make 'em. I'll look forward to seeing more of your ideas and will share mine as I come along 'em. I just learned today that baking soda sprinkled around the oven, and then sprayed with water and left over night cleans the oven pretty well. It did take some scrubbing to remove the baking soda the next morning, though spraying some vinegar sped it up.
GreenOne
Hi there GreenOne, I love finding a kindred spirit. I've been crazy for non-toxic cleaning and making my own products forever. I too found that borax and washing soda left a white residue on my kitchen counters, and I ended up trying a lot of different mixes varying different ingredients, ultimately I've found I like a mix of 1C vinegar, 1C water, 3 drops of Seventh Generation dish washing liquid with a few drops of whatever essential oil suits me when I make up the mix... antibacterials include lemon, lime, lavender, thyme, eucalyptus, oregano and a bunch others.
One of my favorite blends is 5 drops of lemon, 10 drops of lemongrass which is anti-septic, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal combined in equal parts with 10 drops of clary sage and 10 drops of bergamot which are also antiseptic and great deodorizers too.
Another good combo is palmarosa which is antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial with lavender which has all the properties of palmarosa and is antifungal as well with lemon and geranium. You can mess with the quantities a bit to get a fragrance you like. With 2 cups of liquid I usually keep the oils around 25 - 35 drops and just mix it up depending on the season or what I want to smell at the time. I almost feel as though mixing up what I use to disinfect keep the bacteria from getting too used to any one thing too... though that's probably crazy :)
I only end up using a bit of borax in a mix now when I need to deal with a greasy appliance, and I just use a couple of teaspoons dissolved in about a quarter cup of hot water and a quarter cup of vinegar with a few drops of dish washing liquid & just a few drops of lemon or orange essential oils, but I have to rinse with plain water or vinegar to remove any residue.
I do love experimenting though :)
Jacqueline, I nearly jumped
Jacqueline, I nearly jumped out of my seat reading your recipes - those are amazing. (I sometimes check the "Better Basics for Non-Toxic Living" website for similar recipes too and I need to buy that book).
I'm curious - if you don't mind sharing? - what is your kitchen counter recipe? I've tried a couple - 2 teaspoons of washing soda, 2 teaspoons of borax, and 1/2 teaspoon of natural liquid soup with a cup of hot water, but this mixture (featured in "Naturally Clean: The Seventh Generation Guide to Safe & Healthy, Non-toxic Cleaning" by Jeff Hollander - an excellent read by the way) leaves a white residue on the surface.
I've also tried hydrogen peroxide on counters, which seems to work, but I'm not that pleased with it for some reason, although it does disinfect, which is important; I believe I'm supposed to dilute it 50/50 with water. But you're speaking my language, because I'm fighting spiders too, and I didn't realize lemon was a deterrent. Dust mites are always an enemy too. I'm just curious about all your recipes, aren't I.
A fun way to make any room smell nice is drop a drop of any essential oil on a hot light bulb. Tea tree oil in water is supposed to kill mold and mildew, but I've had better success using a spray of vinegar followed immediately by a spray of hydrogen peroxide (you can buy empty spray bottles with tops that'll screw off and right on to the hydrogen peroxide bottle so you don't have to pour it out) for cleaning mold and mildew around windows.
Spider deterrents
Essential oil of Lemon is a great natural deterrent for spiders. I make my own surface cleaner for cleaning counter-tops etc. and use a few drops of lemon oil in that to keep spiders out of the kitchen area, and I put some in my mop water and the water I use when I clean walls or ceilings.
I also make up a room spray with about two cups of distilled water, a couple drops of Seventh Generation dishwashing liquid (acts as an emulsifier to allow the lemon oil to mix with the water) and 5 to 15 drops of lemon oil depending on how lemony I want it (I occasionally mix in other essential oils as well for other properties they might have... essential oil of lavender is nice with the lemon... I never go above a total of 15 drops of oil though in one batch though). I squirt that in corners that I know spiders are attracted to and around the house.
I use a very similar spray, made the same way, as a linen spray but combine lemon and lavender with essential oil of eucalyptus because eucalyptus kills dust mites.
Also I know you didn't ask, but silverfish and mildew / mold are deterred by essential oil of clove; I combine that with a little borax, dishwashing detergent, baking soda, vinegar and essential oils of cinnamon and orange which have anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties (and they all smell really nice together), and I use that to clean my bath because when we first moved in I saw some silverfish under the bathroom sink.