7 Plants That are Proven to Repel Spiders

Using plants to keep insect out of your house and garden is a common practice. However, all the plants claimed to be effective do not work as well as they should. There are certain plants that have been proven to repel spiders, both indoor and outdoor.

Plants That Repel Spiders

Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Keep Spiders Away

Plants having a strong odor, including herbal plants and those having aromatic essential oils, are generally effective in keeping insects away. Here is a list of those most likely to work as spider repellents:

1. Basil

Basil Spider Repellent Plant

All varieties of basil can ward spiders off due to their aromatic volatile essential oils. The plants are also pretty easy to take care of, needing only regular watering and sunlight to thrive. They are good for keeping other similar insects out as well.

2. Mint

Do Mint Plants Repel Spiders

Almost all varieties of mint, including catnip or catmint, spearmint, and pennyroyal, work as spider repellants. Many people claim to have got the best results using peppermint plants. The strong pungent smell of the leaves makes them useful for driving off various insects. You may place whole plants near your doors, windows, and deck to keep spiders out, or you can just sprinkle a few leaves for the same effect.

3. Lavender

Lavender Indoor Plant That Repel Spiders

Spiders do not like the smell of lavender, so keeping a potted lavender plant near your windows, or any other place where they are likely to web up can help deter them. However, it might be toilsome to grow these plants indoors, needing frequent pruning, re-potting, and a lot of sunlight and air.

4. Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm Houseplant That Repels Spiders

Yet another strongly scented plant, lemon balm is also known to get rid of other insects like fruit flies along with spiders. Needing no more than proper well-drained soil and a little sunlight, it is a good option for those who don’t have much sun exposure at home or enough time for an elaborate plant care routine.

5. Rosemary

What Kind of Plants Repel Spiders Rosemary

Spiders find the seemingly faint smell of rosemary flowers and leaves completely disgusting, tending to steer clear of the plants. Being relatively less cold tolerant, it is often easier to grow rosemary in a pot, and simply keeping the pots near the areas of maximum spider activity can help.

6. Citronella (Lemongrass)

Lemongrass Best Spider Repellent Plants

Citronella or lemongrass, the source of the insect repellent citronella oil, is an excellent way of warding off spiders naturally. The acids present in the grass give it a distinct smell resembling lemons that spiders cannot stand.

Despite being rather hardy, this grass does not do that well in winter, especially if it gets really chilly. For those living in places with cold winters, it may be advisable to grow the grass in containers, so you could just carry them indoors when the weather gets less favorable.

7. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus Plant That Repels Spiders Outdoors

The distinct fresh scent of eucalyptus leaves is effective in keeping out various bugs and insects, both from your yard and your house. However, it is not always a feasible option to have a  full-grown eucalyptus in your garden. So, you may go for the dwarf varieties, as they make good, reasonably low-maintenance houseplants. Just make sure it gets enough sunlight, and keep the soil moist.

If you want, you may also plant some onion and garlic in your balcony, as some people claim to have seen positive results with them due to their pungent smell. However, they will not be suitable if you want an indoor plant.

Like with most natural insect repelling measures, you should not take it for granted that you will never spot a single spider if you have these plants. Also, try these remedies only if you are looking to get rid of simple garden spiders.

Larger and more dangerous species, like the widow or wolf spiders, should be taken care of with proper insecticides, preferably by a professional pest control service.