Plants That Repel Spiders: Science-Backed Facts vs. Myths

Okay so here’s the thing. I’ve been researching this spider repellent plant stuff for way longer than I care to admit, and honestly? Most of what you read online is either oversimplified, straight up wrong, or just gets repeated because someone saw it on Pinterest once.

Like, you’ve probably seen a hundred articles telling you to put lemon peels around your house or spray citrus oil everywhere. Guess what – actual scientists tested that and it doesn’t do anything. Like literally zero effect on spiders.[1] But people keep sharing it because it sounds like it should work, you know?

So I went down this rabbit hole of reading actual scientific studies (the boring peer-reviewed kind, not blog posts), and what I found is that some plants do help with spiders… but probably not the way you think. And definitely not the ones everyone talks about.

This is gonna be long because honestly there’s a lot to unpack here. But if you’re tired of finding spiders in your house and want to know what actually works based on real research – not just someone’s aunt’s remedy – then keep reading.

First – How Do Spiders Even “Smell” Things?

Before we get into which plants work, you gotta understand how spiders perceive their world. Because it’s not like they’re walking around sniffing the air.

Spiders don’t have noses. They have these tiny little sensory organs called sensilla – basically specialized hairs all over their body, especially on their legs. These pick up chemical signals, but here’s the kicker: they’re way better at detecting stuff they touch than stuff floating in the air.[2]

Rod Crawford (he’s been studying spiders at the Burke Museum for like 45+ years) says something really important: “Spiders seldom show any sign of being able to detect airborne odors.”[4]

So that potted plant sitting across your living room? The spider probably can’t even tell it’s there unless the spider walks right up to it. This is why just having plants around doesn’t really work – you need the compounds from those plants to actually get on surfaces where spiders will touch them.

The Timing Problem (Why People Think Stuff Works When It Doesn’t)

Here’s something that tricks people all the time. Spider season runs from like late August through October – that’s when male spiders are out looking for mates and you see them everywhere.[10] Then around November, boom, spider sightings drop way off naturally because mating season is over.

The problem is people start trying home remedies in September, spiders decrease in November, and everyone’s like “it worked!” But the spiders were gonna decrease anyway. That’s just what happens every year.[4]

Classic placebo effect. And it’s why you can’t trust anecdotal evidence like “my grandma always used lavender and never had spiders.” Maybe grandma’s house was also super clean and well-sealed, you know?

What The Actual Scientific Studies Show

Alright, let’s get into the research. And heads up – there’s not as much as you’d think. Only about 3-4 solid peer-reviewed studies have actually tested plants against spiders.

The Big One: That 2018 Study Everyone Should Know About

There’s this study from 2018 in the Journal of Economic Entomology that tested the three most popular “natural spider repellents” everyone recommends.[1] They tested:

Lemon oil (because every blog says use it)
Peppermint oil (also super popular)
Horse chestnuts (old folk remedy)

They used proper scientific methods with three different spider species. Here’s what happened:

Lemon oil: Absolutely nothing. Zero. The spiders didn’t care at all.[1] Yet if you Google “natural spider repellent” right now you’ll find literally thousands of results telling you to use lemon. It’s frustrating because actual scientists proved it doesn’t work but nobody updates their content.

Peppermint oil: This actually worked! Around 75% of the European garden spiders and brown widow spiders avoided it.[1] But – and this is important – the false widow spiders barely reacted to it. So it’s not like peppermint works on all spiders equally.

Horse chestnuts: Also worked pretty well, similar to peppermint for some species.[1] Which is interesting because this is one of those old folk remedies where people put conkers in their basement corners. Turns out grandma might have been onto something after all.

The 2022 Study on Yellow Sac Spiders

Another study tested 15 different essential oils on yellow sac spiders (these are the ones that actually bite people sometimes).[3]

What worked:

Clove oil – strong effect
Pineapple oil – moderate
Banana oil – moderate

But here’s the weird part: caraway oil actually attracted the spiders.[3] Like they moved toward it instead of away from it. So you can’t just assume all strong-smelling oils repel spiders – some might make it worse.

Brand New Research from 2025

There’s this really recent study (like January 2025) that tested oils on wolf spiders.[11] Found that catnip, cedarwood, cinnamon, citronella, and clove oils all worked. They even figured out the specific compounds responsible – eugenol, β-caryophyllene, and geraniol.

This is cool because they’re starting to identify the exact molecules that affect spiders rather than just testing whole plant extracts.

What We Don’t Have Studies On

Despite being recommended everywhere: basically no peer-reviewed research on lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, basil, or most common herbs specifically for spider control.

The lavender thing especially bugs me because it’s in like 90% of “spider repellent plant” lists but there’s no actual spider studies on it. The recommendations seem to come from:

Studies on other insects (not spiders)
Studies on spider mites (which aren’t even true spiders)
Everyone just copying everyone else

Same with eucalyptus and rosemary. Might help with other bugs, but the spider-specific evidence isn’t there.

Breaking Down Each Plant (The Honest Version)

Let me go through the common recommendations and give you the real deal on each one.

Peppermint – Actually Has Evidence ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Okay so peppermint is legit. Multiple studies back it up.[1] The active compound is menthol which basically overwhelms spiders’ chemical receptors – like if someone sprayed strong perfume right in your face and you had to get away from it.

But here’s what articles don’t tell you: Just growing a peppermint plant isn’t gonna do much. The plant sitting there doesn’t release enough oils to matter.[6] You have to actually crush the leaves regularly to get the oils out, or use essential oil sprays.

How to actually use it:

Grow it if you want, but crush leaves every day near problem areas
Better option: make a spray with essential oil (I’ll give you the recipe later)
Put crushed fresh leaves directly in corners or near entry points

Growing it:

Needs bright light, like 4-6 hours
Use wide shallow pots (it spreads horizontally)
Keep soil moist but not soggy
Propagate by sticking cuttings in water – super easy

Important safety thing: Concentrated peppermint oil is toxic to cats and dogs.[7] The plant itself is less risky but still keep it away from pets who might eat it. Cats especially can’t process the compounds in essential oils properly.

Chrysanthemums – Also Legit But… ⭐⭐⭐⭐

These actually work because they contain pyrethrins – that’s what’s in most “natural” bug sprays.[5] Pyrethrins don’t just repel, they’re actually toxic to spiders.

The catch: You need the specific Dalmatian chrysanthemum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) bred for pest control. Regular garden center mums have way lower pyrethrin levels.[5] Most garden centers don’t even carry the right kind.

If you can find them:

Plant near doorways and windows
Need full sun
Don’t let them sit in wet soil
Zones 3-9

Safety note: Mildly toxic to pets (cats, dogs, horses).[8] Not like instantly dangerous but don’t let them eat the flowers.

Lavender – Probably Doesn’t Do Much ⭐⭐

I hate to break it to you but lavender’s evidence for spiders specifically is… basically nonexistent.[2] It’s recommended everywhere but that seems to be based on it repelling other insects, not actual spider studies.

It might help indirectly by keeping away the bugs that spiders eat. But as a direct spider repellent? The science isn’t there.

Growing it is also kind of a pain indoors:

Needs like 6-8 hours direct sun
Hates humidity and overwatering
Wants alkaline soil
Most homes don’t have the right conditions

Honestly if you like how it smells, grow it. But don’t expect it to keep spiders away just because some blog said so.

Horse Chestnuts – Surprisingly Legit ⭐⭐⭐

This is an old folk remedy where people put horse chestnuts (conkers) in corners. And the 2018 study found it actually works pretty well, similar to peppermint.[1]

They think saponins in the chestnuts are responsible but they’re not totally sure how it works yet.

How to use:

Just place the actual chestnuts in corners, on windowsills, etc.
They last a few months before drying out
Replace when they start shriveling
Collect from under trees in fall or buy online

Safety: Toxic if eaten (they’re different from edible sweet chestnuts). Keep away from kids and pets.

Eucalyptus – Not Much Evidence ⭐⭐

Similar to lavender – recommended all the time but not actually tested on spiders specifically.[2] Contains eucalyptol which has insect-repelling properties but whether it affects spiders is unclear.

Also super hard to grow indoors. Needs tons of sun, low humidity, careful watering. Most people kill them pretty quick.

Better approach: Grow it outside if you can, and cut branches for indoor vases. Cut branches actually release more oils as they dry.

Rosemary – Maybe Helps a Little ⭐⭐

Contains camphor and eucalyptol. Might help with general bug control but spider-specific evidence is limited.[2]

Growing tips if you try it:

Needs 6+ hours sun
Sandy well-draining soil
Don’t overwater (Mediterranean plant)
Prone to powdery mildew indoors if air circulation sucks

At least you can cook with it if the spider thing doesn’t work out.

Citrus/Lemon – Proven NOT to Work ⭐

I’m putting this in bold: Scientifically tested and proven ineffective.[1]

The researchers specifically tested lemon oil and found zero effect on any spider species. None.[1]

Yet this is probably the #1 recommended natural spider repellent online. It’s in thousands of blog posts, YouTube videos, Pinterest pins. And it doesn’t work.

Why does the myth persist? Because citrus smells strong to us so we assume spiders hate it too. But that’s not how spider biology works.

Don’t waste your time with lemon peels or citrus oils for spider control.

Osage Oranges (Hedge Apples) – Folk Remedy That Doesn’t Work ⭐

People have been putting these weird brain-looking fruits in basements for generations. Iowa State actually researched it – doesn’t work.[4] Concentrations of any active compounds are too low.

Plus spiders literally build webs directly on the fruits.[4] Kind of proves the point.

Basil – Safe For Pets But Unproven ⭐⭐

No real evidence for spiders but basil has one huge advantage: it’s completely non-toxic to cats and dogs.[7] So if you have pets and want to try something, basil is the safest option.

Also you can make pesto with it so there’s that.

Making DIY Spider Sprays That Might Actually Work

If you’re gonna make sprays, at least base them on the stuff that has some evidence.

Basic Peppermint Spray

Based on the research concentrations that worked:[1]

15-20 drops pure peppermint essential oil
2 cups water
1 tablespoon liquid Castile soap (helps oil mix with water)
Glass spray bottle (oils mess up plastic)

Mix it up, shake before each use, spray around baseboards, windows, doorframes. Reapply weekly or more often if you’re in a humid place.

Stronger Version with Vinegar

10 drops peppermint oil
1 cup water
1/3 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon soap

Vinegar adds extra deterrent and actually kills spiders on contact. But it smells like vinegar obviously, and dissipates faster so you gotta reapply more.

Multi-Oil Blend

Using oils that showed effects in studies:[3][11]

5 drops peppermint
5 drops clove
3 drops cinnamon
2 cups water
1 tablespoon soap

Warning: Clove and cinnamon oils can irritate skin. Wear gloves, keep away from pets and kids.

What NOT to Put In

Based on research:

Skip citrus oils – proven not to work[1]
Skip caraway – might actually attract spiders[3]
Be careful with random “natural spider spray” blends from stores – who knows what’s in them

The Real Talk: Plants Alone Won’t Fix Your Spider Problem

Alright here’s the part where I tell you stuff you probably don’t want to hear. Plants and natural sprays are fine as ONE part of a bigger strategy. But if you think you can just put some peppermint plants around and call it done… that’s not gonna work.

Scientists and pest control experts all say the same thing: integrated pest management is what actually works.[9] That means doing multiple things together.

What Actually Matters Most

1. Control the food source

Dr. Richard Kramer (board-certified entomologist) puts it straight: “The most effective means for deterring spiders in and around the house is to manage insects, which are their prey.”[9]

Spiders don’t just randomly decide to live in your house. They go where there’s food. If you’ve got flies, mosquitoes, moths, whatever – you’ll have spiders hunting them.

Fix the bug problem, spider pressure drops naturally.

2. Seal up entry points

Spend a weekend sealing gaps and cracks:

Around windows and doors (weatherstripping)
Foundation cracks (caulk)
Pipes and utility lines (expanding foam)
Gaps under doors (door sweeps)
Holes in screens (patch or replace)

This does more than months of spraying peppermint oil.

3. Reduce clutter

Spiders love undisturbed areas. Basements full of boxes, attics with stuff everywhere, garages with tools and equipment piled up – that’s spider heaven.

Store stuff in sealed plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes. Keep areas accessible and organized. Vacuum regularly including corners and behind furniture.

4. Control moisture

Many spiders like damp areas. Fix leaks, use dehumidifiers in basements, ensure good ventilation.

5. Fix your lighting situation

Exterior lights near entry points attract insects which attract spiders. Move lights away from doors or switch to yellow “bug lights” that attract fewer insects.

6. NOW add the plant stuff

After you’ve done all that, then layer on:

Peppermint spray on entry points and problem areas
Crushed peppermint leaves if you’re growing it
Chrysanthemums at doorways if you can find the right kind
Horse chestnuts in corners if you want
Cedar chips in storage areas
Diatomaceous earth in dry spots like attics

See how plants are like step 6 out of 6? They’re a supplement, not a solution.

The Pet Safety Thing Nobody Talks About

Real quick because this is important and most articles just gloss over it.

Essential Oils Can Be Dangerous for Pets

Cats especially – they lack certain liver enzymes that break down compounds in essential oils.[7] What’s “natural” and safe for you can seriously harm cats.

Essential oils toxic to cats:

Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Tea tree
Cinnamon
Clove
Pine
Citrus oils
Wintergreen

Dogs are somewhat better at processing them but small dogs and dogs with liver issues are still at risk.[7]

Signs of toxicity:

Drooling
Vomiting
Tremors
Breathing problems
Lethargy

If you have pets and want to try natural spider control:

Stick to growing plants rather than concentrated oils
Choose non-toxic plants (basil is safest)
Don’t diffuse oils in rooms where pets hang out
If using sprays, only in well-ventilated areas pets can avoid

Honestly if you have pets you’re probably better off focusing on sealing entry points and reducing clutter rather than using plants or oils.

Different Spiders Need Different Approaches

Something most articles don’t mention: there are like 3,000+ spider species in North America. They don’t all behave the same way.

The peppermint that worked great on brown widows in the study? Barely affected false widows.[1] So effectiveness depends on which spiders you actually have.

Common House Spiders

Small brown spiders that build messy cobwebs in corners. Not in the major studies so we don’t really know if peppermint works on them specifically.

What works: Regular vacuuming of webs, sealing entry points.

Wolf Spiders

Large fast-moving ground hunters. The 2025 study found catnip, cedarwood, cinnamon, citronella and clove oils worked on them.[11]

What works better: Physical exclusion since they actively wander in. Seal gaps, use door sweeps, keep outside lights away from doors.

Black Widows

Potentially dangerous. Brown widows were repelled by peppermint and horse chestnuts in the Fischer study.[1]

What works better: If you have an actual infestation, call a professional. These are serious enough that DIY might not cut it.

Cellar Spiders (Daddy Long-legs)

Those gangly spiders in basements. No specific studies on repellents for them.

What works: Reduce moisture, improve lighting, vacuum webs. Some people leave them because they eat other spiders.

When Plants Are Worth Trying vs When to Just Call Someone

Plants and DIY approaches are worth trying when:

You have occasional spider sightings (not an infestation)
They’re harmless species
You’re willing to do the whole integrated approach (not just plants)
You have realistic expectations

Call a professional when:

Multiple venomous spiders (black widows, brown recluses)
Large infestation despite your efforts
Can’t find where they’re getting in
Business/commercial property
Just tired of dealing with it

The Money Reality

Let’s be real about costs because “natural” spider control can actually get expensive.

DIY with plants/oils:

Initial setup: $50-100 (plants, oils, spray bottles)
Ongoing: $10-15/month for oil refills
Time investment: Moderate

Just sealing entry points:

One-time cost: $100-200
Time investment: One weekend
Lasts for years

Professional pest control:

One-time treatment: $150-300
Quarterly service: $100-150 per visit
Annual: $400-600

The best bang for your buck? Sealing entry points. It’s a one-time investment that works 24/7 and lasts for years.

Peppermint spray is relatively cheap and has actual evidence, so that’s probably second place.

Buying a bunch of plants with weak evidence? Questionable investment.

Bottom Line: What I’d Actually Do

If I was starting fresh with a spider problem, here’s what I’d do based on all this research:

Week 1:

Seal obvious entry points (gaps around windows, doors, pipes)
Deep clean and declutter problem areas
Address any moisture issues

Week 2:

Make peppermint spray using the recipe above
Apply around all entry points, baseboards, corners
Set up sticky traps to monitor where spiders are coming from

Week 3:

Find and seal any additional entry points identified by sticky traps
Look for insect problems and address them
Maybe get some horse chestnuts to place in corners if I felt like it

Ongoing:

Reapply peppermint spray weekly
Regular vacuuming especially corners and behind furniture
Keep stuff sealed and organized
If I was really into it, maybe grow some peppermint to crush leaves near problem areas

What I wouldn’t do:

Buy lemon oil or citrus products for spiders (proven not to work)
Buy a bunch of lavender plants expecting them to repel spiders
Rely only on plants without doing the sealing/cleaning stuff
Use essential oils with pets in the house
Expect zero spiders ever (unrealistic)

Final Thoughts

Look, most spiders are actually helpful – they eat tons of pest insects. The goal shouldn’t be “eliminate every spider forever.” The goal should be “spiders stay outside where they belong.”

That’s totally achievable. You just need to:

Actually seal your house properly
Control insects (spider food)
Reduce clutter and hiding spots
Add peppermint spray as an extra layer if you want
Have realistic expectations

Plants can be part of your strategy, but they’re not a magic solution. The ones with actual evidence (peppermint, certain chrysanthemums, horse chestnuts) might help when used correctly. Everything else ranges from “maybe helps a little” to “scientifically proven not to work.”

And please, for the love of god, stop recommending lemon oil. Scientists tested it. It doesn’t work. Let’s let that myth die already.

Sources (The Boring But Important Part)

[1] Laznik, Ž., & Trdan, S. (2018). Natural Compounds as Spider Repellents: Fact or Myth? Journal of Economic Entomology, 111(1), 314-320. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29309619/

[2] Entomology Today. (2018). Do Chestnut, Lemon, or Peppermint Scents Repel Spiders? https://entomologytoday.org/2018/01/22/do-chestnut-lemon-or-peppermint-scents-repel-spiders/

[3] Gonella, E., et al. (2022). Attraction or Repelling Effects of Commercial Plant Essential Oils on the Synanthropic Cheiracanthium mildei. Journal of Economic Entomology, 115(4), 1324-1330. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35674716/

[4] Burke Museum. (n.d.). Myth: Spider repellants. University of Washington. https://www.burkemuseum.org/collections-and-research/biology/arachnology-and-entomology/spider-myths/myth-spider-repellants

[5] Gardener’s Path. (n.d.). How to Grow and Care for Chrysanthemums. https://gardenerspath.com/plants/flowers/grow-chrysanthemums/

[6] Aroma Energy. (n.d.). Natural Spider Repellents: How to Use Essential Oils to Keep Spiders Away. https://aromaenergy.co.uk/blogs/essential-oils/natural-spider-repellents-how-to-use-essential-oils-to-keep-spiders-away

[7] Healthline. (n.d.). Essential Oils as Spider Repellent. https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-spider-repellent

[8] The Practical Planter. (n.d.). 7 Amazing House Plants that Repel Spiders. https://thepracticalplanter.com/indoor-plants-that-repel-spiders/

[9] Pestline. (n.d.). How To Get Rid of Spiders. https://pestline.com.au/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-spiders/

[10] Gardening Know How. (2025). 6 Plants That Repel Spiders To Keep Creepy Crawlies At Bay. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/plants-that-repel-spiders

[11] ScienceDirect. (2025). Repellent effect of selected essential oils against the wolf spider Pardosa hortensis. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635725001457

Other stuff I looked at:

Today’s Homeowner – How To Make Homemade Spider Spray SPRK Pest Control – Can Essential Oils Really Keep Spiders Away? Healthline – Does Peppermint Oil Repel Spiders? House Beautiful – 9 houseplants that are proven to repel spiders naturally Western Exterminator – What Kills Spiders? Natural Ways to Get Rid of Spiders Gya Labs – Best Essential Oils to Repel Spiders Fomin Soap – 14 Natural Spider Repellents That Work Like A Charm Jamison Pest – Top 5 Natural Spider Repellents SF Gate – Does Cedar Wood Deter Spiders? Gecko Pest Control – 5 Simple Home Remedies to Keep Spiders Out Nikura – Does Peppermint Oil Repel Spiders?

Sarah Miller