6 indoor plants that naturally stop spiders from entering your home

As summer draws to a close, the arrival of late August often means more spiders making their way indoors. Their numbers usually peak in September, coinciding with mating season when male spiders actively search for partners. While spiders are generally harmless and even beneficial in controlling other insects, many people dislike their presence, especially those who struggle with arachnophobia. Certain houseplants are known to deter spiders thanks to their strong aromas, which these eight-legged visitors tend to avoid. Incorporating these plants into your home not only adds greenery and charm but may also keep your living space more comfortable and spider-free.Basil is one of the most effective plants for deterring spiders naturally. Its strong scent, which makes it a staple in kitchens worldwide, is exactly what keeps spiders at bay. Spiders rely heavily on their sense of smell, and basil’s aromatic compounds are unpleasant to them. Placing fresh basil plants near windows, doorways, and other entry points can reduce the chances of spiders coming indoors.Beyond simply growing the plant, basil can also be used to create a natural spider repellent spray. Mixing fresh basil leaves with witch hazel or plain water and spritzing the solution onto surfaces like skirting boards, window sills, and corners can help keep spiders away from areas where they typically build webs. For households that enjoy both cooking and gardening, basil offers a dual purpose: flavouring meals and maintaining a spider-free environment.Lavender is often praised for its soothing qualities, particularly in promoting relaxation and better sleep, but it also works as a natural spider repellent. The plant’s calming fragrance, so pleasant to humans, is disliked by spiders, which makes lavender a wonderful addition to bedrooms and living areas.Indoor potted lavender plants provide long-lasting protection, while dried lavender bundles or sachets can be placed in wardrobes, drawers, or hung in different rooms. These small touches not only fill your home with a fresh, floral aroma but also discourage spiders from lingering indoors. For people who want a multipurpose plant, lavender is an excellent choice since it doubles as a stress reliever and a natural defence against household pests.Mint is another herb that spiders can’t stand. Its refreshing smell masks the pheromone trails that spiders use for navigation, making it difficult for them to settle in. Growing mint indoors is relatively simple, but it’s best to keep it in a container as the plant can spread rapidly. A pot of mint near windowsills or kitchen counters can help reduce the number of spiders sneaking in.For added effectiveness, mint can also be used to make a homemade spray. Simply steep fresh leaves in water, let the mixture sit for several hours, then transfer it into a spray bottle. Spritzing this natural solution around door frames, corners, and behind furniture will create an invisible barrier that spiders prefer not to cross. Besides repelling spiders, mint’s invigorating aroma can freshen up your home and even be used in teas and recipes.Closely related to mint, lemon balm is another aromatic herb that spiders dislike. Its citrusy fragrance is particularly effective at keeping spiders away while also creating a light, refreshing scent indoors. Lemon balm thrives in pots and requires little maintenance, making it a convenient option for households looking to add greenery with practical benefits.Placing lemon balm plants near entryways or sunny windows can deter spiders before they make their way deeper into your home. Like mint, its leaves can also be steeped in water to create a spider-repellent spray. The added advantage of lemon balm is that it can be used for herbal teas known to reduce stress and improve sleep quality, so it benefits both your wellbeing and your home environment.Eucalyptus is a bold, fragrant plant often associated with freshness and purification. Its essential oils contain compounds that not only repel spiders but also deter other pests such as mosquitoes. While large eucalyptus trees are not practical for indoor growing, smaller potted varieties or cut stems can be used indoors effectively.Keeping a pot of eucalyptus in your living room or placing fresh branches in a vase can naturally discourage spiders from lingering inside. Additionally, eucalyptus leaves can be dried and placed in small sachets around the house. The strong, refreshing scent not only helps repel spiders but also clears the air, leaving your home smelling crisp and clean.Rosemary, often used in cooking, also carries a strong scent that spiders find unappealing. Its woody, pine-like aroma works as a natural deterrent, making it an ideal plant to place on kitchen counters or window ledges. Rosemary is hardy and thrives in pots, which makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.Like other herbs, rosemary leaves can be dried and used in sachets or infused in sprays to target specific areas where spiders are commonly spotted. Beyond its spider-repelling qualities, rosemary is a versatile culinary herb and a decorative addition to your home décor. Its ability to deter pests while enhancing your meals makes it a practical and multipurpose houseplant.Spiders tend to move indoors as the weather cools, but with the right selection of houseplants, you can discourage them from settling in your home. Basil, lavender, mint, lemon balm, eucalyptus, and rosemary are all natural, fragrant solutions that serve multiple purposes beyond pest control. They are easy to grow, versatile in use, and add charm to your indoor spaces.While no method guarantees a completely spider-free home, incorporating these plants can make a noticeable difference. Combined with regular cleaning and sealing of entry points, these natural deterrents offer an eco-friendly and pleasant-smelling way to reduce spider visits during peak season.Also Read: 9 types of brown snakes you may encounter hiding under a leaf pile near your house