Spider-repellent plants include houseplants and outdoor plants grown in containers or outdoor beds.
Spider-deterrent plants are most effective in critical locations near doors, windows, and other entryways.
Here is a list of plants that repel spiders.
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Basil is a cold-sensitiveherb that can be grown indoorsas a perennial during cool months.
Tip
Unless otherwise noted, these watering instructions are for plants growing in garden soil.
If grown in containers outdoors, plants need morefrequent and deep wateringdue to direct sun exposure and increased evaporation.
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Lavender
If you use lavender (Lavandulaspp.
)primarily to repel spiders, chooseEnglish lavenderbecause it has the strongest scent of all lavender varieties.
Lavenders are perennials, but they must be overwintered indoors in cooler climates.
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Lavender can be toxic to pets like dogs and cats.
Mint
Peppermint is the cold-hardiest of all mints (Menthaspp.)
and has the strongest scent, so its best suited to repel spiders.
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Note that mint is toxic to pets when ingested.
But if you give it plenty of light, you cangrow rosemary exclusively indoorsyear-round.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) needs plenty of sunlight to do well indoors.
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Placing mums around your entrance door is pretty and works against spiders.
Chrysanthemums can be toxic to pets.
The blades' lemon scentdeters spiders, mosquitoes, and other insects.
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The plant is a perennial, native to Argentina and Chile, that needs indoor overwintering in cold climates.
Lemon verbena is toxic to animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses.
Chives
A low-maintenance perennial herb whose onion scent works as a spider repellent.
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Catnip
A hardy perennial that grows and spreads fast.
For better control, catnip (Nepeta cataria)is oftengrown in containers, either outdoors or indoors.
If the plant gets unruly as a houseplant, start with a new seedling.
Citronella grassKcris Ramos / Getty Images
Many cats love catnip, but it is toxic to them.
It can make some cats sedate while stimulating others.
Marigolds
The strong scent of marigolds (Tagetesspp.)
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Marigolds are grown as annuals in all hardiness zones.
When grown indoors as a houseplant, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus cinerea)grows to only 6 to 10 feet.
Spiders in Your Yard
Not all spiders are nuisances; it depends on where you encounter them.
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Take the necessary steps tokeep them out of your home, but give them leeway outdoors.
Beneficial spiders in your yard include orb weavers, jumping spiders, and sac spiders.
The most effective way to keep spiders away from the patio is to make it unattractive to them.
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Remove woodpiles, debris, hidden crevices, and plant overgrowth.
Keep the patio clean with regular sweeping and vacuuming.
Use strong-scented essential oils, such as cedar and citronella, and discourage their appearance with ample lighting.
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Protect yourself from poisonous plants.
Centers for Disease Control.
Eucalyptus leaves: more than a delicacy for koalas.Office for Science and Society, McGill University.
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
