While spiders can be helpful, you probably don’t want them moving into your home. Spending time in your garden or bringing plants indoors can help to deter these pests. Knowing which plant fragrances are unpleasant to spiders can help you avoid a run-in with them. Check out a few plants that can help keep spiders from bugging you.
Mint
Mint comes in a variety of forms and its appearance varies depending on the species. Mint spreads quickly, so you’ll want to place it in a container or pot. It needs sunlight but does okay in partial shade. While this perennial is great for repelling spiders and other pests, it can be problematic for your furry family members. Consider using a different plant if you have pets.
Lavender
This herb is known for its purple hues. Lavender does well when it receives 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. It should be placed in well-draining soil, and its watering needs shift throughout its life cycle. This perennial can be placed indoors or outside. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you’ll want to plant lavender in containers and bring it inside until it warms up.
Citrus Trees
Spiders aren’t fans of citrusy scents. If you have the space, you can plant citrus trees in your yard. However, there are also dwarf citrus trees that can be kept in pots. If you’re growing a dwarf citrus tree, it should be brought indoors in the winter. Keep it near windows so it receives plenty of sunlight. When taking it back outside in warmer months, you’ll want to gradually place it in direct sunlight.
Thyme
This herb has several species including culinary and ornamental plants. Thyme thrives in warm and sunny conditions. It is drought-friendly and only needs watered when the soil is dry. Make sure soil drains well or your thyme plant won’t be happy. You can plant thyme in the ground or grow it in containers. If kept inside, it needs to be placed in a spot where it will receive a lot of sunlight.
Marigolds
Marigolds can brighten your yard with shades of orange, yellow, pink, and white. Not only do these plants deter spiders, they also help to repel other pests too. Marigolds do best in warm, sunny areas. They need to be grown in well-draining soil. These flowers are also great for attracting pollinators like butterflies.
Sage
This fragrant herb can be planted in spring or fall. It does well in full sunlight. Sage can be planted in containers or in the ground. Soil should be well-draining since sage doesn’t like really wet soil. You should water sage when the top inch of soil is dry, but be careful not to get the leaves wet. Sage is a good plant to have if you want to attract pollinators to your yard.
Dill
This annual herb thrives in warm climates. It does best when it receives 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Dill prefers soil that contains organic matter. Make sure it’s protected from the wind or it can be easily knocked over. Dill also attracts beneficial insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, that will eat harmful plant pests.
Chrysanthemums
Like marigolds, these flowers come in a variety of colors. Chrysanthemums can be planted in spring, and they bloom in the fall. They should be placed in areas where they will receive full sunlight. They need to planted in soil that drains well. If soil is too wet, their roots can rot. Make sure they are spaced apart so there’s good air circulation.
Basil
You may like cooking with basil, but spiders aren’t a fan of it. Basil does well in warm climates. It can be grown indoors or outside. Make sure this plant receives 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Place basil in soil that is rich and drains well but is still moist. Basil also grows best when planted in warm soil.
Chives
Chives are a part of the allium family, which is known to bug spiders and other pests. They prefer cooler temperatures and grow best in spring and fall. Place chives in areas where they can receive full sunlight. Soil should be moist but well-draining. Be careful planting chives if you have pets since this plant can be toxic to furry family members.
Adding a few of these spider-repelling plants to your yard and around your home can help to keep spiders away. If creepy crawlies are giving you a fit, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
Great information for me I hate them. They cover my balcony with webs so now I know what to buy