Does Peppermint Oil Repel Spiders? The Answer Explained

Spiders are some of the best bugs out there, and they actually help you keep other pests out of your home. While this may be the case, that doesn't mean you need them living on top of you, right? If this is the case, the good news is that we have your back, especially if you want to keep things a little minty fresh at home.

So, does peppermint oil repel spiders? The short answer is yes, but it's a little more complicated than that. For example, you may have some issues with pets, and it may not even repel them at all.

Want the full story? Read on to learn more below.

What Exactly is Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint oil is unique, and you probably know it from candy canes or other minty things. It comes from the Mentha piperita plant, which is actually a hybrid of spearmint and watermint. So, you’re getting a whole lot of mint when it comes to this essential oil.

Now, for the oil itself, getting it is not as simple as grabbing some off a leaf. Instead, it's a concentrated extract from the flowering plant that's made through cold pressing or steam distillation.

The result? A potent and fresh minty aroma. What's more, you'll find that it's used in food, as an aroma, and much more.

Does Peppermint Oil Repel Spiders?

Yes! Peppermint oil functions as a natural spider repellent. It's a short-term solution that can keep spiders away from specific areas of your home. Now, it won't harm or kill them, but they'll stay away because spiders don't love the strong aroma of peppermint oil.

What's more, you'll need to spray this solution frequently because it doesn't last very long. Therefore, it may not be a permanent pest control solution, so keep this in mind before you go down this route.

How to Repel Spiders with Peppermint Oil

To repel spiders with peppermint oil, you need to create a peppermint oil spray. This is a spray that requires you to mix about 10-15 drops of oil with water in a spray bottle; 16 ounces should be enough.

Once you have the mixture, the good news is that it's simple to use. All you need to do is spray the oil in your home. You'll want to focus on places that spiders use to gather, so if you've found any, make sure you spray it there.

Some common places to spray peppermint oil include around baseboards, door frames, and dark corners. For the best results, you'll need to spray the peppermint oil once weekly. Or, you can wait until the mint scent disappears.

If you want to maximize the mixture's potential, adding a little dish soap can help the oil and water mix better. Plus, you get the benefit of having a minty and fresh-smelling home.

Things to Consider When Using Peppermint Oil to Repel Spiders

It's important to note that peppermint oil is not the end-all be-all for spider removal. For example, if you have an infestation, you may want to connect with a professional exterminator.

What's more, there are some limitations to the impact of peppermint oil. Some studies show that it will help, sure, but others have found that it's not impactful. So, your level of success may vary.

It's also important to note that your pets might not do too well with peppermint oil. Sometimes, it may be too strong, and other times it may even harm them. Therefore, you need to weigh the pros and cons of peppermint oil for spiders before you use it.

Does Peppermint Oil Repel Spiders? Our Final Thoughts

So, does peppermint oil repel spiders? Ultimately, yes, peppermint oil does repel spiders. That said, there are limitations to it. For example, studies are mixed, and it may cause issues for your pets. What's more, it's only temporary, and if you end up with the wrong mixture, it may even be too strong for you and your pets.

For the best results, it's important to choose the best essential oil resources, especially if you plan on buying peppermint oil in bulk. In fact, we recommend doing so because you'll need a lot of oil to keep your home spider-free with peppermint oil sprays.