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Lavender can help keep spiders away, but it’s not a guaranteed spider repellent on its own.
If you’ve been wondering does lavender keep away spiders, the short answer is yes, it can help, thanks to the strong scent that spiders really don’t like.
Spiders rely heavily on their sense of smell and taste to navigate the world, and lavender’s potent aroma overwhelms those senses.
That’s why a lot of people swear by lavender as a natural way to keep spiders out of their homes.
In this post, we’ll look at whether lavender really keeps spiders away, how to use it properly, and what else you can do to make your lavender spider repellent strategy actually work.
Let’s get into it.
Does Lavender Keep Away Spiders?
Yes, lavender does keep away spiders, and there are good reasons why this little purple plant works so well.
1. Spiders Hate the Smell of Lavender
The main reason lavender keeps spiders away comes down to its scent.
Spiders have very sensitive chemoreceptors on their legs that help them detect chemicals in the air and on surfaces.
Lavender contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which produce that calming fragrance we love but that spiders find intensely irritating.
When a spider picks up the smell of lavender, it usually decides the area isn’t worth hanging around.
2. Lavender Oil Works as a Natural Repellent
Lavender essential oil is a concentrated version of the plant’s natural defenses, and it keeps spiders away even more effectively than the plant alone.
The oil carries the same compounds but in a much stronger form, so even a small amount can send spiders scrambling.
That’s why so many natural spider repellent sprays list lavender essential oil as a key ingredient.
3. It Disrupts Spider Habitats
Spiders like quiet, undisturbed corners where they can build webs and wait for prey.
When you place lavender sachets, plants, or sprays in those spots, you’re basically making the area unpleasant enough that spiders move on.
So yes, lavender keeps spiders away by making your space smell like something they’d rather avoid.
How to Use Lavender to Keep Spiders Away
If you want lavender to keep spiders away effectively, you need to use it the right way.
1. Plant Lavender Near Entry Points
Growing lavender near doors, windows, and other entry points is one of the simplest ways to keep spiders away.
The plant releases its scent continuously, creating a natural barrier spiders don’t want to cross.
Just make sure your lavender gets plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil so it stays healthy and fragrant.
2. Make a Lavender Spray
A DIY lavender spray is a quick and easy way to keep spiders away inside your home.
Mix about 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil with water in a spray bottle, then add a splash of rubbing alcohol to help it mix.
Spray along baseboards, window sills, door frames, and corners where spiders tend to hang out.
Reapply every few days since the scent fades over time.
3. Use Lavender Sachets in Closets and Drawers
Dried lavender sachets are great for keeping spiders away from closets, drawers, and storage boxes.
Spiders love dark, quiet spaces, so placing a few sachets in those areas can make them think twice.
Refresh the sachets every month or two by squeezing them gently to release more of that lavender scent.
4. Add a Few Drops to Cotton Balls
Soaking cotton balls in lavender essential oil and tucking them into corners is another popular trick to keep spiders away.
Place them behind furniture, under sinks, and along windowsills where spiders like to sneak in.
Just keep them out of reach of pets and kids.
5. Combine Lavender With Other Spider Repellents
Lavender works even better when paired with other natural repellents like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus.
A blend of these scents makes your home far less inviting to spiders than lavender alone.
You can mix a few drops of each into your spray bottle for a stronger, longer-lasting effect.
Does Lavender Keep Away All Spiders?
Lavender keeps away most common household spiders, but it’s not a magic bullet.
Some spider species are less bothered by lavender than others, especially those that rely less on scent and more on vibration.
And lavender won’t kill spiders or wipe out an existing infestation.
It’s a deterrent, not an exterminator, so think of it as one tool in your toolkit rather than a total solution.
For best results, pair lavender with good housekeeping habits like reducing clutter, sealing cracks, and clearing away webs regularly.
Other Natural Ways to Keep Spiders Away
If you want extra backup beyond lavender, here are a few other natural options that keep spiders away.
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is another scent spiders can’t stand, and it works much like lavender does.
2. Vinegar Spray
A simple mix of white vinegar and water sprayed in corners can keep spiders away and double as a gentle cleaner.
3. Citrus Peels
Rubbing citrus peels along baseboards or leaving them in corners is a low-effort way to keep spiders away naturally.
4. Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkling food-grade diatomaceous earth around entry points can deter spiders and other crawling pests.
So, Does Lavender Keep Away Spiders?
Lavender does keep away spiders, and it’s one of the most pleasant natural repellents you can use.
The strong scent from its linalool and linalyl acetate compounds overwhelms a spider’s senses and makes your home far less appealing to them.
Just remember that lavender keeps spiders away best when you use it consistently, whether through plants, sprays, sachets, or cotton balls.
And for stubborn spider problems, combine lavender with other natural repellents and good home maintenance.
Hope this post has helped you understand whether lavender keeps spiders away and how to use it to keep those eight-legged visitors out of your space.