Gardeners Alert – Spray Patios and Paths with Vinegar Until November for Surprising Benefits

If you’ve noticed more spiders creeping around your home lately, you’re not alone—and no, it’s not just your imagination. Pest control experts have confirmed that spider mating season hits its peak from September to early November. That means right now is prime time for eight-legged visitors to sneak into your house in search of warmth, shelter, and, well… each other.

Fortunately, you don’t have to reach for harsh chemicals to deal with the invasion. There’s an easy and cheap DIY trick that uses a common household ingredient to keep spiders out. It’s fast, non-toxic, and surprisingly effective.

Season

So, why now? Simply put, spiders don’t like the cold. As the temperature drops, they start looking for warm, dry places to settle—and your home is perfect. Small cracks around windows, doors, and vents are like open invitations for them. Once inside, they hide in corners, closets, basements, and other quiet spaces, leaving cobwebs and scaring the daylights out of anyone who stumbles across them.

This is especially true during the fall months when spider activity spikes due to mating season. Males are on the move, searching for females to mate with, which explains why you suddenly see more of them in hallways or on ceilings.

Vinegar

Here’s where things get interesting. It turns out white vinegar—yes, the same one you use to clean your bathroom or descale your kettle—is also a natural spider repellent.

Spiders use chemoreceptors on their legs to sense their surroundings. These receptors are extremely sensitive to smells, and the strong odor of vinegar overwhelms them, throwing their senses off and making your home far less appealing.

The solution? Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, shake it up, and spritz it anywhere spiders might be sneaking in—think door frames, windowsills, corners, and baseboards.

You can also spray it outside around patios, garden paths, and around the perimeter of your home to keep them from getting in in the first place. The best part? This DIY vinegar spray is non-toxic and safe to use inside homes with pets or kids. Just be cautious using it on varnished or polished surfaces, as the vinegar could dull the finish over time.

Peppermint

Don’t like the smell of vinegar? No problem. Another all-natural remedy that’s just as effective is peppermint essential oil. Like vinegar, its strong scent overwhelms spiders and makes your home an unwelcome environment for them.

To make a spider-repelling spray, add 15 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Shake it well, then spray the mixture anywhere you usually find spiders lurking—along skirting boards, in corners, behind furniture, or under sinks.

Alternatively, soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them on window sills, near vents, or around doors. The intense fragrance will act like a no-entry sign for spiders and keep them at bay.

Peppermint oil also has the bonus of making your home smell fresh and clean. Plus, unlike synthetic sprays, it’s completely safe and chemical-free.

Extras

Looking for other ways to stop spiders in their tracks? Here are a few more preventative tips to keep your home spider-free this season:

• Seal up cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundations with caulk or weather stripping.
• Clear out clutter in garages, basements, and attics where spiders love to hide.
• Vacuum regularly—especially corners and under furniture—to remove webs and spider eggs.
• Keep outdoor lights off or use yellow bulbs, as lights attract insects (which attract spiders).
• Store firewood and compost piles away from your house.

Combining these simple habits with your vinegar or peppermint spray will dramatically reduce the number of spiders you’ll find inside.

You don’t have to wait for cobwebs to take over your home to start acting. These natural, budget-friendly solutions are easy to make and super effective at keeping your space spider-free without harming your health or the environment.

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