If you’ve noticed more spiders creeping around your home lately, you’re not imagining things. Pest experts say spider mating season peaks between September and early November, and this means more eight-legged visitors looking for warmth indoors. As the weather cools, spiders seek out cozy corners inside your home — especially through windowsill cracks, door frames, and tiny wall gaps.
Fortunately, there’s a quick and affordable way to keep them at bay. And the best part? You probably already have the main ingredient sitting in your kitchen.
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Season
Spiders become more active during early fall, not just outdoors but inside homes too. While their sudden appearance may feel random, there’s a reason for the surge — mating season. Male spiders, in particular, start wandering around more in search of a mate, often ending up in basements, corners, and even bathtubs.
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They’re not coming in to cause harm, but that doesn’t make their presence any less unnerving. With spider activity rising sharply from September through early November, now is the best time to act.
Entryways
Most spiders make their way indoors through barely noticeable gaps — like tiny cracks around window ledges, doors, air vents, or floorboards. Once inside, they tend to hide in undisturbed spots, spinning webs in corners, ceilings, and behind furniture.
And although most common house spiders are harmless, no one wants to be surprised by one lurking in the bathroom or closet. Preventing them from getting inside is key, and one household item can help you do just that.
Vinegar
White vinegar, the same ingredient you use for cleaning or removing limescale, doubles as a surprisingly effective natural spider repellent. Spiders rely on their highly sensitive sense of smell to navigate their surroundings. The intense smell of vinegar overwhelms their chemoreceptors — the sensors located on their legs — making them turn away.
To create your own spider deterrent, just mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then spritz the solution along common entry points like windowsills, baseboards, and door frames. You can also spray it along outdoor patios and pathways to keep spiders from even reaching your house.
Since it’s non-toxic and chemical-free, it’s safe to use around pets and children — although you’ll want to avoid spraying it on varnished or polished surfaces, as vinegar can dull the finish over time.
Oils
Not a fan of the vinegar smell? Essential oils offer another natural option for keeping spiders at bay. Peppermint oil, in particular, is known to be a strong repellent due to its powerful scent.
Robert Collins, a pest control expert at MyJobQuote, recommends adding 15 to 20 drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Once mixed, you can spritz the solution around the home just like the vinegar version.
Alternatively, soak a few cotton balls in peppermint oil and leave them on windowsills, inside closets, or near doors. The scent is far too strong for spiders, and they’ll steer clear of the area entirely.
Safe
One of the main advantages of using white vinegar or peppermint oil as a spider repellent is that both are natural and non-toxic. There’s no need for harsh chemicals or expensive sprays. Plus, both methods take just seconds to prepare and apply.
As Liam Cleverdon from Flooring King puts it, “A simple mix of half white vinegar and half water in a spray bottle is enough; just spritz it around door frames, window ledges, or corners where spiders are likely to enter.”
The same goes for peppermint — it works much like vinegar but with a more pleasant aroma. Just remember to reapply every few days, especially if you’re cleaning regularly or if it rains, washing away the scent barrier.
Action
Now is the perfect time to take action. Whether you go for the vinegar spray or opt for peppermint oil, the key is consistency. Spiders are creatures of habit, so once they find your home uninviting, they’ll be less likely to return.
Focus on sealing cracks, reducing clutter, and applying your chosen repellent in common entry points. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a spider-free home this fall.
FAQs
When is spider mating season?
From September through early November.
Why does vinegar repel spiders?
Its strong smell overwhelms their leg sensors.
Is vinegar safe to use indoors?
Yes, but avoid using it on polished surfaces.
How do I use peppermint oil for spiders?
Mix 15-20 drops with water and spray entry points.
Where do spiders usually enter homes?
Through window cracks, door gaps, and vents.
