Try essential oil deterrent spray (peppermint, lavender)

What to Do

Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray around window sills, baseboards, door frames, and crawlspace entries. Reapply every 1-2 weeks.

Why It Works

Field tests show lavender oil repels common house spiders and brown recluse for 7-14 days indoors. Peppermint oil's strong scent is avoided by multiple spider species including black widows. Combined use of peppermint and lavender creates a stronger barrier than either alone. However, scientific evidence is limited and effects are temporary.

Tips

• Essential oils are a supplement to exclusion and habitat modification, not a standalone solution
• Effects last only 1-2 weeks and require regular reapplication
• Peppermint oil is toxic to cats — cats cannot metabolize certain essential oil compounds, potentially causing liver failure
• Use caution around infants, small pets, birds, and people with respiratory conditions
• Cost: $10-25 for oils that last several months of applications