Peppermint's top ingredient may deter spiders

Did you know that peppermint can keep spiders away? The peppermint plant, also known as Mentha piperita, is not only refreshing and invigorating, but it also acts as a natural insect repellent when grown indoors. This highly aromatic herb emits a sharp scent through its leaves that spiders dislike. Peppermint contains menthol, menthone, and eucalyptol, which have a powerful effect on spiders. So, if you're looking for a natural way to combat spider invasions, consider growing peppermint plants indoors. They are fairly low-maintenance and can be placed in entryways and windowsills to keep spiders at bay.

Peppermint's spicy combination of ingredients makes it a great deterrent for spiders. Whether you choose to plant it in a pot or a planter, make sure it gets enough natural light and water. With the right care, peppermint plants can help you keep spiders away all year round. So, why not give it a try and enjoy the benefits of a spider-free home?

Did you know that spiders dislike the fragrance of peppermint? It turns out that the main ingredient in peppermint, menthol, is strong and cool, and spiders are not fans of it. Menthol is an organic substance that exists within the peppermint plant and is often made into essential oils or tinctures for beauty and household products.

However, simply having peppermint plants in your garden may not be enough to repel spiders. A study conducted by the Entomological Society of America in 2012 found that planting aromatic plants, including peppermint, in apple orchards had no effect on spiders. It seems that the leaves and stems alone may not give off enough of the potent component to deter spiders.

If you want to use peppermint as a spider repellent, it's recommended to make extracts and oils from your peppermint sprouts. Concentrated peppermint oil, when mixed with water and sprayed throughout the house, can keep spiders at bay. In fact, an article in the Journal of Economic Entomology in 2017 found that two types of spiders avoided areas treated with peppermint oil 75% of the time.

While this method may not banish spiders forever, it's a natural and effective way to keep them away if done consistently. So, consider growing peppermint indoors and harnessing its power to repel spiders.

Repel House Spiders Naturally with Peppermint Plants

If you want to repel house spiders naturally, utilizing live peppermint in regularly infested areas is worth a try. Position the plants in high-traffic their areas like doorways, near windows, and vents, including any other obvious openings. You might also sprinkle the leaves in colonized corners or near cracks or gaps. How many peppermint plants will you need? Depending on the level of your spider invasion, place several where needed. Other areas of concern might be around furniture or inside closets. Additionally, you may prevent them from entering main living areas by placing peppermint in the basement or garage. Wherever you establish the zesty herb, make sure it receives a sufficient amount of sunlight and water to thrive.

Peppermint plants like full sun along with soil that is consistently moist, so water them at least every other day. With shallow roots, peppermint plants are runners and flourish in wide and shallow pots. A healthy plant will grow rapidly, as a deep container may inhibit the spreading of its lengthy stems. If growing from seed, sow them ¼ inch in depth from the surface while keeping the soil moist. Sprouts should arise within 7-14 days. Not only will growing peppermint indoors be handy for cooking and refreshments, but this kitchen ingredient is also a good approach to stop spiders from settling.