The 8 best houseplants to stop spiders invading your home this summer - try these natural repellents

As the temperatures start to climb and the weather improves over the next few weeks in anticipation for Summer, more and more of us will be embracing the balmier climate and making the most of the sunshine it brings with it. Yet with temperatures climbing, many of us will take to cracking open a window to let in some fresh air, and in doing so also risk opening the door to some unwanted eight legged guests.

Officially in the UK, spider season tends to begin in September as lovelorn arachnids in search of a mate venture out into the open and more often than not, this is when they have a tendency to get caught scuttling across the living room floor. However, spiders are actually prevalent in our homes all year round, with summer in particular also seeing more of the eight legged visitors venture indoors as we seek to let in more fresh air.

Yet while spiders do have their uses, especially when it comes to catching flies, another common summer pest, there are actually several plants that can deter the arachnids from invading your home and help to keep it spider free.

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Here, we take a closer look at eight of the best plants to help keep those pesky eight legged visitors at bay…

Basil

When it comes to keeping unwanted bugs at bay, Basil is a great and versatile all rounder to have in your home. Not only does it repel spiders, the plant is also widely disliked by ants, flies and mosquitoes. The fragrant herb, which also doubles as a handy cooking ingredient, is best placed in small pots around entrance points into the home.

Lavender

Another plant spiders are believed to hate is Lavender, with the sweetly scented plant offering a non-toxic way to rid your home of unwanted guests without needing to rely on harsh chemicals. For best results try placing a lavender cutting in each room of your home, as spiders are less than thrilled about its strong scent and will soon scarper!

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Rosemary

One unexpected plant that many homeowners may have overlooked is the humble herb Rosemary. Typically faintly scented to the human nose, the plant is actually far more potent to spiders who can’t stand the strong aroma.

Catnip

One plant that many homeowners often overlook is Catnip, largely due the changes in behaviour it can cause to our beloved feline friends. However, as well as driving cats wild, the plant itself can also keep spiders from hanging around. For best results place the plant on a sunny windowsill and water once the soil has dried.

Marigolds

Once considered the saviour of allotment keepers everywhere, Marigolds have long been associated with garden pest control as they repel nearly every small pest you can think of, from spiders and snails through to flies and beetles! As an added bonus, the beautiful golden flowers also make a bold style statement too while also providing a cruelty-free way to scare spiders away.

Citronella

One strong smelling but highly effective plant to banish spiders is Citronella, while also having the added bonus of scaring away mosquitoes, flies, gnats and plenty of other unwanted household pests. Typically marketed as an oil obtained from the leaves of lemongrass, the plant itself is a special form of grass known as Cymbopogon, that when planted in the garden should help to steer spiders clear of your home.

Mint

Another popular plant for ridding homes of spiders is sweet and fast growing peppermint. For maximum effectiveness try placing small pots in affected rooms and placing a few leaves into a spray bottle of water, before spritzing around entrance points such as doorways and windowsills. Not only will your room then smell minty fresh, you should also see far less spiders.

Eucalyptus

One unmistakable scent that often chases spiders away is the earthy aroma of Eucalyptus. Frequently used to banish spiders, it’s also great for repelling mosquitoes too and when placed in a spray bottle with some witch hazel and water, can easily deter spiders from making webs by simply squirting on the affected area.