Does Peppermint Oil Repel Spiders? What You Need to Know

You don’t have to have arachnophobia to think that spiders are scary. Not only do they have a lot of legs and eyes, but they also have a mean bite, especially some of the more dangerous ones. That said, even smaller spiders can become a problem, especially if you keep finding them on your ceiling, or worse, in your bed.

Unfortunately, spiders are hard to repel because they know how to get inside and stay inside. However, peppermint oil continues to be a popular choice for spider repellent.

So, does peppermint oil repel spiders? Read on to learn everything you need to know about peppermint oil’s ability to repel spiders and other insects.

What Is Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint oil is an essential oil that comes from the peppermint plant. It has a minty fragrance, and you’ll find it used for skincare, haircare, and even to repel insects. Typically, peppermint oil is used in an aroma diffuser to change the scent and mood of your home. For example, you can use it in your home around the holidays to give it that extra holiday aroma.

Now, getting peppermint oil isn’t as simple as mashing up some leaves. Instead, the leaves have to go through a steam distillation process, and a lot of plant material is used to create the highly concentrated peppermint oil that’s used for essential oils.

Once the oil is created, it can be added to an aroma diffuser, mixed with carrier oils for topical applications, or even added to skincare or haircare products.

Does Peppermint Oil Repel Spiders?

Yes, peppermint oil repels spiders. It repels spiders because spiders hate the smell of peppermint. While it won’t kill or harm them, spraying peppermint oil in your home or having it on your skin will keep spiders away, simply because they dislike how it smells.

For this reason, spraying peppermint oil a few times a week is enough to keep spiders from coming into your home. Depending on how much you like the smell of peppermint, spraying it at least once a week can be enough.

How to Use Peppermint Oil to Repel Spiders

To use peppermint oil to repel spiders, you have a few options. You can use it in a water-based spray to keep spiders away from specific areas of your home, or you can apply it topically. Learn more about both options below.

How to Use Peppermint Oil to Repel Spiders Topically

If you want to use peppermint oil to repel spiders topically, you’ll need to combine it with a carrier oil first. We also recommended using pure peppermint oil for spiders to avoid any skin irritation, as the purity and quality of the ingredients determine how well it will work.

For peppermint oil, coconut and jojoba oils work the best. Aim to mix three parts carrier oil with one part peppermint oil for the best results. Then, you can apply it to your skin to keep spiders from crawling on you.

How to Use Peppermint Oil to Repel Spiders in Your Home

If you want to use peppermint oil to repel spiders in your home, you’ll want to combine it with water in a spray bottle. We recommend using distilled water for the best results, and it’s not a bad idea to incorporate some witch hazel or vodka into the mix. Once you have your ingredients, fill most of the bottle with the water and then add a few drops of peppermint oil.

After your spray is complete, you can spray it on surfaces where spiders gather to keep them at bay. You can also spray it on your skin or clothes to keep them off you.

Does Peppermint Oil Repel Spiders? Our Final Thoughts

So, does peppermint oil repel spiders? In summary, yes, peppermint oil repels spiders. It can repel spiders in your home when you spray it on surfaces, or you can apply it topically to keep them off your skin.

For the best results, always choose the best peppermint oil for spiders and always do a patch test before applying it directly onto your skin. Also, it’s not a one-time thing, so make sure you spray it at least a few days a week for the best results.