September 15, 2025, 9:14 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Spiders are part of a functioning ecosystem and are even beneficial in the garden because they eat many pests. However, most people prefer not to encounter the eight-legged insects in their homes. For those who want to avoid chemical solutions, certain plants can repel spiders: Their scent keeps spiders away without any harm. myHOMEBOOK presents the most effective plants and explains how to use them correctly.
Follow myHOMEBOOK on WhatsApp now
Overview
Why Spiders Avoid Certain Plants
Spiders may not have traditional olfactory organs like humans, but they perceive scents through their fine hairs and sensory cells. Particularly intense essential oils are unpleasant for them. Therefore, they avoid areas where strongly scented herbs or plants are present. The following plants are literally spider enemies:
Related: 5 Plants That Can Repel Ticks from the Garden
Lavender – The Classic Against Spiders
Lavender is not only beautiful to look at but also a proven remedy against spiders. The intense scent of its flowers and leaves ensures that the creatures prefer to stay away. A pot of lavender on the windowsill or a lavender sachet in the closet can help keep spiders at bay.
Peppermint and Other Mint Varieties
Mint also contains essential oils, making it one of the plants that can repel spiders. Peppermint is particularly effective. It’s best to plant it in pots to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably in the garden. Crushing a few mint leaves and placing them on the windowsill enhances the repelling effect.
Lemon Balm and Lemongrass
The fresh, lemony scent of these plants is pleasant for most of us but repellent to spiders. Lemongrass thrives particularly well in pots and can be placed outside in the summer. Lemon balm is hardy and can be cultivated in beds or on balconies. In the fall, the shoots die back but sprout anew each spring, spreading quickly.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus leaves emit an intense aroma that keeps not only spiders but also mosquitoes and flies away. Small bunches of dried leaves can be hung indoors. However, the plant is not hardy in our climate (it originates from Australia) and must be overwintered in a frost-free pot.
Basil
Many know basil primarily from the kitchen. However, this plant can also repel spiders, as they do not like the scent of the green leaves. A pot in the kitchen or by the window can help keep the creatures outside.
How to Best Use Spider-Repelling Plants
- Choose the location: Place the plants strategically on windowsills, doors, or areas where spiders like to enter.
- Enhance the scent: Occasionally crush the leaves to release more essential oils.
- Enhance the scent: Occasionally crush the leaves to release more essential oils.
- Use dried leaves: Dried leaves can also be placed in closets or drawers to keep spiders away.
Tips to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Home
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Pests in Your House
Tip: Combine with Home Remedies
In addition to plants, simple home remedies can also help: Vinegar water on door frames, 5 plants that can repel ticks from the garden on windowsills, or essential oils in a diffuser can enhance the effect of keeping spiders at bay.
Interesting Facts About Spiders
Even though many people find them creepy, spiders are mostly harmless. In Germany, they help reduce the number of annoying pests in homes and gardens by catching mosquitoes and other insects. So, if you encounter a spider in your home despite all preventive measures, remember: It is more of a silent and helpful housemate than a threat.
Related: 5 Plants That Can Repel Ticks from the Garden
Tips to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Home
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Pests in Your House
Tip: Combine with Home Remedies
In addition to plants, simple home remedies can also help: Vinegar water on door frames, essential oils on windowsills, or essential oils in a diffuser can enhance the effect of spider-repelling plants.
Interesting Facts About Spiders
Even though many people find them creepy, spiders are mostly harmless. In Germany, they help reduce the number of annoying pests in homes and gardens by catching mosquitoes and other insects. So, if you encounter a spider in your home despite all preventive measures, remember: It is more of a silent and helpful housemate than a threat.
Keep Spiders Out of Your Home with Simple Methods
“Plants are a beautiful and natural way to keep spiders at bay. However, if you really want to prevent them from entering your home, consider using additional practical measures. Vinegar water on door frames, essential oils in a diffuser, and sealing entry points can make it harder for these uninvited guests to gain access in the first place.”