The Kitchen Essential That'll Keep Spiders Out Of The House

No home is safe from the humble house spider. But, if the thought of using strong chemicals or resorting to spider squishing gives you the heebie-jeebies, try using baking soda. This kitchen staple works to repel spiders because, interestingly enough, they cannot stand the stench of cleanliness. Perhaps that's why they enjoy decaying and spooky houses. Spiders are all about their nose, and they use it to figure out what's edible and what'll be on the night's menu. You can make your eight-legged uninvited houseguests think twice about crashing at your pad by bringing in baking soda and other smells that'll have them making a B-line out of there. 

Before going to town with your baking soda, you're going to want to give your home a good cleaning. Keep the focus on areas where spiders might be hiding, and pay special attention to cluttered spots since these are prime locations for spider hangouts. Spiders also love to loiter in wood and cardboard, as well as on crowded shelves or inside boxes, so if you can, get rid of those items. Don't forget to patch up any dark holes or cracks that you come across inside your home. 

Sprinkle baking soda around like you're drawing a "no spiders allowed" line, or create a path starting from where they like to hide and have that lead them outside. Dust some baking soda in corners and other dim areas, and make sure to sprinkle it near the entrances where they sneak in. If you've got windows or doors that aren't fully secure, just add a dash of baking soda on the inside of the window sill or along the door frame. Lastly, try not to harm any of the harmless ones you come across, since they actually keep all the other annoying insect invaders under control.

Another approach to bulking up your baking soda barrier is to add a few drops of essential oils like peppermint, lavender, or tea tree. If you're in the mood to get creative with kitchen spices, you can make your own spider-repellent powder using baking soda as a base. Just mix turmeric, dried mint, black pepper, ground cloves, or salt into your baking soda before you sprinkle it in dark nooks and crannies. Keep in mind that these spices have a pretty potent aroma and that fine powder might make your eyes and nose tingle a bit while you're doing your spider-busting. It's also worth mentioning that while baking soda is safe for both humans and pets, it's wise to avoid breathing in the dust directly because inhaling it isn't great for your respiratory system.