How to Use Lavendar As a Natural Spider Repellent
Lavender is a natural spider repellent that is nontoxic to humans and plants. You can use it on yourself and your pets to prevent spider and tick bites, as well as around the house and in your garden to repel spiders. A study in the Acta Phytopathologica et Entomologica Hungarica Journal found that French lavender oil was toxic to mites, which are a type of spider. A 2 percent solution of lavender oil worked the best against spotted spiders, according to a report made by the Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC). The 2 percent solution is strong enough to repel spiders, yet gentle enough not to harm plants, pets or people. The recipes included here make a solution that is roughly 2 percent lavender oil.
Make a personal spider repellent to repel spiders and ticks. To make the personal repellent, mix 1 tsp. of essential lavender oil with 8 oz. of your favorite sunscreen, face lotion, body lotion or aloe vera gel. Shake the mixture well to combine the ingredients. Slather it on your skin as often as desired.
- Lavender is a natural spider repellent that is nontoxic to humans and plants.
- The 2 percent solution is strong enough to repel spiders, yet gentle enough not to harm plants, pets or people.
Spare your pets from tick attacks on outdoor adventures by making a lavender pet gel. To make the gel, combine 1 tsp. essential lavender oil with 8 oz. of aloe vera gel. Shake the mixture well to combine the ingredients and rub it generously on your pet’s fur, avoiding the eyes and genital areas.
Keep spiders out of your house by placing dried lavender bunches by the windows and doors. Tie a pretty ribbon around the bunches to make the lavender double as a spider repellent and a pretty decoration. Use a tack to pin the lavender bunches around doorway and window frames. Place a bunch on each side of the windows and doorways for a symmetrical, decorative effect.
- Spare your pets from tick attacks on outdoor adventures by making a lavender pet gel.
- Use a tack to pin the lavender bunches around doorway and window frames.
Combine 1 tsp. of essential lavender oil, 1 tsp. of dish detergent, with 8 oz. of water together in a spray bottle, to make a spider repellent for plants. Shake the mixture thoroughly before each use. Spray the repellent on the leaves of the plants to repel the spiders that eat and destroy them. Reapply the repellent every few days or more often if necessary.
- of essential lavender oil, 1 tsp.
- of water together in a spray bottle, to make a spider repellent for plants.
Tip
Essential lavender oil and dried lavender are commonly sold at health food stores. Purchase certified organic lavender, if available.
Warning
Discontinue use of these repellents if you or your pet develops an allergic reaction to the lavender or other ingredients. Cleanse the skin with a mild soap and plenty of water to remove the repellent residue.
Related Articles
References
- Acta Phytopathologica et Entomologica Hungarica Volume 40, Numbers 3-4; Effect of French Lavender Essential Oil on Some Predacious Mites of the Family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Phytoseiidae); Akadémiai Kiadó; December 2005
- COABC - Influence of Variety and Organic Cultural Practices on Yield and Essential Oil Content of Lavender and Rosemary in Interior BC
Tips
- Essential lavender oil and dried lavender are commonly sold at health food stores. Purchase certified organic lavender, if available.
Warnings
- Discontinue use of these repellents if you or your pet develops an allergic reaction to the lavender or other ingredients. Cleanse the skin with a mild soap and plenty of water to remove the repellent residue.
Writer Bio
Rose Kivi has been a writer for more than 10 years. She has a background in the nursing field, wildlife rehabilitation and habitat conservation. Kivi has authored educational textbooks, patient health care pamphlets, animal husbandry guides, outdoor survival manuals and was a contributing writer for two books in the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Series.
