There are several natural ways to repel spiders, including:

1. Peppermint oil: Spiders hate the smell of peppermint. Fill a spray bottle with water and 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil and spray in places spiders are likely to be, such as corners, cracks, and crevices.

2. Diatomaceous earth: This can be sprinkled along an exterior wall to repel spiders. It lacerates their exteriors, leading to dehydration. Diatomaceous earth is best used in small, thin layers in hard-to-reach areas like between and at the backs of cabinets. Spreading it around the exterior of the home will also help prevent spiders from crawling inside.

3. Vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it directly onto any spiders you see. Vinegar contains acetic acid which burns the spider upon contact. You can also spray it in corners, cracks, and crevices to repel spiders.

4. Citrus: Spiders supposedly hate all citrus scents, so rub orange or lemon peel along skirting boards, window sills, and bookshelves. Use lemon-scented cleaners and furniture polish, and burn citronella candles both inside and outside of your home.

5. Cleanliness: Spiders avoid very clean homes due to the lack of hiding places. Be sure to sweep down or vacuum up spider webs and egg sacs whenever you see them. Seal up your home to keep spiders from entering through cracks and crevices. Cover vents with fine mesh insect screens, apply caulk around wires, cables, faucets, and electrical components that run to the outside, and replace or fix torn window screens and caulk up gaps around windows.

6. Plants: Many plant varieties are proven effective at repelling spiders, both indoors and outdoors. These plants’ strong smell effectively keeps the spider away: lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, rosemary, chrysanthemums, eucalyptus, lemongrass, marigold, and mint plant. Not only do these plants repel spiders, but lots of them also ward off other insects and provide excellent free biological control.