Not Lemon Or Lavender: Brown Recluse Spiders Can't Stand This One Natural Fragrance

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Brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) are native to the United States and are among the few spiders in the region with a dangerous, venomous bite. Unknowingly disturbing hidden brown recluse spiders in your yard or home can lead to accidental bites, but a common essential oil could help to keep brown recluse spiders away. While lavender and lemon oils are frequently suggested, peppermint essential oil may be a better choice. Some believe the minty aroma of the peppermint oil drives the venomous spiders away, but scientific research suggests it is better suited as a natural alternative to insecticides.

A study published by the Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society in 2019 found that peppermint essential oil is capable of killing the brown recluse. After wintergreen, peppermint oil was the second most effective essential oil tested. The researchers' findings suggest that peppermint essential oil has the potential to work as a natural control for these spiders. However, the study did not look into whether essential oils could repel the arachnids.

Though these spiders prefer to avoid contact with humans and hide throughout the day, having them in your space is a potential hazard. Essential oils may be a natural option, but they are still concentrated and strong. Peppermint oil is toxic to cats, so keep this DIY spider solution away from pets. Essential oil may help kill a few stray spiders, but a full-blown infestation will likely require professional treatment.

In the aforementioned study, several essential oils were tested for their ability to cause brown recluse spider death through direct contact or fumigation. Other essential oils, such as wintergreen, caused a normal dying response, but peppermint oil was still effective in a unique way. While peppermint oil fumes were only able to kill 15% of the venomous spiders, the direct-contact test had a much more interesting result. 

Researchers initially exposed the spiders to the essential oil for 24 hours. While 35% of the brown recluses were dead within this amount of time, 40% displayed a unique reaction. These spiders were unresponsive, not moving or responding to being poked. However, they were not shriveled up, stiff, or in the typical position for a dead spider, either.

After another 72 hours, the affected spiders still hadn't moved and stayed in their paralyzed-like state. This weird reaction caused the researchers to declare these arachnids dead after the initial window. Peppermint oil ended up debilitating more of the brown recluse specimens in the study than lavender oil, and lemon oil proved ineffective. 

Because of this research, peppermint oil could be a good DIY method for eliminating brown recluse spiders. Other arachnids are often misidentified as these fiddleback spiders. Brown recluse spider webs look different from other species and can help you determine what pest is really lurking in your home before you start DIY treatments.

If you're concerned that brown recluse spiders are hiding in your home or in areas like outdoor sheds, peppermint oil is a simple, chemical-free solution. Because the 2019 study had the best results with direct contact as opposed to the fumes or scent of the oil, you'll want to apply it in areas where you think the spiders are living. Making a spray is an easy way to use the oil. Combine about 30 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 cups of water and a little bit of dish soap.

Shake the solution in a spray bottle to thoroughly mix it, and spritz it in dark, undisturbed places where spiders may nest. Spray areas like cluttered attics, storage areas, basements, and closets. Apply your essential oil to baseboards and windows as well. Outdoors, the spiders may be found in log piles or rock stacks. You can find a small bottle of pure peppermint oil for around $8 at Target, keeping this pest control method inexpensive.

Besides a DIY peppermint spray, cleaning up clutter will help to eliminate brown recluse hiding spots around your home. Brown recluses love to hide in boxes, old clothes, piles of paper, shoes, and other neglected spots. By keeping your storage, guest rooms, and yard free of clutter, you'll make it a less enjoyable environment for these scary spiders.