How to Handle Garden Spiders

Multiple species of spiders like to inhabit gardens.

A few spiders here and there in your garden is natural and healthy, but if you notice an abundance of garden spiders, you'll want to take action to avoid an imbalance in your garden's ecosystem. Instead of purchasing a commercial spider repellent, you can easily create a homemade repellent that is non-toxic, chemical-free and highly effective at handling your garden spider problem.

Things You'll Need

• Pure peppermint oil
• Liquid detergent
• Garden sprayer

Instructions

1. Add 5 drops of pure peppermint oil into the bottom of a garden sprayer.

2. Pour a big squirt (about 1 tablespoon) of liquid detergent into the garden sprayer with the peppermint oil.

3. Fill up the rest of the garden sprayer with water. Replace the top on the sprayer and shake to mix.

4. Mist a light coating of the mixture over the entire garden, concentrating on especially affected areas. The oil and soap mixture will repel any garden spiders but won't harm any plant life.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat the treatment once every two weeks and after heavy rainfall.

References

• The Daily Puppy: Homemade Spider Repellent
• Oregon State University: Using Home Remedies to Control Garden Pests
• Weekend Gardener: Homemade Organic Insect and Fungal Spray for Garden Pests