
There are several ways to deter spiders. However, growing plants that repel them is cheap and effective.
Besides keeping these unwanted guests away, the plants will also beautify your environment.
In the long run, you will kill two birds with a stone.
This guide will walk you through some of these spider-deterrent plants and how to apply them in your war against spiders.
Several plants will do an excellent job of deterring spiders. Here are some of them:
- Lavender
- Lemon balm
- Eucalyptus
Above are three of these spider-deterring plants. We will discuss these and five more in the guide.
In the rest of the article, we will walk you through eight indoor plants that can keep spiders away. Also, we will answer other common questions about handling spider invasions. Let’s get started!
8 Indoor Plants That Keep Spiders Away

If you enjoy a clean home, the thought of spiders moving in could make you very uncomfortable, especially if you are the type that gets frightened by the sight of this creepy crawlies.
No matter how hard you try to keep your home clean, having spiderwebs everywhere would make your house messy.
Although very few are harmful, many spiders are venomous, with a nasty reaction on the skin after a bite. Harboring them can come back to haunt you.
There are many ways to keep these creepy crawlies away. However, if you want to avoid using harmful chemicals, indoor plants are a safe and effective alternative for getting rid of spiders.
Below, we consider some of these spider-deterring plants:
1. Basil

Basil is a strong-smelling and strong-tasting culinary herb of the family of mint. While not particularly strong to us, it has a scent that keeps spiders at bay.
Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to South East Asia. Its small size of 30 to 150 cm makes it an ideal indoor plant.
Basil needs access to direct sunlight for at least 4 to 5 hours a day and a location that doesn’t get too cold. Keep the soil moist and try not to let it dry to keep the plant healthy.
You can also dry out and crush your basil or let it dissolve in alcohol to create a spider-repellent spray. And spritz randomly around your home with it.
2. Onions

Onion is one of the most potent natural insect repellents. Its powerful scents keep spiders and all sorts of other insects away.
Spiders feed on mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects. With the presence of onion plants, you can be assured that spiders do not have anything in your space that they can feed on.
You are making your area an unsafe environment for them to try.
3. Lavender

Lavender is not as easy to grow indoors as basil and onions, but it can be a lovely and helpful plant if you have the right conditions to keep it alive.
It would help if you had excellent airflow and 10 hours of access to light. That might mean a frequently open window or a little fan to keep the air moving.
During the winter months, you should have a grow light to ensure your lavender gets a full day of sunshine even when the days are shorter outside.
This beautiful purple-colored has an aroma that will deter insects even though it’s enjoyable for people.
4. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is straightforward to plant.
It is ideal if you do not have access to adequate sun exposure.
Ensure the pot is adequately drained and the roots do not always stay wet.
Watch it flourish and repel spiders in 70 days.
5. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tree.
Its oil extracts are sold pharmacy and stored as repellants against spiders and other insects.
It seems impossible to grow a tree indoors, but you can plant a dwarf specie or a smaller mature potted tree.
6. Marigold

Spiders hate marigolds; growing them indoors also has a lot of color to your space.
To plant Marigold, you need full sun and reasonably fertile, well-drained soil.
Marigolds germinate quickly, sprouting within a few days and blooming in about eight weeks, making them easy to grow from seed.
Sow seeds directly in the pot when the soil has begun to warm up. Sow the seeds and water thoroughly after planting.
7. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are insects’ worst nightmare. The higher level of pyrethrin in them makes them very deadly to spiders.
Just like the marigolds, they are gorgeous and add color and radiance to your home.
But unlike marigolds, they require moderate sunlight, grow well in almost all soil types, and need a warm environment to thrive.
8. Lemon Grass

The last of the bunch here is the citronella. This plant, also known as lemon green, is where the popular citronella oil comes from, and the oil is known for its spider-repellent properties.
It’s not the most visually attractive plant. But the oil and acids inside this grass that seeps out keep spiders at bay.
Citronella doesn’t grow well in cold areas. But if you’re in a cold environment and want to try it, grow it in a container.
Take it out during the day, and when the weather cools, you can bring it indoors and still get the benefit it brings.
Conclusion
Spiders usually hang out in quiet, dump corners, waiting for prey. Those are where you should focus your houseplant collection.
Ensure these areas get enough sun to keep your plants healthy.
Keep them warm, ensure proper drainage, keep the soil moist, water the ground, not the leaves, fertilize if needed, and pluck/harvest early and often.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Essential Oils Do Spider Hate?
Some plant-derived essential oils are very toxic to spiders. Examples are monoterpenoids and pyrethrins.
What Smell Will Keep Spiders Away?
As stated above, spiders are chased away by solid scents and acidic smells that are emitted from the varieties of plants that have been discussed above.