Two spider repellents scientists say are effective - and one that is not

Scientific research suggests that if you do not like spiders, there could be two methods that actually deter them. A study examined three common methods used to tackle spiders in the home - including false widow spiders, some of whom have been blamed for a rise in spider bites in Britain. Two of the methods worked - although the apparent merits of another technique were described as a myth. The findings were published in the Journal of Economic Entomology - and they offer bad news for one spider common in homes across the UK. The Steatoda grossa is also one of a group of six spiders known as False Black Widow Spiders. They are effectively harmless, unlike the Noble false widow, Steatoda nobilis. In April this year, provisional NHS data said there were 100 admissions as a result of “contact with or toxic effect of spiders” in 2025 compared with 47 in 2015. Academics linked the rise to the increase in the noble false widow spider. The Natural History Museum says the Steatoda grossa, are usually found in houses, but occasionally in sheltered spots outside and away from habitations. The NHM says: "They prefer hidden areas near the ground under furniture, or dark low corners, from where they hunt for woodlice and crawling insects." The study into the three repellent techniques said: "‘Common wisdom’ and advertisements on internet websites assert that a number of natural substances repel spiders. We tested whether the three substances cited most frequently (lemon oil, peppermint oil, and chestnut-fruits) effectively repelled female spiders or whether these were myths." They tested out the three substances on three different types of invasive female spider. Two of these spiders are common in the UK - one common inside and one in the garden. One is the Araneus diadematus, more commonly known as the garden spider. The British Arachnological Society says "this is one of our largest British spiders and a very common resident of gardens". They are often seen between June and November. The website states: "The distinctive white cross mark on the abdomen has given rise to the alternative names of 'Cross spider' and 'Diadem spider'. Colours vary and include sandy brown, fox-red and almost black." The other British spider affected by the repellents is the Steatoda grossa. This is the scientific name for the cupboard spider - also known as the False Black Widow. These are common in UK homes but often lurk unseen underneath kitchen sinks and bathroom cupboards, or behind large furniture. The British Pest Control Association says Steatoda grossa "are widespread and commonly found in sheds, outbuildings and porches as well as within homes." It notes: "The spiders increase in numbers during warmer months, but in late summer and autumn they may become particularly conspicuous as the males wander more extensively in search of a mate. Requests for false widow pest control call-outs tend to peak in October." A third spider used in the study - the Latrodectus geometricus - is not resident in the UK. The research found that chestnuts and mint oil "strongly repelled L. geometricus and A. diadematus . S. grossa was less sensitive to these chemicals but had a slight tendency to avoid chestnuts." Yet the other method got the thumbs down. The abstract for the study, first published many years ago in 2017 but still relevant to spider-hating Brits today, said: "However, lemon oil, the substance most likely to be cited as a repellent (over 1,000,000 hits on Google), had no effect on any of these spiders." The study's abstract ended by saying: "We conclude that volatiles released by mint oil and chestnuts may be effective in deterring spider settlement in two different families of spiders, but lemon oil as a repellent is a myth." Citing scientific research, the Spanish news website AS says mint can also be effective. It says that to get the best results from the plant, you need to identify where spiders are entering. This means examining cracks, poorly aired corners and other potential hideaways. Positioning the plant in these spots can be effective, AS says. It recommends combining approaches such as fresh mint plants with sachets of dried leaves. The website says that rather than eliminate the spiders altogether, it encourages them to relocate so they can continue to flourish elsewhere. Another option is to mix two common household items together. We reported in May about Instagram user Ceith Griffith after he said in a video: "Mix Vaseline and peppermint oil together." He urged viewers to apply a small amount of the mixture on to a cotton bud before putting it in areas where spiders are spotted. Ceith said the mix will "get rid of them for good."