DIY Natural Bug Repellent-Get Rid of Bugs the Non-Toxic Way -

Summer is back and so are the BUGS!

I love summer just as much as the next person but I don’t love all the bugs, particularly spiders, in my house.

We live in a basement apartment right now and I’ve never had to deal with so many creepy crawlers in my life! As someone with borderline arachnophobia, I knew I had to find a solution or be doomed to live with spiders all summer. NO THANKS!

Of course, we could have hired an exterminator or used conventional bug killer, but that stuff can be expensive and dangerous for pets and kids and I don’t feel comfortable using it.

We set up a few glue traps but I wanted something that would keep the spiders away. from. me. I’ve heard a few people talk about using peppermint essential oil to keep spiders and ants out so I decided to give it a try.

DIY Natural Bug Repellent

This DIY spider repellant using peppermint essential oil is super easy and actually does a great job of keeping the spiders away. I use it every summer indoors and on outdoor furniture! I still use glue traps, especially in the garage, but I’m glad peppermint oil helps keep them away!

Here’s what you’ll need:

A small spray bottle full of water- make sure you use glass!
15-20 drops of peppermint essential oil (or until it smells pepperminty)

I spray all the nooks, corners, and walls where I tend to see the most spiders. I also spray window cracks and around our bed. I do this a couple times a week. My nephew helped me spray last week and he thought it was so fun!

I’ve only been using this technique for about few weeks but I’ve noticed a difference in how many spiders I’ve had to run away from.

If you don’t have peppermint, I’ve found these oils are also effective. You can also do a combination of them!

Citronella
Cedarwood
Tea Tree
Lavender
Eucalyptus
Citrus oils

What About Outdoor Use?

For outdoors I’ve started using Sunday brand. They make a bug spray that uses safer ingredients that I feel good about. I spray it around the foundation of the house every few weeks during the warm months!

Do you have any natural bug repellent that’s worked for you? I’d love to hear about it!