Does anyone know of a natural spider repellant?

Question

We have seemingly zillions of spiders on the side of our house around our door and then on our garage. While I know they have merit as bug eaters and such, they are also moving into our porch, which is too close for comfort. We have a one-year-old, and I'm concerned about spider bites. She's sensitive to bug bites as it is.

If anyone knows of a good natural repellant for spiders, please let me know. Otherwise, if there are any other repellants that work, I'd like to know about those, too, as a last resort. A shoe seems to work, but I'm way out-numbered. LOL

Answer 1

I don't know of repellents that work but; a solution of dish soap and water(I use a couple tablespoons to a pint bottle) will kill all insects and spiders. Insects and spiders breath through their skin. An oil coating covers the "holes". when you wash the oil off they suffocate. If you have zillions, a large garden sprayer might be necessary I use a small Windex bottle. Even if you do a lot, the harm to the environment is no more than would occur when you wash your car. If there are a lot of plants in the area I would give the soap a few minutes to work then hose off the plants. I use the mixture every year on my cherry trees to kill aphids then wash down the trees with water after about 15 minutes.(its the same effect as insecticidal soap but cheaper)

Answer 2

Horseapples.

Otherwise known as an Osage orange.

Our grandparents used to cut these in half and toss them under the porch, the cellar, and what have you. They ripen in the fall and you'll find them on the ground, typically in fence rows (as the tree itself makes a very good fence post!). Where are you located? Maybe you can find some at a farmers market soon.

They are about the size of an orange, but green. NOT edible. Very sticky too.

(You can also make dried flower arrangements with dried slices of this fruit.)