Natural Pest Control: Safe Solutions for Ants and Spiders

Natural Pest Control: Safe Solutions for Ants and Spiders

When it comes to pest control, I’m always looking for less toxic options that actually work. . Ants and spiders are a regular part of nature, but that doesn’t mean they’re welcome in our homes. Luckily, there are safe, non-toxic ways to deter them without reaching for harsh chemicals.

Here are two go-to DIY solutions I’ve used in our home with success:

🐜 DIY Ant Spray Solution

This is the spray I keep on hand every spring and summer. It’s effective, smells fresh, and safe around little ones.

🌿 Ingredients:

• Orange peels (from 2–3 oranges)

• White vinegar (enough to cover the peels in a jar)

• Water (equal amount to vinegar when making the spray)

• Glass jar with lid

• Spray bottle

🧪 Instructions:

1. Make the orange-infused vinegar:

• Place orange peels in a glass jar.

• Fill the jar with white vinegar until the peels are fully submerged.

• Seal the jar and let it sit for 1–2 weeks in a cool, dark place. The vinegar will take on a citrus scent and color.

2. Make the spray:

• Strain the orange vinegar and discard the peels.

• In a spray bottle, mix:

• ½ orange-infused vinegar

• ½ water

3. To use:

• Spray around entry points, baseboards, window sills, countertops, and anywhere ants are spotted.

• Shake before each use.

🕷 Spider Repellent Spray

I’m actually a fan of spiders outside—they help control other pests! But when they come indoors, I use this easy peppermint spray that works like a charm.

Ingredients:

    •    1 ½ cups water

    •    ½ cup white vinegar (optional)

    •    15 drops peppermint essential oil

    •    Spray bottle

Directions:

Combine in a spray bottle and spritz along baseboards, corners, under furniture, window frames, and anywhere webs pop up. Spiders hate the strong scent of peppermint and tend to stay far away.

🕸 Fun fact: Spiders play an important role in our ecosystem. Outdoors, they keep mosquito, fly, and moth populations in check. So rather than kill them, I focus on keeping them out of indoor spaces.