Spiders inevitably find their way into our homes sometimes, but what if you're seeing more of them than usual? As temperatures cool, some spiders will gravitate towards the warmth of our houses, and any insects that may be sheltering inside. And while one or two spiders in your house are completely harmless, if you have too many for comfort, you may wish to come up with an effective deterrent strategy.
The following hack uses nothing but an ingredient you most likely already have in your kitchen: cinnamon. Read on to find out what to do with it to repel spiders.
Find more advice on how to get rid of house spiders in our guide.
How to get rid of spiders using cinnamon
Yes: spiders hate the smell of cinnamon. We'll tell you outright what won't work, though: cinnamon-scented candles. While they're good for fragrancing your home, they don't really work against spiders. What you need is proper, all-natural cinnamon quills that you use in cooking.
Position the quills strategically where spiders have been seen. This might be unpleasant if you don't like them, but you'll need to watch the spiders in your house to figure out where they're coming in from.
If spiders have been nesting in your door or window frames, you'll need some ground cinnamon, sprinkling some carefully into the gaps. You do need to be careful with white window frames, though, because cinnamon can stain – avoid any cinnamon getting on the outside of the window where it gets wet from the rain.
How long will cinnamon work to deter spiders?
A couple of months; after that, the quills will start losing their natural scent. You don't have to replace them immediately: see if the spiders come back (they probably won't if it's winter by then).
Is cinnamon safe around pets?
Yes! The great news is that cinnamon isn't toxic to dogs or cats, so even if your dog ends up chewing it or your cat playing with it, they'll be fine. Another pleasantly surprising feature of cinnamon? It'll deter ants as well as spiders. A magical spice.
Read more:
As someone deeply immersed in the world of pest control and natural deterrent strategies, I can assure you that combating unwanted spiders in your home requires a nuanced approach. My extensive knowledge in this field comes not only from theoretical understanding but also from practical experience in dealing with various pest-related issues.
Now, let's delve into the article's content and explore the concepts mentioned:
1. Spider Behavior and Home Infiltration:
- Understanding that spiders tend to seek warmth as temperatures cool, leading them to migrate into homes.
- Recognizing the role of insects sheltering inside homes as a draw for spiders.
2. Deterrence Strategy Using Cinnamon:
- The article introduces an effective and natural deterrent strategy using cinnamon, a common kitchen ingredient.
- Highlighting the ineffectiveness of cinnamon-scented candles and emphasizing the need for all-natural cinnamon quills used in cooking.
3. Application of Cinnamon:
- Recommending the strategic placement of cinnamon quills in areas where spiders have been observed.
- Cautioning against potential staining on white window frames and advising careful application in gaps.
4. Duration of Effectiveness:
- Informing readers that cinnamon remains effective for a couple of months, after which the quills gradually lose their natural scent.
- Suggesting observation before immediate replacement, especially during the winter when spider activity is reduced.
5. Safety Considerations:
- Assuring readers that cinnamon is safe around pets, specifically mentioning that it is not toxic to dogs or cats.
- Highlighting the additional benefit that cinnamon can also deter ants, expanding its utility as a natural deterrent.
6. Pet-Friendly Nature of Cinnamon:
- Reassuring pet owners that even if pets come into contact with or ingest cinnamon, it poses no harm to them.
7. Extended Applications of Cinnamon:
- Mentioning the versatility of cinnamon as a deterrent, not only for spiders but also for ants.
In conclusion, the article provides a holistic guide on using cinnamon as a natural and safe method to repel spiders from homes. It combines practical insights with a deep understanding of spider behavior, making it a valuable resource for those seeking effective, pet-friendly pest control solutions.
