6 Ways To Use Cloves To Keep Spiders Away

Spiders may be beneficial in keeping other pesky insects at bay, but they can also be an unwelcome presence in your home. Keeping these creepy crawlies away with natural methods has become increasingly popular, and cloves just happen to be a powerful spider deterrent.
Cloves are an aromatic spice that comes from the flower buds of the clove tree. Their potent scent and active compounds make them an effective, eco-friendly alternative to chemical sprays when trying to keep spiders away.
In this article, we’ll take you through six creative ways to use cloves in your fight against these eight-legged invaders.
Key Takeaways:
- Cloves are a natural and eco-friendly alternative to chemical spider repellents
- Understanding the basics of using cloves is essential for effective spider prevention
- Proper maintenance and avoiding common mistakes are key to a spider-free environment
Why Cloves Repel Spiders

Spiders are fascinating arachnids with a significant role in natural ecosystems as predators of insects. However, when it comes to having them in your house, they can be a cause for concern. Many homeowners seek natural methods to repel these creatures, and cloves are touted as an effective solution.
Spiders are a diverse, widespread group belonging to the class Arachnida. They range in size and appearance, from small and harmless house spiders to some larger, more dangerous species like the Brown Recluse spider.
One reason you might notice spiders in your house is due to a spider infestation. Males, particularly Wolf spiders, often wander around in search of mates. When there are ample hiding spaces, such as clutter or unnoticed corners, the chances of encountering spiders in homes increase.
The idea behind using cloves to repel spiders is rooted in the fact that they, like many other insects and arachnids, dislike the strong smell associated with cloves. Cornell University tells us that the main active constituent of clove oil is eugenol, a terpenoid. It makes up anywhere from 60%-90% of the oil and gives it its characteristic scent.
Eugenol is an effective spider repellent. When applied directly to spiders, it can even eliminate them. Cloves in their natural form or as essential oil can be strategically placed to deter spiders from entering or staying in your house.
There are several creative ways you can use cloves to keep spiders at bay:
- Place whole cloves in small sachets and keep them in rooms where spiders have been spotted. Try using SPICE TRAIN Handpicked Cloves Whole for this method!
- Mix clove essential oil with water to create a spray that can be used on affected areas.
- Combine cloves with other spider-repellent herbs, such as lavender and mint, in a potpourri or sachet.
- Sprinkle ground cloves around entry points, such as doors and windows, to discourage spiders from entering.
- Create a homemade spider-repellent candle with wax mixed with clove essential oil.
- Plant cloves near your home to provide a natural barrier against spiders.
By understanding the nature and behavior of spiders, and harnessing the natural power of cloves, you can effectively and safely reduce the presence of these eight-legged creatures in your home.
Identifying Spider Problem Areas

Before diving into the world of cloves and their spider-repelling properties, let’s identify spider problem areas in your home! Windows are among their favorite spots, so pay extra attention to the window sills and around their frames.
The exterior of your home could also be a paradise for these eight-legged creatures, mainly in areas with foliage, cracks, and crevices that could act as entrances. So, it’s worth doing a vigilant inspection of your home’s exterior.
Inside your house, dark corners are hot spots for spiders to lurk and spin webs. Basements, attics, and even the space behind furniture could be their hideouts!
Avid readers beware: bookshelves are another common spot for spiders to set up camp. They love the cozy, tight spaces between the books, so give your shelves a thorough inspection.
Now that you’re aware of spider hideouts in your home, it’s time to explore how to use cloves to keep them at bay!
Basics of Using Cloves against Spiders
Cloves are a natural and effective method to keep spiders away from your home. These aromatic flower buds are not only a popular spice but also possess insect-repellent properties. Spiders just can’t seem to stand the strong, pungent aroma!
Now, let’s get down to the science of using cloves against our eight-legged enemies.
Cloves work against spiders mainly due to their powerful scent, which acts as a deterrent. This powerful aroma is attributed to the presence of a compound called eugenol. When you strategically place cloves around your home, the scent overwhelms these arachnids, making them think twice before setting up camp.
Here are a few creative methods of using cloves to ward off spiders:
- Clove Sachets: Fill small fabric pouches with cloves and hang them near windows and doors. Not only will it keep spiders at bay, it will also add a lovely fragrance to your home.
- Clove-infused Water: Mix a handful of cloves in a spray bottle filled with water. Let it sit overnight, then spray it around your home, focusing on corners and crevices.
- Clove Oil: Dilute a few drops of clove essential oil in water and add it to a spray bottle. Spritz all around your house, and watch those spiders scurry away! MAJESTIC PURE Clove Essential Oil is perfect for this method.
- Clove Potpourri: Combine cloves with other spider-repelling ingredients like citrus peels, mint leaves, and lavender to create a fragrant, spider-repelling mixture. Place it in decorative bowls around the house.
- Clove Candles: Purchase or make your own candles infused with clove oil or whole cloves for a delightful smelling, spider-deterring ambiance. Candeo Candle Clove Essential Oil Soy Candle is made with the powerful scent of clove essential oil to repel spiders.
- Clove Decor: Nothing wards off spiders quite like festive clove-studded oranges or lemons arranged in a lovely centerpiece.
Remember to replace or refresh your cloves every few weeks to keep the aroma strong and your home spider-free. With these simple and natural methods, you can create a living space that is inhospitable to spiders, without using harsh chemicals or pesticides.
Detailed Guide on How to Use Cloves Against Spiders
Preparing Clove-Based Solutions
To begin your battle against our eight-legged foes, you’ll need to prepare a clove-based solution. Cloves are incredibly effective in deterring spiders due to their strong scent, which is unpleasant for spiders. You may choose to use whole cloves, ground cloves, or clove essential oil for this task.
Clove powder tends to be a little more potent, in my opinion! Check out SPICE TRAIN Ground Cloves and follow the steps below to start repelling spiders.
Grab a spray bottle and fill it with water. Then, follow these simple steps:
- Whole cloves: Add 2 tablespoons of whole cloves to the water in your spray bottle.
- Ground cloves: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground cloves with the water in your spray bottle.
- Clove essential oil: Add 15-20 drops of clove essential oil to the water in your spray bottle.
Give the mixture a good shake to make sure everything is well combined. For maximum effectiveness, consider adding a few drops of dish soap to help break down the oils and improve the solution’s potency.
Applying the Clove Solution
Now that you’ve got your clove-based solution, it’s time to wage war against the spiders that dare to invade your home. Make sure to use these techniques to keep unwelcome spiders away:
- Indoor use: Spray the clove solution liberally around window sills, doorways, and other entry points that spiders may use to get inside your home.
- Outdoor use: Apply the clove solution to the plants and garden areas where you’ve spotted these web-spinning intruders. Just make sure not to spray directly on the plants, as the solution may be too potent for them.
- Cracks and crevices: Spiders love hiding in small spaces. Target these areas using a cotton swab dipped in your clove solution to keep spiders at bay.
- Decorative approach: Place whole cloves in a decorative dish or sachet and position them strategically around your home for a discreet yet effective barrier.
- Clove-infused diffuser: Using a diffuser with clove essential oil can not only repel spiders but also create a cozy ambiance in your home.
- Spider traps: For an extra layer of protection, create a spider trap by mixing ground cloves with a sticky substance like honey or syrup. Place these traps in high-traffic spider zones to catch the little critters.
Remember, the key to successfully using cloves against spiders is staying consistent with your application. Reapply your clove solution every few weeks, or as needed, to maintain an effective, spider-free environment in your cozy abode.
Different Types Of Cloves To Use To Repel Spiders

Cloves are a versatile spice, and when it comes to repelling spiders, you have a few options to choose from. Clove oil, dried cloves, and whole cloves all pack a punch in the world of pest control!
Now, let’s consider some inventive methods for incorporating each type of clove into your natural spider-repelling routine:
Type of Clove | Materials Needed | How to Use |
---|---|---|
Clove Oil | Clove oil, water, spray bottle | Mix a few drops of clove oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the mixture in areas where spiders are likely to be found, such as windowsills, doorways, and corners. |
Dried Cloves | Dried cloves, sachet bags | Fill sachet bags with dried cloves and place them in areas where spiders are likely to be found, such as closets, drawers, and under furniture. Replace the cloves every few weeks to keep the scent fresh. |
Whole Cloves | Whole cloves, citrus fruit | Cut a citrus fruit in half and press whole cloves into the flesh. Place the fruit halves in areas where spiders are likely to be found, such as windowsills, doorways, and corners. Replace the fruit every few days to keep the scent fresh. |
There you have it, a variety of clove-based approaches to keep spiders from making themselves cozy in your home! Try one or a combination of these methods, and enjoy a pest-free living space all-season long.
Other Natural Spider Repellents
Aside from cloves, there are various natural methods to keep spiders away. Let’s explore some other effective natural spider repellents that you can use around your home.
In addition to cloves, spiders detest strong smells, and many essential oils can prove useful for repelling them. Some popular choices are peppermint, citrus, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, cedar, and mint.
Peppermint has a particularly potent scent that spiders dislike. To create your own peppermint repellent, simply mix 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil (I recommend MAJESTIC PURE Peppermint Essential Oil) with water in a spray bottle. Apply this solution to areas where spiders tend to hide, such as under furniture, in closets, and in other corners of your home.
Citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges, can also provide an unwelcoming environment for spiders. Citrus peels or citrus oil can be used in a similar manner as the peppermint spray to deter these eight-legged critters.
Cedar chips and cedar oil are not only loved for their fresh, woodsy aroma but are also known spider repellents. Place cedar chips around your home’s perimeter or use cedar oil-infused products to create a barrier that will keep spiders at bay. Homode Cedar Blocks is another option. It comes with cedar blocks, sachets, balls, and hangers to keep your closets spider-free.
Natural moth repellents, such as lavender and eucalyptus, can double as spider deterrents too. These fragrant plants emit strong scents that are pleasant for humans but repulsive to spiders. Add them to your garden or utilize essential oils to keep spiders from building webs in your yard.
Two common household items—vinegar and cinnamon—can help in your spider-fighting efforts. Dilute white vinegar with water and use it as a spray on areas where spiders frequently appear. Similarly, cinnamon can be sprinkled in strategic locations to keep spiders from invading your space.
And finally, don’t overlook the option of calling a pest professional. A pest specialist can identify a spider infestation, how they’re getting inside, and recommend products to repel them. Use our nationwide pest control finder to connect with a local pest pro!
By incorporating these various natural methods and spider repellents into your home, you can effectively and safely enjoy a spider-free environment.
Other Ways To Keep Spiders Away

Identify Potential Spider Hideouts
Spiders can be sneaky little creatures! They may be hiding in unexpected places, just waiting to scare you. Be sure not to neglect some typical hideouts like bookshelves, dark corners, and storage areas. Keep things tidy and organized to make your home less inviting to those eight-legged guests.
A good start in using cloves to deter spiders is to identify where they may be hiding. Place cloves strategically in areas where you suspect spiders may be residing, making sure to cover dark corners as well as small cracks and crevices.
Keep a Regular Cleaning Routine
Don’t underestimate the power of a thorough cleaning to keep spiders at bay! A good cleaning routine can make a big difference in keeping your home spider-free. Eliminating cobwebs, vacuuming, and dusting are all essential parts of this process. Spiders aren’t fond of clean, dust-free spaces.
Keeping spider problems at bay with cloves involves not just placing them around your home, but also maintaining a regular cleaning schedule. The smell of cloves repels spiders, but you need to make sure they can’t find a comfortable spot to settle in the first place!
Here’s a list of where spiders are most likely to hang out, and how you can keep these areas clean to repel them:
Where Spiders Hide | Location in the House | How to Clean |
---|---|---|
Cracks and Crevices | Along baseboards, around windows and doors | Use a vacuum with a crevice tool to clean out any debris or cobwebs from the cracks and crevices. Seal any gaps or cracks with caulk to prevent spiders from entering. |
Attics and Basements | Upper or lower levels of the house | Keep these areas dry and well-ventilated to prevent spiders from making their homes there. Remove any clutter or debris that may attract spiders and their prey. Vacuum or sweep regularly to keep these areas clean. |
Closets and Storage Spaces | Anywhere in the house | Keep these areas organized and clutter-free to prevent spiders from making their homes there. Use storage containers with tight-fitting lids to keep clothes and other items protected from spiders. Vacuum or sweep regularly to keep these areas clean. |
Outdoor Areas | Patios, decks, and garden areas | Keep these areas clean and free of debris to prevent spiders from making their homes there. Remove any standing water or moisture sources that may attract spiders and their prey. Trim back any overgrown plants or shrubs that may provide hiding places for spiders. |
Bedrooms | Anywhere in the house | Keep these areas clean and clutter-free to prevent spiders from making their homes there. Vacuum or sweep regularly to remove any debris or cobwebs. Wash bedding and linens regularly to remove any spider eggs or other pests that may attract spiders. |
Kitchens and Bathrooms | Anywhere in the house | Keep these areas clean and free of food debris and moisture sources that may attract spiders and their prey. Use a vacuum or broom to sweep up any crumbs or debris. Wipe down surfaces regularly with a damp cloth to remove any spider webs or egg sacs. |
Now that you know how to use cloves to keep your home spider-free, make sure you don’t forget the importance of consistent cleaning and addressing potential spider hideouts. With this knowledge and a little effort, your home can be a comfortable, spider-free space for you and your family.
Wrapping Things Up
In your quest to keep spiders away from your home using natural methods, cloves can be your trusty ally. Cleaning and keeping your living spaces tidy are essential steps for winning the battle against these eight-legged invaders, but adding cloves to your anti-spider strategy can give you that extra edge.
Cloves are aromatic flower buds that spiders find repulsive. Their strong scent has a repelling effect on these critters, making them perfect for keeping your home spider-free. Here’s a recap of six ingenious ways to use cloves for this purpose:
- Wardrobe safeguard: Place a small pouch filled with cloves in your closets, drawers, and wardrobe. The scent will not only deter spiders but also leave your clothes smelling fresh.
- Homemade spray: Mix some clove essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution in potential spider hideouts, like corners, crevices, and underneath furniture.
- Scented candles: Light a clove-scented candle in rooms where you’ve noticed spider activity. The scent will fill the room and create an unwelcome environment for spiders.
- Potpourri: Put together a mixture of dried cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange peels in a decorative bowl to create an all-natural spider-repelling potpourri.
- Window sills: Scatter a few whole cloves on window sills or near entryways to discourage spiders from entering your home.
- Garden helper: Plant cloves around your garden to help drive spiders away from your outdoor living spaces.
By employing cloves in these creative ways, you can keep your home free of unwanted spider guests. Coupled with maintaining a clean and organized living space, using cloves can be an effective, eco-friendly solution to your spider problem.
So, go ahead and harness the power of cloves to make your home a no-spider zone!
Zack is a Nature & Wildlife specialist based in Upstate, NY, and is the founder of his Tree Journey and Pest Pointers brands. He has a vast experience with nature while living and growing up on 50+ acres of fields, woodlands, and a freshwater bass pond. Zack has encountered many pest situations over the years and has spent his time maintaining and planting over 35 species of trees since his youth with his family on their property.

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