Febreze is effective at killing spiders, thanks to the active ingredient inside Febreze called hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin. This ingredient will kill the spider upon contact, but it may not be the best repellent in the world.
Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (or HPβCD for short), is the active ingredient inside Febreze that is used to remove odors effectively. This ingredient is crucial to how Febreze removes odors, but thanks to its active nature, it’s highly effective at killing insects and spiders.
Despite that, this ingredient has been proven safe for humans, although you should be cautious as to how much of Febreze you spray, as it might cause eye irritation (seek advice from your local pest control agent).
Important Note: This is general information for entertainment purposes only. If you have been bitten, seek professional medical attention immediately. Always have professionals identify and manage your pest control needs.
Related: Do Spider Plants Repel Spiders?
Will Febreze Kill Spiders?
Yes, using Febreze to kill spiders is an effective method of spider extermination.
It’s also highly practical since almost every household has Febreze or an equivalent of Febreze around. It’s used for removing odors from bathrooms, kitchen areas, toilets, and other areas of the home that might be prone to odors. This product is especially noted for its pleasant smells and its ability to remove odors.
Because it’s easily available and often at hand, many people use Febreze to kill all sorts of insects and spiders around their homes. The good thing about this product is that it’s effective even against spiders as it will kill them, while also emitting pleasant smells and being relatively safe to use.
The active ingredient inside Febreze, called Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin, is used to remove and neutralize the odor particles in the air. This active ingredient is also harmful to spiders, especially if used in larger quantities. A quick spray or two should do the trick for killing a spider quickly.
Febreze is produced through strict requirements and monitoring, as Procter&Gamble says. However, you should still note that using Febreze in excess quantities might cause irritation in your eyes and your respiratory system, so it’s better to be pragmatic when trying to kill spiders and insects around your home.
Can Febreze Be Used as a Repellent?
Febreze is not the best solution if you intend to use it as a repellent, because it will not stick to a surface for a very long time.
Ideally, when using a repellent, you’d want it to remain on one surface for extended periods of time. This will ensure that the repellent will stay on the surface and actively turn away spiders and other insects for longer periods of time. Some repellents might stay in place for weeks or months, even.
However, Febreze is not like that.
It will not stay on one surface after you use it once, and even though it might be an effective repellent for a short period of time, it’s better to stick to other, proven methods of repelling spiders that will last you longer.
Some of the best Febreze alternatives as repellents include:
- Peppermint oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Vinegar
- Cinnamon
- Citruses such as lemons
Will Febreze Kill Spider Eggs?
Febreze might not be the best solution for killing or removing spider eggs from an area.
That’s because Febreze is not powerful enough to breach the egg sacs that surround the eggs, which is a crucial component of removing eggs and getting rid of them.
You will probably need to use a lot of Febreze to remove eggs effectively, though. Spray a longer dash of Febreze on the eggs and then try to wipe them with a cloth – this should be effective enough, but if it’s not, then try spraying Febreze once again and repeat the process until the eggs are gone.
The good thing about using Febreze to kill spider eggs is that it has a pleasant smell to it, unlike the vast majority of other repellents and methods of killing spiders and their eggs.
Febreze is not powerful enough to kill spider eggs. The egg sacs around the eggs are created with the purpose of protecting the eggs. These shells are made of silk, and they can only be broken down by ingredients that are powerful enough to disintegrate them.
Acids and alkalines do a pretty good job at this, which is why many people prefer to use substances like vinegar or bleach for removing egg sacs and destroying them. If you’re looking to remove spider eggs, then you should look at alternatives to Febreze.
Is Febreze Safe?
Febreze is largely safe if you use it from a distance and if you don’t come too close into contact with it.
If you do come into contact, you can expect some mild to moderate symptoms of irritation, such as:
- Irritation of the eyes
- Throat
- Nose
- Respiratory problems
According to the official report made by Febreze, there are some chemicals that you should know about that are inside Febreze that might cause mild irritation, such as HPβCD that we’ve discussed above.
The whole process of production is highly regulated and Febreze is often tested for safety and security, according to Procter&Gamble.
However, it’s also possible that Febreze includes some chemicals that are not stated in official reports. That’s why you might want to use Febreze with caution, especially if you intend to kill spiders with a lot of Febreze – it’s better to be more conservative with the use of this chemical rather than using too much of it.
Are Sprays Effective at Killing Spiders?
Despite the fact that sprays are often highly regulated and do not have abrasive chemicals inside, they can be surprisingly effective at killing spiders and other insects.
Using a spray like a deodorant can be effective for killing the spiders. These products have several chemicals that might cause harm to a spider, especially when used in larger quantities than the spider’s body can’t handle.
The next time you want to kill a spider quickly, you can just use a spray you have near you, just make sure you don’t get it in your eyes or mouth!
Related Articles:
- Does Roach Spray Kill Spiders?
- Does Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Spiders?
- Does Alcohol Kill Spiders?
- Does Salt Kill Spiders?
- Does Hairspray Kill Spiders?
Conclusion
Febreze is often used for killing spiders and insects, and it’s proven to be an effective method of doing that. However, it’s not the best method for removing spider eggs or for spider prevention, so you might want to consider alternatives for those tasks.
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