Does Tea Tree Oil Repel Spiders?

Tea tree oil may repel spiders, but there is insufficient scientific evidence to date to back this claim. It is not known to be an effective long-term solution to keeping spiders away. It is also unlikely to clear an existing spider infestation.

While there is some evidence that some essential oils may have properties that will turn away insects and arthropods, this data is inconsistent across species and contexts. So, this remains an anecdotally used home remedy only.

As there is insufficient scientific evidence on the topic, we have chosen not to make a recommendation about whether to use tea tree oil as a spider repellent. In general, it’s best to get your local eco-friendly pest control professional to address a spider infestation.

Does Tea Tree Oil Repel Spiders?

Tea tree oil may be able to repel spiders when you place it in areas where spiders enter your home. However, this is not a long-term solution and does not have rigorous scientific backing.

While it may repel some species for a short while, the spiders will eventually find their way back in again after they get used to the oil.

Spiders can build up a tolerance to repellents over time, so if you rely on it as your only means of spider control, you will likely end up disappointed.

Additionally, tea tree oil should not be used to get rid of spider infestations in the home. It is most often used to repel spiders, not to rid the home of them.

Tea tree has long been preferred by many people to control spider and insects in their home. It’s a homemade remedy that has gotten a lot of rave reviews from people who are conscious about the environment. Overall, the tendency to use this oil is more anecdotal rather than scientifically proven, even though there have been studies that demonstrate that some other essential oils can repel spiders.

One of the advantages of using tea tree oil to repel spiders is the fact that it’s a natural solution, unlike chemical repellents, which can do more harm than good. Tea tree oil is not a harsh chemical like some other snake repellent remedies.

However, it’s important to note that while it may repel spiders for a while, there’s a good chance the spiders will reappear.

In general, tea tree oil is not good for getting rid of infestations or stopping them in the first place, so you might want to consider other options if an infestation has happened in your home.

Related Article: Does Citronella Repel Spiders?

How Does Tea Tree Oil Repel Spiders?

Tea tree oil supposedly works on the senses of spiders. The idea is that they can sense the ingredients of this oil when they enter your home, and it makes them want to leave.

Some essential oils have been proven in the past to work against some insects to repel them. However, there’s minimal research on the use of tea tree oil against various species of spider.

Without clear studies that demonstrate modes of application and compare a treatment group and a placebo group, it’s impossible to say if this is just anecdotal or true.

There are reasons to be hopeful that tea tree oil may be a good repellent, though.

Tea tree oil has monoterpenes, which are a chemical found in natural remedies that helps repel many insects. Tea tree oil has been around for a long time and is used as a natural insect repellent because of the monoterpenes.

The smell of these chemicals show promise in turning away spiders and other creatures, such as ants and fleas among others.

The main reason why tea tree oil (and other essential oils) potentially work against spiders is because of how spiders sense smells. They do that with their legs, which are actually very sensitive. When spiders walk near these essential oils you spray around your home, they will detect them with the body hair on their legs and they may be deterred.

Spiders use olfaction to find their way around, and the chemicals they detect work on them in such a way that the spiders do not like the smell and could choose to leave rather leave than stay.

Related Article: Does Cedar Repel Spiders?

How Do People Use Tea Tree Oil to Repel Spiders?

We do not provide a recommendation about whether to use tea tree oil to repel spiders because there is not enough scientific evidence. Instead, it’s still safest to seek an eco-friendly pest control company to handle your needs. Below are some ways it has been used as a repellent, provided for general information purposes only.

1. Tea Tree Oil Spray

Most people who use tea tree oil to repel spiders will use it as a watered-down spray. They do this by adding a few drops of tea tree oil into a spray bottle with water and shake it thoroughly. It’s then sprayed around the home where spiders would be likely to enter.

Related Article: Does Lavender Repel Spiders?

2. Mix with Other Essential Oils

There are essential oil mixes sold these days as ‘natural’ spider repellents. This often involves tea tree oil mixed with other essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, or eucalyptus. Doing this will make the oil more potent and may make it last longer.

Make sure you follow the instructions on the product label carefully.

A benefit of using other essential oils with tea tree oil is that it will smell more pleasant if you mix them up.

Related Article: Does Vinegar Repel Spiders?

Is Tea Tree Oil Dangerous?

Tea tree oil is generally considered a safer and more natural remedy than most. It’s regularly used for foot fungus and acne.

Nevertheless, in high concentrations, it could cause burns and irritations. It’s also considered toxic when swallowed. Therefore, we prefer to use diluted tea tree oils in store bought products with clear instructions printed on the label.

Conclusion

Tea tree oil may be effective for repelling spiders but there is insufficient evidence right now. We still maintain that the most appropriate way to deter spiders and remove spider infestations is to use a professional pest control agency.

We do believe more information may emerge that could show that tea tree oil can repel spiders. However, right now, as there aren’t enough studies proving its efficacy, it’s not clear how best to use it and which species it may be effective on.