What smell do spiders hate?

Spiders hate several strong, pungent smells that irritate them or interfere with their sensory organs, though no smell alone provides complete spider control and should be combined with cleaning and sealing entry points. Smells spiders hate most include peppermint oil, which is most commonly cited natural repellent, with strong mint scent that spiders dislike, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, rose oil, and citrus smells like lemon and orange peel containing limonene that spiders dislike. They also dislike strong chemical smells like vinegar, though vinegar should be used diluted as it can damage surfaces, and cedarwood and chestnuts are traditionally believed to repel spiders though evidence is limited. To use smells to repel spiders, you can mix few drops of peppermint oil with water in spray bottle and spray around windows, doors, baseboards, and corners where spiders enter, or place cotton balls with peppermint oil in areas where spiders seen, but essential oils must be used carefully around pets especially cats as concentrated oils can be toxic, and oils evaporate quickly requiring reapplication. While these smells may deter spiders to some extent, spiders will tolerate unpleasant smells if prey is abundant, so scent repellents are supplemental. Most effective spider control includes keeping home clean and clutter free, vacuuming regularly including corners and under furniture, removing webs with broom, sealing cracks around windows and doors, reducing outdoor lights that attract insects that are spider prey, and storing firewood away from house.