As summer draws to a close, many homeowners are bracing for the annual influx of spiders seeking shelter from the cold. However, a common, inexpensive medicine could be the key to keeping these eight-legged creatures at bay, according to a report from the Mirror.
Many home remedies for deterring spiders rely on strong scents, and this approach has scientific backing. Spiders "smell" through sensory organs on their legs, making them particularly sensitive to certain odors. Common deterrents include peppermint, citrus, and lavender.
According to Checkatrade, a site that connects homeowners with local tradespeople, "The eucalyptus and menthol in Vicks VapoRub are also scents spiders hate. You can rub Vicks straight onto your chest, in the corners of your room, under your bed, and around your windows and doors to reap the benefits of unblocked airways and a spider-free zone."
This method was popularized on social media by user @plant.based.kate, who shared a TikTok video describing it as an "ethical" method that causes no real harm to the spiders while encouraging them to return to the garden.
