There’s hardly a kitchen that doesn’t have a bottle of white vinegar somewhere. Most people think of it as something used for cooking or cleaning, but white vinegar is much more versatile than that. Thanks to its acetic acid, it can clean, deodorize, and remove mineral buildup — and surprisingly, it can also repel spiders.
If spiders have taken over your porch or patio, this simple household item might be the easiest and most natural way to get rid of them — without using toxic sprays or chemicals. So, let’s get started!
Why spiders love your porch and patio
Your porch and patio can easily become a favorite spot for spiders. These outdoor areas offer protection from wind, rain, and sunlight, and their quiet corners are perfect places for spiders to spin their webs.
If you have outdoor lights, they attract insects at night — and where there are insects, there’s food for spiders. With both shelter and an endless buffet of bugs, your porch becomes the perfect place for spiders to move in.
And what’s the first thing people think of? Using chemical insecticides to get rid of those arachnids, but they can harm pets, plants, or even humans. However, white vinegar is a safe, natural, and inexpensive alternative that can help you keep your outdoor areas spider-free.
How white vinegar works
The secret to white vinegar’s effectiveness lies in its strong smell and high acidity. Spiders have very sensitive senses, and they hate the smell of vinegar. When you spray areas with it, they will avoid those spots completely. So, even though white vinegar is gentle and natural for humans, it’s extremely unpleasant for spiders — making it a great, non-toxic repellent.
How to make a simple white vinegar spider spray
Making your own spider-repelling spray is incredibly easy. So, let’s see what you need:
- White distilled vinegar.
- Water.
- A spray bottle.
Now, let’s focus on the process of making it step-by-step:
- Fill the spray bottle with half white vinegar and half water.
- Shake it gently to mix.
- Spray the solution in areas where you often see spiders — like: Porch corners, door frames and window edges, under outdoor furniture, and dark spaces where spiders like to hide.
Tips for using white vinegar safely and effectively
While white vinegar is safe and natural, there are a few things you should know before using it as a spider spray:
- Don’t use pure vinegar: Straight vinegar is too strong and can harm fabrics, paint, wood finishes, or plants. Always mix equal parts of white vinegar and water before spraying it anywhere.
- Spray often: The smell of vinegar doesn’t last long, especially outdoors. To keep spiders away, spray the area every day or every few days.
- Test first: Before spraying everywhere, try it on a small hidden spot of your wall or furniture. This way, you can make sure the vinegar won’t leave marks or cause damage.
Following these simple tips will keep your porch protected without causing harm to your surroundings.
Still finding spiders at home!
What if you continue seeing sppiders in your house after using this vinegar trick? Don’t worry because there are other natural remedies you can combine with it:
- Some plants naturally repel spiders, such as lavender, mint, and eucalyptus. Placing these plants around your porch or near doorways can make the area even less inviting to spiders.
- Keeping your outdoor space clean also helps. Sweep away old webs, remove leaves and clutter, and make sure there are no hidden corners where spiders can build new homes.
So, by using white vinegar to repel spiders, you’re avoiding toxic chemicals, protecting your home naturally, and saving money at the same time. So, the next time you see a spider web on your porch or patio, grab a bottle of white vinegar — your natural, eco-friendly solution to keep spiders away and enjoy your outdoor space in peace.