As the weather turns colder, many of us are facing a dreaded reality: spider season. From September to mid-October, these creepy crawlies seek refuge in our warm homes, much to the dismay of those who aren’t fans of their eight-legged presence. TikTok user @plantbasedkate, who confesses to being “terrified of spiders,” shared a brilliant hack to keep these unwanted guests at bay: Vicks VapoRub.
The idea behind this hack is simple: spiders have taste receptors on their feet, and they dislike the taste of mint. Applying Vicks VapoRub, which contains menthol, to windowsills and door frames creates a barrier of mintiness that supposedly discourages spiders from entering. “Spiders have little taste buds in their feet and they hate mint. So once they taste the mint they will not come in,” explained Kate, calling it an “ethical way to stop spiders from getting in your house.”
However, not everyone is convinced. Some users argued that spiders are simply trying to find a safe haven and that humans shouldn’t interfere with their natural habitat. “You know they’re called house spiders for a reason right? They don’t survive outside hence the name,” wrote one user. Another user retorted, “That sounds like the spiders problem, they can go find another house.”
Furthermore, the VapoRub hack isn’t universally applicable. Several users pointed out that the product is toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs, making it unsuitable for homes with furry companions. “Unfortunately it’s toxic to cats so I can’t use it,” commented one user, opting for sealing holes and using insect screens instead.
While Vicks VapoRub offers an intriguing solution, it’s essential to consider its potential drawbacks and the safety of your pets before applying it. Ultimately, the best approach to dealing with spiders might involve a combination of prevention, like sealing entry points and using screens, and accepting the occasional house spider as a harmless roommate.
