There were two separate groups in the realm of arachnophobia: those who loved the eight-legged critters and others who would do anything to stay away from them. It was a contentious discussion that frequently pitted supporters of chemical warfare against others who supported eco-friendly options.
For those who love all things spider-related, these critters were more than simply unsettling creatures—they were vital protectors of the natural world. They were aware that most spiders were not very dangerous and were not very aggressive. They were aware of the necessity to maintain a safe distance from anybody who had intense dread of these animals, though.
Spiders were an essential part of the vast scheme of things in nature. Even though some of them were poisonous, they made a big ecological contribution by keeping other insects at bay. Completely eliminating spiders became difficult since they frequently concealed in the crevices and corners of buildings and dwellings.
There was a movement toward more humane ways of “disposal” as people became more aware of the advantages of spiders. Some chose to trap the spiders and release them into gardens or deserted fields so they might feed on larger and more hazardous insects. Sadly, there wasn’t as much scientific data to support the effectiveness of these natural therapies as there was for their pharmacological equivalents.
A well-liked all-natural remedy was peppermint oil. It was often thought that since spiders could only smell and taste through their legs, they shied away from powerful scents and odors. Furthermore, essential oils’ monoterpenoids functioned as plant fumigants. It has long been known that peppermint oil repels ants and other intruders from homes in addition to spiders.
All that was required to make a spider-repelling spray was:
Five drops of essential peppermint oil
A 16-ounce spray container filled with water
Some even increased the mixture’s effectiveness by adding a small amount of dish soap. The solution was shaken well before being sprayed around windows, doors, dark corners, and the outside of buildings that housed businesses and residences. Extra care was taken with windowsills and other entryways and corners. It was noteworthy, nonetheless, that the natural spray required more frequent application than the conventional techniques of pest management.
Even though peppermint oil was thought to be safe in general, it was important to dilute it with water and keep it out of your eyes. Excessive amounts of menthol, a chemical present in mints, may result in nausea, dizziness, weakness of the muscles, and, in certain situations, double vision or confusion.
People who had pets needed to exercise extreme caution since some of the oils in the spray could harm household pets. It was crucial to store essential oils properly and keep them out of pets’ reach.
Lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, citronella oil, and lavender oil were among other natural insect repellents. In yards and gardens, spreading cedar mulch deters spiders from making a home. They were discouraged from hiding in drawers and clothes by placing cedar balls in closets.
If you were more of a callous person, there were sticky glue traps as an alternative. Although they were natural, these traps were mostly used for flies, but they could also capture spiders and other unpleasant insects.
In the past, the standard approach to getting rid of spiders and other domestic pests was to apply insecticides, which were sold by hardware stores and pest control companies. Although these chemicals were efficient, there was a risk to human health, the environment, and water sources. Carbaryl, pyrethrins, and pyrethroids were popular choices.
Proactively preventing spiders from entering homes was one strategy. Steps comprised:
keeping the house tidy and clear of dust, paying special attention to window sills and corners.
routinely looking for spider egg sacs or apparent cobwebs.
Wood piles should be stored away from the house since they may be home to spiders and their egg sacs.
preventing entrance points by caulking molding, window screens, and doors.
Hiring a professional exterminator was frequently the best course of action for cases of significant spider infestations or interactions with deadly species. Finding harmony with these misunderstood creatures in the world of arachnophobia required a careful balancing act between caution and compassion.