Cloves and clove oil likely repel spiders, though direct scientific testing on spiders specifically is limited. The active compound in cloves, eugenol, is a proven insect repellent that interferes with the nervous systems of arthropods, and clove oil has demonstrated strong repellent activity against related pests like ticks. Most people using cloves for spider control report some success, and the underlying chemistry supports the idea, but it’s worth understanding what the evidence actually shows and how to use cloves effectively.
Why Cloves Repel Arthropods
Clove oil is roughly 80 to 90 percent eugenol, a compound with a sharp, spicy scent that arthropods find irritating. In insects, eugenol appears to target octopamine receptors, which are part of the nervous system that controls movement and alertness. Research on blood-sucking insects found that eugenol triggered hyperactivity in the same way octopamine itself does, essentially overstimulating the nervous system and driving the animal away. Spiders are arachnids rather than insects, but they share similar neurological pathways, which is why eugenol-based repellents are broadly effective across arthropod groups.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies clove oil as a “minimum risk” pesticide, meaning it’s exempt from federal registration requirements under FIFRA. It’s approved for both food and nonfood uses. This classification reflects its low toxicity to humans and its long history of safe use, but it also confirms that regulators recognize clove oil as a legitimate pest-control ingredient.
How Clove Oil Compares to Other Natural Repellents
Most of the controlled research on natural spider repellents has focused on peppermint oil, which has the strongest direct evidence. A 2018 study tested peppermint oil, lemon oil, and chestnuts against three spider species. Peppermint oil and chestnuts strongly repelled two of the three species, while lemon oil had no measurable effect on any of them. Clove oil wasn’t included in that particular spider study, but it has performed well in tick repellent research, where it outperformed both types of thyme oil tested.
The lack of head-to-head spider data for clove oil is a gap, not evidence that it doesn’t work. Eugenol is a more potent irritant than many of the compounds in peppermint oil, and pest control professionals regularly include clove oil in natural spider spray formulations. If you want to hedge your bets, combining clove oil with peppermint oil covers two different chemical profiles and gives you the best chance of deterring whatever species is in your home.
How to Use Cloves Against Spiders
You have two practical options: whole cloves or diluted clove essential oil.
- Whole cloves. Place small bowls of whole cloves or sachets near windowsills, doorframes, baseboards, and other entry points. The scent is milder than the oil, so you’ll need to replace them every two to three weeks as the aroma fades. Crushing them lightly before placing them releases more eugenol.
- Clove oil spray. Mix 10 to 15 drops of clove essential oil with one cup of water and a small squirt of dish soap (which helps the oil mix with water). Spray along baseboards, window frames, corners, and anywhere you’ve noticed webs. Reapply every one to two weeks, or after cleaning.
Focus on entry points rather than spraying entire rooms. Spiders typically come in through gaps around windows, doors, and utility pipes. A concentrated barrier at these spots is more effective than a light mist across a large area. Clove oil can stain fabric and some wood finishes, so test a small area first before spraying near curtains or hardwood.
Pet Safety Concerns
Clove oil poses real risks to pets, particularly cats and dogs. Essential oils are rapidly absorbed through the skin and mouth, and many are metabolized through the liver. Cats are especially vulnerable because they lack certain liver enzymes needed to break down compounds like eugenol.
Signs of essential oil exposure in pets include drooling, difficulty breathing, lethargy, muscle tremors, vomiting, and uncoordinated movement. If you notice any of these after using clove oil in your home, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) immediately. Don’t induce vomiting, as that can worsen the situation.
If you have pets, place whole cloves in locations they can’t reach, and avoid spraying clove oil on surfaces pets lick or rub against. Puppies and animals with liver disease are the most sensitive. For households with cats, peppermint oil carries similar risks, so you may want to consider physical exclusion methods (sealing gaps, removing webs) as your primary approach instead.
What Cloves Won’t Do
Repellents discourage spiders from crossing a treated area. They don’t kill spiders, and they won’t eliminate an existing population living inside your walls or attic. If you’re seeing large numbers of spiders regularly, that usually signals a food source: cloves won’t reduce the insects that spiders are feeding on. In that case, addressing the underlying insect problem, sealing entry points, and reducing clutter in storage areas will do far more than any repellent spray.
Clove oil also loses potency quickly once applied. Unlike synthetic pesticides that persist for weeks, eugenol breaks down within days when exposed to air and light. Consistent reapplication is the trade-off for using a low-toxicity, natural product. If you stop refreshing your barriers, spiders will return as soon as the scent fades.