The Internet is talking about how dryer sheets help to get rid of spiders. But is this true or only a myth? Do dryer sheets repel spiders?
The answer is both yes and no. Spiders apparently don’t hate dryer sheets, and there is no scientific research that shows dryer sheets repel spiders. But certain use of dryer sheets can be helpful to keep spiders away from home.
Throughout this article, we will try to know how to use dryer sheets to eliminate spiders from your house. We will also look into some ways you can use your extra dryer sheets.
Contents
Do Dryer Sheets Repel Spiders?
Dryer sheets consist of a major volatile compound named linalool. Many perfumes and cosmetics use linalool as it has a floral scent.
This compound is also naturally available in plants such as lavender. Linalool is the main reason why people think dry sheets are spider repellents.
The fact is that the spiders have no problem with linalool. Keeping a few dryer sheets in the corners of your homes won’t repel spiders.
Then how can dryer sheets help to repel spiders at home?
Dust and dirty environments attract spiders. We all know that dryer sheets are excellent cleaners. Cleaning different places with dryer sheets remove the dust, and spiders are unlikely to infest there.
This is the main use of dryer sheets to prevent spider infestation. However, every myth comes for a reason. Dryer sheets may not repel but surely can eliminate other insects.
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your House?
If your main worry is spiders, then keep reading. But if you are here to know about how to use those extra dry sheets, skip to the next point.
Most spiders are harmless but scary to many. That’s why when you notice spider infestation in your home, you may want to get rid of them.
First, clean your whole house with a vacuum cleaner. Remove all the spider webs too. This will do two things: remove dust that attracts spiders, and the vacuum will suck if any spiders come in front(it kills most spiders).
Seal all the cracks in your house to prevent spiders from entering your home. You also can use essential oils such as peppermint oil and citronella oil to repel spiders.
Dilute them with water, put them into a spray bottle, and spray on spiders directly. Spiders hate the smell of essential oils and will run away.
If you are looking for commercial products, you can use Ortho Home Defense 32Oz Rts Hd Insct Killer. User reviews for the spray are excellent.
TERRO’s Spider Bait is also a good option if you prefer using traps. It is pretty good at getting rid of other pests too.
Related article: How to Get Rid of Spiders FAQs.
Do Dryer Sheets Repel Insects?
Yes, dryer sheets are effective in repelling certain insects. A study done by the University of Illinois and Kansas State University shows dryer sheets are good fungus gnats repellent.
If you have plants inside your home, you may be familiar with these insects. Moisture on the pot attracts fungus gnats. Keeping some dryer sheets on the plant pot will help you to get rid of the fungus gnats.
It’s worth mentioning that the researchers had used P&G’s Bounce Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets.
However, the idea first came from the use of dryer sheets to repel mosquitoes. Yes, linalool in dryer sheets repel mosquitoes, but they are less effective than geraniol.
Linalool also works well to repel several other pests and insects such as German cockroaches, rice weevil, English lesser grain borer, and Mexican bean weevil. I have a full article on do dryer sheets keep roaches away. You can read that for further information.
You might also have seen people hanging dry sheets on garden stakes to repel deer. These sheets work to a certain level mainly because the owner has used some repellent ingredients on the dryer sheets.
Other Uses for Dryer Sheets
You can use dryer sheets for many other works too. Although laundry is the main purpose of dryer sheets, you can use the extra sheets elsewhere.
Some of the uses of ordinary dryer sheets are:
- Luggage: Put a dryer sheet in your luggage before traveling. When you open up the luggage after reaching your destination, it will smell fresh. Putting the sheets in the gym bag will give you the same results.
- Clean screens: You can use dryer sheets to clean monitor and laptop screens effectively. Be cautious and don’t use dampened dry sheets.
- Shoes: Shoes can smell real bad sometimes. Put a piece of dryer sheets in each shoe after reaching home, and the next day they will smell much better.
- Clean faucets: Cleaning faucets with dryer sheets help the faucets to shine more.
Besides, you can use dryer sheets to clean dishes and keep them in places where you want fresh smells.
Final Words
The answer to the question, do dryer sheets repel spiders, yes, but you need to use them strategically. We hope we have been able to explain everything clearly.
Feel free to ask any questions you may have about dry sheets or repelling spiders. Use the comment box below; we will reply to you ASAP.
very nice post