I don’t hate spiders, but I don’t want them indoors either. Over the years, I’ve tried sealing cracks, vacuuming corners, and ignoring the occasional one that slipped through. What I didn’t expect was that one of the plants I was already growing could help tip the balance.
That plant was catnip.
I didn’t start growing it for spiders. I had it for a cat. The spider benefit came later, and it made me rethink how plants can influence what shows up in a space.
Why catnip even came on my radar
Catnip has a strong scent that people barely notice after a while, but insects react to it very differently. The same compound that sends cats into a rolling, happy mess also happens to repel certain pests.
What I found interesting wasn’t folklore. It was that catnip contains a natural compound that insects dislike enough to avoid. I didn’t expect it to eliminate spiders completely, but I was curious whether it could make areas less inviting.
What I noticed after growing it
I’m careful with claims like this, but I did notice patterns.
After keeping catnip near entry points and windows:
- Spiders appeared less frequently indoors
- Webbing near windows dropped noticeably
- Outdoor areas nearby felt quieter
It didn’t create a spider-free force field. What it did was reduce how often they chose those areas.
Why I treat it as a deterrent, not a solution
This is important. Catnip isn’t pest control in the traditional sense.
I think of it as:
- A discouragement, not an exterminator
- One layer in a larger strategy
- Something that works best when combined with good housekeeping
If you already have a heavy spider problem, a plant alone won’t fix it. But as prevention, it has a place.
Where I grow catnip for the best effect
Placement mattered more than I expected.
What worked best for me:
- Containers near doors
- Pots by sunny windows indoors
- Outdoor containers near patios
I avoid planting it freely in the ground because it spreads aggressively. Containers keep it manageable and movable.
How I keep it under control
Catnip grows fast and doesn’t mind poor soil, which is both a benefit and a problem.
My approach is simple:
- Grow it in pots only
- Pinch it back regularly
- Remove flowers before they set seed
Without that, it will take over.
Indoors vs outdoors
Outdoors, it acts as a general deterrent near entry points. Indoors, it works best when placed where spiders would normally explore, like windowsills or corners with good light.
Indoors also has one bonus: cats will find it.
If you have pets, you’ll need to decide whether that’s a feature or a drawback.
My takeaway
Catnip didn’t turn my home into a spider-free zone, and I didn’t expect it to. What it did was reduce how often spiders chose to hang around, without sprays, chemicals, or constant effort.
For me, that’s enough. As a low-maintenance plant that grows almost anywhere and does double duty, it’s
