How to Keep Spiders Off Patio Furniture

Are spiders creeping out your patio furniture? Find out how to keep spiders and their web residue off your patio furniture now.

Encountering spider webs on your patio furniture can be an unwelcome sight, as they can disrupt the serenity of your outdoor haven. While spiders play a vital role in our ecosystem, their webs on garden benches and chairs are less than ideal. In this article, you will learn how to keep spiders off patio furniture, including keeping your patio furniture tidy and using natural spider repellent to ensure that they do not disrupt your patio furniture again.

However, do not fear when learning about these methods to keep spiders off patio furniture, since most spiders in the UK are harmless. For more information, find out how many UK spiders are actually dangerous.

13 Ways To Keep Spiders Off Patio Furniture

Maintaining a spider-free patio on your garden furniture involves more than just occasional cleaning. Here’s how you can keep your outdoor furniture inviting and free of spider webs:

1. Maintain A Clean And Orderly Patio

A fundamental step in deterring spiders is to keep your patio space immaculate. Regular sweeping and washing down your patio with soapy water can make a significant difference. Treat the patio as a natural extension of your indoor living space, ensuring it remains clutter-free and well-maintained. This not only improves its appeal but also makes it less enticing for spiders to weave their webs.

2. Choose Spider-Resistant Furniture

The type of furniture you select can impact the likelihood of spider infestation. Avoid garden furniture with intricate designs or sheltered spots, like wicker, which provide ideal hiding places for spiders. Instead, opt for furniture with simpler, more open designs. Our outdoor teak dining furniture is made from natural materials, so spiders may naturally be attracted to its appeal; however, by using our garden bench covers, this should keep your patio furniture and garden benches spider and spider web free.

3. Eliminate Hiding Spots And Crevices

Spiders like quiet, undisturbed areas. To make your patio less attractive to them, remove clutter and potential hiding places. This means keeping the area around your furniture free from piles of garden tools, toys, or unused plant pots. By reducing these hiding spots, you make it harder for spiders to want to stick around.

4. Manage Plant Overgrowth

Overgrown plants near your patio furniture can create perfect hiding spots for spiders. Regularly trim back any nearby shrubs or vines and consider repositioning potted plants to minimise these secluded areas. This not only helps in keeping spiders at bay but also contributes to the overall tidiness of your patio space. You should also be aware of the presence of spiders when growing plants for full shade.

5. Embrace The Use Of Essential Oils

Spiders often steer clear of certain natural scents, making essential oils an excellent deterrent. Spraying a mixture of water and peppermint oil, for instance, can keep spiders off your furniture. This natural remedy is not only effective but also adds a fresh aroma to your patio. You can also explore other essential oils like rosemary or basil, depending on your scent preference.

6. Regular Vacuuming And Brushing

Keeping your patio furniture clean is crucial in knowing how to get rid of spider webs off teak garden furniture. Incorporate routine vacuuming and brushing into your cleaning schedule, focusing on areas that are likely spider attractions like corners, crevices, and under tables. This regular upkeep can significantly reduce the likelihood of spider web formation.

7. Lighting As A Deterrent

Spiders prefer darker areas for making webs. By keeping your patio lights on at night, you can discourage them from occupying your furniture. This simple process can effectively provoke spiders to move away from their area and retreat into other darker spaces.

8. Utilising Citronella Candles: 

The scent of citronella is another natural spider repellent. Using citronella candles or torches not only creates a pleasant outdoor ambiance but also helps to keep spiders away from patio furniture. This method is particularly useful during evening gatherings, ensuring a spider-free environment for you and your guests. Alternatively, consider burning cedarwood in your firepits, thereby using natural elements to keep spiders off patio furniture.

Following our advice here will also be useful in knowing how to keep spiders out of your house.

9. Gardening With A Purpose: 

Planting spider-repelling plants like basil, lavender, and mint around your patio can be a natural and aesthetic way to deter spiders. These plants emit scents disliked by spiders, reducing their presence around your outdoor furniture. Additionally, regular trimming of surrounding shrubs and removal of any clutter can minimise potential spider hiding spots. Some of these plants are great for fly-repellent plants and plants that deter cats too.

10. Opt For Non-Chemical Solutions: 

While chemical sprays are optional, they may not be as effective or environmentally friendly as natural solutions for keeping spiders off patio furniture. Instead, using lemon-scented cleaners, or homemade sprays like diluted vinegar, can be a safer and more sustainable choice for keeping spiders off patio furniture.

For more homemade solutions, try our advice on how to make homemade weed killer.

11. Cedarwood: 

Introducing cedarwood chips to your garden can be a game-changer in getting rid of spiders off patio furniture. Known for their natural pest-repellent properties, cedarwood chips can be used as mulch around your patio furniture. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also serves as a discreet way to keep spider webs off patio furniture.

12. Remove And Wash Cushion Covers: 

Patio cushions can unfortunately attract spiders. To combat this, choose cushions with removable and washable covers. Regular laundering of these covers can help eliminate any hidden spiders or nests, contributing to a spider-free environment. This simple step is key in maintaining both the hygiene and comfort of your outdoor seating. No matter what garden cushions you have, they will look great alongside our wooden benches.

13. Utilise Spider-Repellent Sprays: 

For those areas where natural methods may not be sufficient, consider using spider-repellent sprays. Ensure that your spider-repellent sprays will not harm these eight-legged pests. Some spider-repellent sprays contain peppermint oil, which spiders do not like. Choose between these spider repellent sprays to keep spiders off patio furniture. 

• Karlsten Natural Spider Repellent
• Zero In Spider Repellent Spray

These sprays can be applied around your patio and even on windows and doors to create a barrier against spiders. For a non-scented option, the Advanced Spider Repellent by PestBye uses ultrasonic and electromagnetic technology to deter spiders, suitable for those who prefer a tech-based solution.

Want to attract the right insects to your garden? Try these bee-friendly plants that attract butterflies too.

What Attracts Spiders to Your Patio

To effectively keep spiders off patio furniture, it’s important to understand what attracts them. Spiders are drawn to areas where they can find food. This includes places with outdoor lights that attract insects, open rubbish bins that attract flies, and food residues on tables or grills. 

Additionally, standing water in flower pots or puddles provides hydration for spiders, while clutter and overgrown container gardens offer them hiding spots. By addressing these attractants, you can significantly reduce the presence of spiders in your outdoor space.

Preventative Measures

In order to keep spiders off patio furniture, ensure to regularly clean your patio, keep it clutter-free, and ensuring that food containers are sealed and garbage cans are closed can make a huge difference. Also, consider reducing the amount of standing water and trimming back any potted plants that may be attracting insects, which in turn attract spiders.

Keep Spiders Away From Your Patio

In conclusion, keeping spiders off your patio furniture involves a blend of smart furniture choices, regular cleaning, and the use of natural deterrents like cedarwood chips and essential oils. By understanding what attracts spiders and implementing strategies like using washable cushion covers and spider-repellent sprays, you can enjoy your outdoor space without the worry of unwanted arachnid guests. Learn more with our gardening tips and lifestyle techniques.

Are you aware of what spiders are in your garden? Check out the most venomous spiders in the UK.

FAQs

Sources

Amazon. (n.d.) Karlsten Natural Spider Peppermint Repellent. [online] Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Karlsten-Natural-spider-peppermint-Repellent/dp/B087GY5S86/ref=asc_df_B087GY5S86/ [accessed 08/12/23]

Amazon. (n.d.) Zero In Spider Repellent – 500 ml. Ready-to-use Spray. Natural, Poison-Free, Mint Scented Repeller Spray. Welfare Friendly and Humane. [online] Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/STV-International-STV981-Spider-Repellent/dp/B00IIOR7NS?th=1 [accessed 08/12/23]

Amazon. (n.d.) PestBye Advanced Plug In Spider Repellent & Deterrent – Whole House Repeller – Get Rid of Spiders and Other Insects. [online] Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pestbye%C2%AE-Advanced-Spider-Repellent-Deterrent/dp/B0027GZPFK [accessed 08/12/23]

Chapman, C., (2018) The Most Venomous Spiders in the UK. Hygiene Supplies Direct. [online] Available at: https://www.hygienesuppliesdirect.com/blog/the-most-venomous-spiders-in-the-uk [accessed 08/12/23]

Hart, A., (n.d.) How many UK spiders are actually dangerous? BBC Science Focus. [online] Available at: https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/how-many-uk-spiders-are-actually-dangerous [accessed 08/12/23]

Callan Harvey