For most, the mere sight of a spider can bring on shudders, shrieks, and, sometimes (for me) tears! As a matter of fact, a reported 55% of women and 18% of men claim to suffer from full-blown arachnophobia, otherwise known as the fear of spiders.

Whether you love or hate these creepy crawlies, it’s safe to say that no one wants them darting around their home. While there are many methods to get rid of these widely reviled insects, we’ve found one remedy that really works like a charm!

In today’s video, P. Allen Smith, an award-winning designer and lifestyle expert with ehowhome, shows us just how he keeps spiders safely out of his space.

The host kicks off his tutorial by explaining that he does not, in fact, hate spiders. He realizes that the little critters actually do quite a bit of good in the world – i.e. they get rid of pests that chomp through our food supply – but he does understand that no wants the eight-legged guys chomping on THEM.

With that being said, it’s important that we focus on repelling spiders, not killing them. After all, while you may rest a bit easier knowing that your least favorite insect is dead and gone, you also don’t want to contribute to upsetting nature’s balance, too.

Because of this, Smith is sharing a very special spider repellant recipe, one that won’t necessarily kill the bugs, but will keep them far, far away.

Believe it or not, spiders hate the smell of most essential oils. Smith says that any type of citrus, or even lavender, works well, but he personally prefers using menthol. It goes without saying that this isn’t necessarily the time to splurge on those pricey oils you see lining the aisles of Whole Foods.

For this recipe, Smith uses a simple peppermint oil that can be found in the baking section of your local grocery store. Easy enough!

The next ingredient you’ll need is dishwashing liquid—any one will do. Smith explains that liquid soap on its own won’t repel spiders, but it does act as a “ser facta”, meaning that the added detergent allows the homemade concoction to easily spread, and not bead. Smart!

Don’t invite spiders inside!

Before spraying away, Smith wants all of us to know why spiders tend to congregate indoors in the first place.

According to the lifestyle expert, these insects are actually more susceptible to entering your home once the first chill starts to come into the air. So, if you live in a warmer climate, this may be winter; if you are in a cold climate, this could be as early as late summer.

Because keeping spiders out is all about timing, it’s key that you shore up any areas in your home that may have holes or open crevices. In addition, be sure to keep rotting fruit out of your kitchen. There’s nothing that spiders like more than noshing on a bunch of bananas!

To learn the full recipe for Smith’s signature spider repellant, as well as how and where the remedy can be most effectively applied, be sure to watch the video below. Bye bye, spiders!

What do you think of P. Allen Smith’s insect remedy? Have you ever tried this particular concoction before? How do you keep spiders out of your home or office?