I am just going to let it be known right off. I am not a fan of spiders in any way. I know they help keep the bug population down and I am thankful for that. However, it must be something genetic in me because I can stay pretty calm until I see a spider - any spider. John Hettema at the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioural Genetics conducted a study a few years ago and found that genetic indeed do play a huge part of someone's arachnophobia. Apparently, in order for mankind to survive all those years ago, some of us developed a huge fear of being bitten and possibly poisoned. Did I mention I truly do not like spiders? I don't, but I don't want to kill them either. Let me share with you some ideas to keep the spiders out of your house so you don't have to scream when you see one like I do!
Just last week I was sitting in my favorite chair, watching my favorite show, holding my little dog who was fast asleep on my lap. I felt what I thought was a brush of my hair on my upper arm and I looked down. NOPE! It was a HUGE spider with eyeballs the size of dimes, swear! We immediately locked eyes and we both froze. I jumped up, my little dog went flying through the air and I screamed. I knocked that spider into next Tuesday! After my heartbeat returned to normal, I began to research what would work to rid my house of spiders.
I have pets (lots of pets) that roam through the house daily and children that do that same. I have to have something safe that won't hurt any of them. My research led me to my faithful friend, essential oil. More specifically, ZAQ Peppermint Organic Essential Oil. Not only is peppermint essential a great spider deflector, it also works to cool the body, manage nausea, nerve pain and aches and pains. Plus, it just smells so good! Now, let's get rid of those spiders!
There are several ways you can use peppermint essential oil to move those spiders along. First, there is always the diffuser. Try adding a few drops of ZAQ Peppermint 100% Pure Essential Oil to your diffuser or try a new one, such as ZAQ's Jellyfish, with a color changing mode, and let the essence of peppermint go to work to keep spiders at bay.
Another way is to add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to cotton balls and put them around the house and in corners where those sneaky spiders hideout to drive them away. While you are at it, make a spider-repellent spray by placing about five drops of peppermint essential oil in a 16-ounce spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water, add a shot of dish soap, and shake the mixture well. You can then spray this mixture around doors and windows to keep spiders from sneaking in when you aren't looking.
I hope I've helped you with your genetically-infused fear of spiders. As you can see, there is hope to keep them out of our houses. When you are done with all of this, try adding a few drops to your bath water and relax. You're safe now.
Kris Bitar
