It's frustrating to find intricate spider webs woven under your favorite garden benches. The good news is, you can deter these eight-legged architects with some simple, consistent strategies. The key is to make the area undesirable for them. Spiders build webs where they find ample insects to eat and quiet, undisturbed spots. By disrupting this environment, you encourage them to move elsewhere.
Start with a thorough cleaning. Regularly move the bench and sweep away any existing webs, egg sacs, and debris. Use a brush or a hose with a spray attachment to clear the corners and undersides. This immediate removal destroys their work and signals the area is not secure.
Next, make the surface unappealing. Spiders dislike certain strong scents. You can create a simple, natural repellent spray by mixing 10-15 drops of essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or citrus with water and a splash of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly mist this solution under and around the bench weekly, or after rain. Alternatively, lightly sprinkling diatomaceous earth (use food-grade) in the area can deter crawling insects, which removes the spiders' food source.
Long-term prevention is about changing the habitat. Keep the general area tidy by trimming back plants and clearing leaf litter near the bench, reducing insect populations. Ensure nearby garden sheds or storage are organized and free of clutter. If possible, consider using benches with open, less sheltered designs that offer fewer cozy corners.
For a more permanent solution on wooden benches, you could apply a coat of sealant or paint to the underside. This smooths out cracks and crevices that spiders use for anchoring webs. Installing subtle, low-voltage lighting away from the bench can also draw flying insects to a different spot, luring the spiders away from your seating area.
Consistency is your greatest tool. A routine of gentle cleaning and applying natural repellents is far more effective than a one-time intense effort. By making the space clean, exposed, and smelling of scents they avoid, you can reclaim your garden benches for peaceful, web-free relaxation.