It's frustrating to find new spider webs under your garden benches every morning. The good news is, you can deter these eight-legged visitors with some simple, consistent strategies. Spiders are attracted to quiet, undisturbed areas where they can catch prey. The key is to make the space under your benches less inviting.
First, disrupt their environment regularly. Simply moving the bench or brushing away webs and egg sacs every few days signals that this isn't a safe, permanent home. Pay special attention to the corners and joints where webs often start.
Next, eliminate their food source. Spiders stay where insects are plentiful. Reduce other pests by ensuring there's no standing water nearby, trimming back dense foliage touching the bench, and using yellow LED lights for evening lighting, which are less attractive to flying insects.
You can also use natural repellents. Spiders dislike strong scents. Create a simple spray using water and a few drops of peppermint, citrus, or tea tree oil and mist it under the bench weekly. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the legs creates a harmless (to humans) but effective barrier. For a longer-term solution, consider placing cedar blocks or chips underneath; the natural oils repel many insects and spiders.
Finally, make the area less hospitable. Keep the area under and around the bench clear of leaf litter, grass clippings, and other debris. If possible, choose benches with open, minimalist designs over those with complex, sheltered undersides, as they offer fewer anchor points for webs.
Consistency is your greatest tool. By combining regular cleaning with these natural deterrents, you can enjoy your garden seating without the unwanted architectural additions.