Many of us have this plant in our homes. We love it very much. But spiders also love it and are attracted to our interiors.
While we are all trying to create a cozy environment at home to face the drop in temperatures that is coming by installing soft blankets, cushions, but also plants, another problem that the freshness is waiting for us! Autumn is also the season when small creatures, such as spiders, begin to invest our interiors.
However, did you know that some plants, which you might innocently bring into your home, can actually attract these little eight-legged beasts? Among common houseplants, one of them is particularly known for attracting spiders without most of us being aware of it: potted mint. While many people grow mint for its aromatic properties and its many culinary benefits, a rumor persists: mint attracts spiders. But is this really the case?
Unlike many insects, spiders are not attracted or repelled by scents in the same way. Instead, they rely on vibrations and pheromones to locate their prey. So it’s not the mint leaves themselves that attract spiders, but the ecosystem that mint can create around it.
Mint, when planted outdoors or in pots indoors, promotes the proliferation of small insects. In fact, aphids, midges and other small pests can be attracted by the humidity and freshness of this plant. However, these insects are ideal prey for spiders. These, in turn, come to settle near the mint, taking advantage of this abundance of food.
Now, before you panic and banish all your mint pots, know that it is not guaranteed that every pot of mint will attract an army of spiders. This is simply a common observation among gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts. Additionally, not all spiders are pests. In fact, they can be beneficial because they feed on insects that could be more harmful to your plants.
So what can you do if you love mint but don’t want to invite spiders into your home? First, check your pots regularly for pests. By eliminating aphids and other insects, you reduce the likelihood of spiders taking up residence. Next, you can use other plants that naturally repel insects. For example, by growing them near mint, you can reduce the number of insects that are attracted to mint. Lavender, for example, is known to repel moths and flies.