Why You Need a Fast, Pet-Safe Spider Repellent This Fall

  

We got bitten by common household spiders last night as we slept very itchy bites. It was cool outdoors and all the windows were open. Now I know Diatomaceous Earth food grade works, but it’s kind of messy. So, I started wondering: would adding 6 drops of peppermint oil with Dawn dish soap and water in a spray bottle work?

Well apparently, yes it can rid your home of spiders.  So if you’re dealing with a sudden spider surge as the weather cools, this fast DIY remedy might be your best first defense.

 

 Make Your Own Peppermint Spider Spray

This natural mix is easy to make, safe for most homes, and surprisingly effective at repelling spiders from your sleeping spaces, closets, cabinets, and basements, any dark space with spiders like to hide.

DIY Recipe:

• 6–10 drops peppermint essential oil 

• 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap 

• 1 cup water 

• Shake well in spray bottle

How to Use:  Spray around windows, door frames, baseboards, under beds, and inside cabinets. Reapply every 3–5 days or after cleaning. Avoid spraying directly on pets or their bedding.

 

Why Peppermint Oil Works

Spiders “smell” and “taste” through their legs. The menthol in peppermint oil overwhelms their sensory receptors, making treated areas feel hostile and uninhabitable. While it doesn’t kill them, it strongly discourages nesting and movement.  Studies show peppermint oil is effective against spider mites and other crawling pests, and anecdotal evidence supports its use against common house spiders.  

Safety for Kids and Pets—Especially Cats

This mix is generally safe when diluted and used properly, but here’s what you need to know: Cats are sensitive to essential oils, especially in concentrated form. Never apply peppermint oil directly to their fur or bedding.  If you have cats remove them from the area you are spraying.  Let the peppermint dry before allowing cat back into the room .Use in well-ventilated areas and avoid spraying near litter boxes, food bowls, or sleeping zones. Store the spray out of reach of children and pets. Spot test surfaces

 Bonus Tip: Clean First, Spray Second

Before spraying, vacuum up webs, dust, and clutter. Spiders love quiet, undisturbed corners—so make them feel unwelcome. Then follow with your peppermint spray to seal the message. 

 Final Thoughts Not all spider bites are dangerous, but they’re never welcome. If you’re waking up itchy or spotting webs in your sanctuary spaces, don’t wait. This DIY peppermint spray is fast, effective, and safe when used with care. It’s one autumn ritual that protects your peace and your pets.

Joplin’s Urban Deer Hunting Ordinance Will Change Autumn 2025 Forever: What Residents Need to Know

 

As bow hunting expands into Joplin’s neighborhoods, residents brace for an autumn unlike any other. Here’s what the 2025 ordinance means for wildlife, safety, and community care.

 

This fall, as the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, a quiet shift will settle over our community. The woods that once welcomed children’s laughter and family hikes where acorns were gathered, wildlife watched, and seasonal rituals played out will no longer be a safe haven. A recent change to the city council’s hunting ordinance has altered access to these familiar trails, and for many, this year’s autumn won’t look or feel the same.

I read with concern the recent decision by the Joplin City Council to approve bow hunting of deer within city limits. While I understand the motivations unfenced backyards, property damage, rising deer populations, vehicle collisions on roads lacking “deer crossing” signage, and fears around chronic wasting disease I believe this ordinance misses the mark.

We live in a region where deer have always belonged. They were here long before subdivisions, sidewalks, and manicured lawns. When residents choose to live near wooded areas, part of that choice involves coexisting with wildlife. It’s not the deer who are encroaching on us it’s the other way around.

Instead of responding with lethal force, we should explore non-lethal alternatives:  Improved fencing and deterrents.  Public education on wildlife coexistence.  Enforcement of feeding bans to prevent habituation.

Deer aren’t pests. They’re survivors, navigating shrinking habitats and disrupted migration paths. Hunting them simply for being present feels inhumane especially when late-season does are still nursing fawns. These vulnerable family units should never be targets.

 Safety Concerns When Hunting in the City

Urban woods are shared spaces, not shooting ranges. Protect families, wildlife, and vulnerable neighbors.

 Safety and Ethics in Residential Zones

Some council members raised safety concerns, and rightly so. Allowing arrows to fly in residential areas introduces risks we may not be prepared to manage. During fall months, families and children walk wooded trails to admire foliage. With a growing homeless population, wooded areas may also serve as refuge. The last thing anyone needs is to be struck by a stray arrow.

And what of interpretation? My neighbor has been feeding deer for weeks and plans to hunt on his property come September 15th. His land borders mine just 20 feet from my home. Feeding deer is illegal under Missouri law, and hunting in densely populated residential zones is reckless at best. Yet he misinterpreted the Joplin hunting ordinance.  He seems to think it gives him permission.

Will people jump out of cars to pursue deer crossing the road? Will poachers assume firearms are fair game? These questions were never addressed when the City of Joplin approved this ordinance.

You can read the full ordinance and registration requirements on the City of Joplin’s official website.

A Better Way Forward

If deer populations truly require management, a controlled hunt would have been more responsible:  A short, supervised weekend event led by animal control and conservation officers.  Permits checked and safety protocols enforced. Limited to mature 4-point bucks only no does, fawns, or young bucks.

This could have helped balance population control. Instead, we’re now facing a months-long open season from September through January that feels like a free-for-all for bow hunters. Permits and landowner permission are technically required, but who’s actually checking those letters?

From what I’ve seen on social media, many hunters seem to assume that any wooded land in Joplin is fair game. They rarely mention landowner consent, and the lines between public and private property are getting dangerously blurred.

Let’s rethink what it means to live alongside wildlife. Let’s choose coexistence over convenience, and compassion over control. Read second article on this topic here 

 Author's  Note / Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and advocacy purposes only. It reflects the author's personal perspective on urban wildlife management and public safety. No part of this content promotes illegal activity, violence, or harm toward animals or individuals. All references to local ordinances, safety concerns, and wildlife behavior are based on publicly available information and lived experience. Readers are encouraged to consult official city resources and conservation experts for guidance.