Photo: Skyler Ewing

What is a natural spider repellent?

In looking for a natural spider repellent, I discovered that all spiders have their taste buds on the tips of their legs. There are certain natural oils they hate, including peppermint, spearmint, citronella, cinnamon, and cloves.

seventhgeneration.com - Homemade ""Spider Spray"" to the Rescue! - Seventh Generation

Can you use plastic base for metal shed?

Even if you're getting a plastic or metal shed, you still need a good-quality base to put it on. The plastic pro base is fast becoming the...

Last updated Oct 5, 2022

Is wood or plastic shed better?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of sheds, but wooden sheds are the overall better option when considering durability,...

Last updated Oct 23, 2019

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

The blood-curdling scream from my daughter's room at 6 this morning was no surprise. It happens every spring. Roused by my digging in the garden, a small army of 8-legged crawlers was making its way indoors. My daughter had opened her eyes to a member of the scouting party, rappelling its way from the ceiling to her bed. I grabbed the harmless little creature with a tissue, shook it out the window and went in search of my homemade "spider spray." Despite the fact that most varieties of spider pose no threat to humans (and given the way they keep the insect population under control we should view them as allies) many people dislike, and even fear them. In looking for a natural spider repellent, I discovered that all spiders have their taste buds on the tips of their legs. There are certain natural oils they hate, including peppermint, spearmint, citronella, cinnamon, and cloves. This natural spider deterrent does wonders to combat an arachnid invasion, and with repeated use can help repel spiders year round: Add up to 5 drops of essential oil and up to 5 drops of dish washing liquid to 1 qt. of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the mixture on cobwebs, around doors and windows, around the lawn and garden and on any surfaces where spiders lurk.In addition to having deterring spiders, this mixture has a pleasant aroma. Oils may stain or cause spots, so be sure to test the mixture on a small section of carpet or upholstery before spraying an entire surface.

Reapply the spray once a week during peak "spider seasons."

Natural spider repellents have to be applied more often than pesticides, but they are safer for to use in your home and have a pleasant smell. Pots of mint and thyme inside your home on a sunny windowsill will also help deter indoor spiders. Or you can dust your window sills and furniture weekly with a peppermint-scented cleaner to help deter spiders. Last, but certainly not least, you can stop a household spider infestation through simple means. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up spiders and cobwebs. Seal cracks in the foundation and close gaps in windows or beneath doorways to deny spiders access to your homes. Spiders thrive in dark, cluttered places, so keep stacks of debris, woodpiles and thick plant growth away from the sides of the house. The fewer places spiders can easily inhabit, the more effectively they can be repelled.

Is OSB3 OK for a shed roof?

OSB3 is used more for the building envelope where there is a possibility of leakage or condensation occurring. One point that I found interesting...

Last updated Feb 16, 2020

Can I build a brick shed in my garden UK?

Most buildings in the UK require building regulations approval. Fortunately, most garden buildings, including brick sheds, are excluded from...

Last updated Jul 6, 2022

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

What happens if you add too much water to Quikrete?

NOTE: the more water that is added to the mix the weaker it becomes; adding one extra quart of water per 80 lb bag can reduce the strength of the concrete by up to 40%.

quikrete.com - Hand Mixing | QUIKRETE: Cement and Concrete Products

HOW-TO VIDEOS

A great way to view and understand your building or repair project before you get started. Find out just about everything you need to know by watching the video below. Mixing Concrete – Hand Mixing QUIKRETE concrete mixes can be successfully mixed by hand or machine mixed. For smaller projects, hand mixing is often the best method. Project Instructions Shopping List

Project Instructions

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.

Step 1

Empty the mix into a mortar tub or wheelbarrow and form a depression in the middle of the mix.

Step 2

Measure the recommended water amount (each 80-pound bag of concrete mix will require about 3 quarts of water).

Step 3

Pour approximately 2/3 of the water into the depression. If using liquid cement color, add to the mixing water.

Step 4

Work the mix with a hoe, gradually adding water, until the mix reaches a uniform, workable consistency. Properly mixed concrete should look like thick oatmeal and should hold its shape when it is squeezed in a gloved hand. NOTE: the more water that is added to the mix the weaker it becomes; adding one extra quart of water per 80 lb bag can reduce the strength of the concrete by up to 40%.