How to Keep Spiders Away From Your Lake House in South Carolina

When I moved to South Carolina, no one warned me about the spider infestation. Now, I don’t say this to scare you but rather to be frank. I’ve lived in Florida and Texas and considered myself outdoorsy, but nowhere has spiders to the degree South Carolina does. Especially living on Lake Keowee’s waterfront, the bugs seem to love it here.

In full transparency, I’m glad I didn’t understand how big of a problem it was until I got here because I love this state. And, I’ve found a successful way to keep the spiders away– It’s cheap and completely effective.

Keeping Spiders off of your Home Decor

Let me warn you, if you don’t do something about it, the spiders (and mosquitoes) will take over. I remember our first fall here—I had pumpkins out on the porch, and to my disgust, there were spiderwebs (not the fun fake ones) all over my fall decor. I was so disgusted.

That’s when I brought out the peppermint oil. Now, let’s be clear, I buy cheap stuff from Amazon; I don’t have brand loyalty. But this little bottle is KEY to keeping the spiders away. Some say to put it in water and spray it around, but I can’t risk it being diluted (I loathe spiders). I just sprinkle it around the outside of my home, on my railings, on my decor, and near the door jams. It lasts for a good 7-10 days. I kid you not, this little bottle of peppermint oil is a game changer.

Keeping Spiders off the Boat Dock on Lake Keowee

Now, when it comes to the boat dock, the spiders are out in full force. I don’t know if it’s due to the water or what, but it certainly requires more maintenance. I use the peppermint oil every couple of days, and if I see one cobweb starting, I ensure it’s gone immediately.

I have heard cinnamon and lemon are other natural ingredients that work wonders. But the truth is, all I use is peppermint oil so I can’t speak to the success of these other nurtural substances.

No More Mosquitos Lake Side: The Best Mosquito Repellant

Now, let’s talk about mosquitoes. I’m super allergic to bugs, especially mosquitoes. If I get bitten, I swell up and it’s awful. Because of this, I am constantly covered in bug spray, and let’s be real, that’s not exactly what you want to do when you want to enjoy an evening outside on the deck.

But last year, Ryan found this amazing no-smell, no-spray insect repellent, and it’s a complete game changer. We use it when we want to sit outside at dusk and ensure we (cough, cough, ME) are cleared of bugs and bites. This comes in handy when we want to change the scenery and eat outside for dinner. I love creating summer tablescapes and want to be able to use them without any bugs visiting!

Keeping Your Lake House Bug-Free and Blissful in South Carolina

These are my proven for keeping spiders and mosquitoes away in your South Carolina lake house. Whether it’s using peppermint oil to banish those eight-legged intruders or relying on a Thermacell to keep mosquitoes from ruining your evenings, these simple, affordable solutions have transformed our outdoor living experience. 

Living by the lake in South Carolina is an absolute dream, and with these tips, you can keep it that way. Stay tuned for more adventures and home transformation tips!