Do you want to know how to get rid of spiders? I will tell you about a non-toxic method that repels them so completely that they run away and don't come back. It is not an insecticide, and it is safe around pets. Pets may not like the smell, but it is non-toxic when used correctly.

Spiders may serve a useful purpose in nature, but I don't like them. Well, I don't mind them if they stay where they are suppose to, which is outside and out of my hair. I don't want to see them in my basement, garage, or attic.

I don't relish it when they leave long trailing webs from my porch light to the railing, waiting for me to reach out to grab the morning newspaper, only to catch me in their sticky little trap. I hate looking at my outside lights and seeing them loaded with webs and the remains of the evening's unfortunate catch. Moth pieces and insect particles don't belong glued to my house.

I don't like going to my basement to retrieve dinner from the freezer, only to be bombarded by a cascade of baby spiders descending like tiny paratroopers.

Nope, I just don't like it at all.

I don't use insect repellents or other toxic products in my home, or even outside my home. I have a houseful of pets and a love of nature. I refuse to use any toxic substances in, or around my environment. I don't use them to clean, or to kill. Oh yeah, I have a great desire not to poison myself and my husband with pesticides.

But, I had a spider problem and I had to get rid of them. Another problem I had is that I don't kill anything. I believe in the sanctity of all living things, creeping, crawling, swimming, flying, walking. Whatever it is, I respect its right to life.

So I had a problem. How do I get rid of spiders safely, without poisonous insecticides? What will repel spiders but is safe to use around pets?

I did a little research and I found out that spiders TASTE through their feet. Huh? Really? Well that's what they said. So if a spider had one foot stuck in peanut butter and another in chocolate would he taste a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup? I don't know.

But, I do know what spiders do NOT like the taste of. I know what will repel spiders and keep them away.

Spiders do not like the taste of citrus! Lemon, orange, lime, all repel spiders. It doesn't kill them, but discourages them from setting up home where they "taste" it.

In order to repel spiders safely, you need to make up a concoction that you can spray where you don't want them.

You will need:

• An empty spray bottle
• Any citrus essential oil- lemon, lime, orange, citronella
• Water

Well that was easy, huh?

Real essential oils must be used, not synthetic fragrance oils, which do not "taste" like citrus. You can purchase essential oils many places, and the good news is that citrus essential oils are dirt cheap. Lemon seems to be the strongest smelling, so that was the one I chose.

Essential oils are aromatic volatile oils extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, and other parts of plants. In the case of citrus essential oils, they are extracted from the peel.

They are not oily, despite their name, but watery feeling. Essential oils can stain some fabrics, so be careful if you spray them around furniture or clothing.

I filled the spray bottle with about a quart of water with a tablespoon of lemon essential oil and used it to spray around my doors outside, and in my basement. Rain can wash it away pretty quickly outside, so a more frequent application will be necessary.

The lemon mix that I sprayed in my basement in the beginning of this year is still working! There have been no new spiders where I sprayed. It's a miracle!

Do not allow direct contact with pets. Although essential oils are non-toxic when used in certain applications, there are some exceptions. Essential oils can irritate the nasal passages of pets, and are especially annoying to cats. Cats should never have direct contact with essential oils of ANY kind, as their livers cannot metabolize them, and it can cause liver or kidney damage.

Keep kitty and doggy out of the way if you choose to spray this spider repellent where they tend to gather, and for heavens' sake, don't get it on your pet. Severe skin irritation will result.

I have also heard that vinegar will work as well, diluted and sprayed in spider areas. Some people are making mixes with water with a splash of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint or Lavender Soap, and adding a few drops of citrus essential oils.