Lizards and spiders are two of the most common unwanted guests in homes, especially in warm months when doors stay open and bugs are plentiful. Nobody wants to find them near the kitchen sink, on the bathroom wall, or in the corner of a closet. Before reaching for a chemical product, you can try two simple sprays made from pantry staples: a pepper water spray for lizards and a salt water spray for spiders.
These are not miracle fixes, and they work best as part of a regular routine. Think of them as a way to make the areas you care about less appealing to pests, while you also tackle the reasons they showed up in the first place.
What You’ll Need
Pepper Water Spray (for Lizards)
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup warm water
- A clean, empty trigger spray bottle
- A coffee filter, cheesecloth, or fine strainer
Salt Water Spray (for Spiders)
- 1 tablespoon table salt
- 1 cup warm water
- A clean, empty trigger spray bottle
Tools for Both Sprays
- A measuring spoon and measuring cup
- A small bowl or jar for mixing
- A spoon for stirring
- Gloves and a damp cloth for cleanup
Why These Two Sprays Are Worth Trying
Lizards are sensitive to strong smells and tastes, and the sharp scent of black pepper is something most of them prefer to avoid. A light mist along their usual paths can make a spot feel less comfortable for them to hang out in.
Spiders often gather where they can find moisture and other insects. Salt water is a simple way to make surfaces less inviting and to discourage webs from forming in spots you visit often. It does not kill spiders, so think of it as a deterrent rather than a complete solution.
How to Make Them
Pepper Water Spray
- Pour the warm water into a clean bowl or jar.
- Stir in the ground black pepper until it is well mixed.
- Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes so the pepper can steep.
- Strain the liquid through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove most of the solid particles. This keeps the trigger nozzle from clogging.
- Pour the strained liquid into your spray bottle and label it clearly as pepper water.
Salt Water Spray
- Pour the warm water into a clean container.
- Add the salt and stir until it has fully dissolved. Warm water helps this happen faster.
- Pour the solution into a clean spray bottle and label it clearly as salt water.
Both mixtures are best made fresh every week or two. Pepper water can develop an odor and cloudy residue over time, and salt water can leave a crust in the nozzle if it sits too long.
How to Use Them
Using Pepper Water for Lizards
- Test the spray on a small, hidden area of any surface first, such as the back of a cabinet or the underside of a shelf, and wait for it to dry.
- Lightly mist areas where lizards tend to travel or rest, including window frames, door edges, baseboards, and around outdoor lights.
- Reapply every few days or after rain, since moisture washes the spray away.
Using Salt Water for Spiders
- Lightly mist corners, window sills, and baseboards where spiders build webs.
- Focus on the spots where you often see webs or spiders instead of soaking entire walls.
- Wipe the surface with a damp cloth after a few hours if you notice residue, especially on wood or painted finishes.
What to Expect
Results depend on how many pests are around and how easy it is for them to come in from outside. With consistent use, many people notice fewer lizards in treated areas and fewer new webs forming in the same corners. Expect gradual improvement over a week or two rather than instant results. The sprays may not eliminate an existing infestation on their own.
Helpful Tips
- Pair these sprays with basic prevention: seal cracks around windows and doors, fix torn screens, and keep outdoor lights away from entry points, since lights attract insects that lizards eat.
- Keep food, pet bowls, and trash sealed so you are not supplying a meal to pests.
- Vacuum regularly, especially in corners and behind furniture, to remove webs and egg sacs.
- Start with small amounts and adjust the strength if needed. You do not need a heavy coating to make a difference.
Important Notes and Safety
- Black pepper can irritate eyes, skin, and airways. Wear gloves when mixing, avoid spraying toward your face, and keep the bottle away from children.
- Do not spray pepper water or salt water on food preparation surfaces, dishes, or areas where pets eat and sleep. Pets, especially cats and dogs, may react to the pepper.
- Salt water can leave white residue and may damage unsealed wood, some metals, and certain fabrics. Always patch test first.
- Wipe up excess spray promptly, especially on metal fixtures, to prevent corrosion.
- Label both bottles clearly and store them out of reach of children and pets. Keep them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
- If you have a serious pest problem, or if you see large numbers of spiders or dangerous species, contact a licensed pest control professional.
