A study of natural spider repellents finds mixed results among three commonly cited options: chestnut, lemon oil, and peppermint oil. One of the species included in the study, the brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus), avoided chestnut and peppermint oil in more than 75 percent of choice tests, but it appeared unaffected by lemon oil. (Photo credit: Sturgis McKeever, Georgia Southern University, Bugwood.org)