Diane,
The sage orange may work, I have heard that one before, but have not had
the chance to try it.
 
I'm a landscaper, and have worked quite extensively with pesticides.  When
applied according to package directions, pesticides can be safe to use as
long as you also use common sense.  If you "bomb" the house, remove(
preferred) or tightly cover all food items, make sure to thoroughly wash
any surfaces or items that any member of your household will come into
contact with afterwards.
 
Some pesticides, and any product that is labeled to kill pest species is
a pesticide "organic/natural" or not, are designed to be applied to the
exterior of the house, esp.  around the foundation, as a barrier to pest
entry.  Some things you can do to cut down on the number of spiders
include thoroughly cleaning the house, making sure to vacuum any dark
crevices where spiders can breed also, make sure to inspect the exterior
of the house and seal any cracks around windows, door frames, vent pipes
ect.  with a good quality caulk.  As a side benefit, you'll cut your
heating/cooling costs.
 
    Michael "Mick"Schmid
 Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati
(When All Else Fails, Play Dead)
     Bee-Jay Landscaping
      Expect The Best!
    God Bless The U.S.A.
       716-860-1266
          Depew NY
    [log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 3553]