Finding a spider crawling across your wall at night is nobody’s idea of a good time. Whether you spot one in the bedroom, bathroom, or basement, spiders in the house are a common problem millions of homeowners face every year. The good news is you do not need expensive pest control to solve it.
This guide walks you through simple, proven methods to eliminate spiders and prevent them from returning.
Why Do Spiders Come Inside Your Home
Spiders enter homes searching for three things: food, warmth, and shelter. If your home has plenty of insects, gaps in walls, or cluttered storage areas, it becomes an attractive spot for spiders.
Common house spider species include the cellar spider, common house spider, and wolf spider. Most are harmless, but no one wants them as roommates.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in the House Fast
1. Declutter and Clean Regularly
Spiders love dark, undisturbed spaces. Boxes, piles of clothes, and stacked items in garages, basements, and attics are perfect hiding spots.
Remove clutter from storage areas and closets. Vacuum corners, under furniture, and behind appliances regularly. Wipe down baseboards and window sills to remove egg sacs and webs.
2. Seal Entry Points
Spiders get inside through tiny cracks and openings. Inspect your home and seal any gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and utility lines.
Use caulk or weatherstripping to close gaps around doors and window frames. Install door sweeps on exterior doors. Check screens for holes and repair or replace them.
3. Use Natural Spider Repellents
Several natural ingredients repel spiders effectively without chemicals.
Peppermint oil is one of the most popular options. Mix 15 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it along baseboards, corners, and window sills. Spiders dislike the strong scent and will avoid treated areas.
Other natural repellents that work well include:
Vinegar mixed with water in equal parts sprayed in corners and entry points. Citrus peels rubbed along windowsills and door frames. Cedarwood oil diluted in water and sprayed in closets and storage areas. Eucalyptus oil used the same way as peppermint oil.
4. Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a powder made from fossilized algae. It is non-toxic to humans and pets but deadly to spiders and insects. Sprinkle it along baseboards, in crawl spaces, under appliances, and around door frames. It damages the exoskeleton of spiders, causing them to dehydrate.
5. Use Spider Traps and Sticky Boards
Glue traps are easy to use and highly effective for catching spiders. Place them in dark corners, behind furniture, under sinks, and in closets. They also help you track how many spiders are present so you know if the problem is improving.
6. Reduce Outdoor Lighting
Insects are attracted to light, and spiders follow insects. Replace bright white outdoor bulbs with yellow or sodium vapor lights. These emit wavelengths that are less attractive to flying insects, which means fewer spiders will be drawn to your home exterior.
7. Remove Outdoor Hiding Spots
Spiders that live outside often find their way indoors. Remove woodpiles, leaf piles, and debris near your foundation. Trim shrubs and plants that touch your home. Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from the house.
8. Use Chemical Sprays When Needed
If natural methods are not working, insecticide sprays designed for spiders can be used as a targeted solution. Look for sprays containing cypermethrin or bifenthrin. Apply along baseboards, entry points, and corners. Always follow label instructions carefully and keep children and pets away from treated areas until dry.
Must Read: How to Get Rid of Gnats in the House
Comparison of Spider Removal Methods
| Method | Effectiveness | Cost | Safe for Pets |
| Peppermint oil spray | Moderate | Low | Yes |
| Diatomaceous earth | High | Low | Yes |
| Sticky traps | High | Low | Yes |
| Chemical sprays | Very High | Medium | No (until dry) |
| Sealing cracks | Very High | Low | Yes |
| Decluttering | High | Free | Yes |
How to Keep Spiders Out Long Term
Getting rid of spiders once is not enough if conditions in your home invite them back. Follow these habits to maintain a spider-free home.
Vacuum at least once a week and pay attention to corners and ceiling edges. Keep food sealed and take out garbage regularly to reduce the insect population that feeds spiders. Wash bedding frequently and shake out clothing that has been stored. Use airtight plastic bins for storage instead of cardboard boxes. Repair leaking pipes since moisture attracts both insects and spiders.
When to Call a Professional
If you have a large infestation, find dangerous species like the black widow or brown recluse, or keep seeing spiders despite trying multiple methods, it is time to contact a licensed pest control professional. They can identify the species, locate nesting areas, and apply targeted treatments safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What smell do spiders hate the most?
Spiders strongly dislike peppermint oil, vinegar, and citrus scents. Spraying diluted peppermint oil around entry points and corners is one of the most effective natural deterrents.
Does vinegar kill spiders?
White vinegar does not kill spiders on contact reliably, but it repels them. A 50/50 mix of vinegar and water sprayed in corners and along walls helps keep them away.
Why do I suddenly have so many spiders in my house?
A sudden increase in spiders usually means there is a rise in their food source, which is other insects. It can also happen during fall when spiders seek warmth indoors.
How do I keep spiders out of my bedroom?
Keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free, use peppermint oil spray near windowsills and baseboards, seal any gaps around windows, and avoid leaving clothes or boxes on the floor.
Is it bad to kill house spiders?
Most house spiders are harmless and actually help reduce other insects like mosquitoes and flies. Relocating them outside is a better option than killing them unless they pose a safety concern.
Conclusion
Getting rid of spiders in the house requires a combination of cleaning habits, sealing entry points, natural deterrents, and targeted treatments. Most house spiders are harmless, but that does not mean you have to live with them.
Start with simple steps like decluttering and using peppermint oil spray, then move to stronger methods if needed. Staying consistent is the key to keeping your home spider-free all year round.