Easy Ways to Get Rid of Spiders
Spiders in your home? Get rid of them the natural, chemical‑free way. This guide covers easy DIY sprays, natural repellents, and simple habits to keep your home spider‑free. #SpiderRepellent #NaturalPestControl #DIYCLEANING #HomeHacks #PestControl
I used to be terrified of spiders. Every time I saw one, I would grab a shoe and run. Then I learned that most house spiders are harmless and actually helpful because they eat other bugs. But I still did not want them crawling around my living room.
I started looking for ways to keep them out without using harsh chemicals. After trying many methods, I found several that really work. Here is what I learned.
Why Spiders Come Inside
Spiders do not come inside to bother you. They come looking for three things: warmth, shelter, and food.
If you have other insects in your home, spiders will follow them. Moisture, cluttered corners, and flying insects make your home inviting for spiders.
The good news is that you can make your home less inviting without using toxic sprays.
Natural Sprays That Really Work
Peppermint Oil Spray (The Best Repellent)
This is the most effective natural spider repellent. Spiders hate the strong smell of peppermint. Studies have shown that peppermint oil repels spiders in more than 75% of cases. The menthol in peppermint oil disrupts a spider’s ability to smell and navigate, driving them away.
What you need:
- 10 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 1 cup of water
- A few drops of dish soap (helps the oil mix with water)
- A spray bottle
How to make it:
- Pour the water into the spray bottle.
- Add the peppermint oil and dish soap.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray around windows, doors, corners, baseboards, under furniture, and anywhere else you have seen spiders.
Reapply every few days or after cleaning, as the scent fades over time.
Clove and Peppermint Oil Spray (Extra Power)
For a stronger repellent, combine clove and peppermint oil. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural insect repellent.
What you need:
- 10 drops peppermint oil
- 5 drops clove oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Spray bottle
Mix all ingredients, shake well, and spray in spider-prone areas. Reapply every 3 to 4 days.
Vinegar Spray (Simple and Cheap)
White vinegar disrupts spider pheromone trails and irritates their bodies. Spiders despise the scent of vinegar.
What you need:
- Equal parts white vinegar and water
- Spray bottle
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray along baseboards, window sills, corners, and any gaps where spiders may enter. Avoid using vinegar on marble or hardwood, as it can damage those surfaces.
Salt Spray (Kills on Contact)
Salt acts as a natural deterrent by dehydrating pests. Some sources suggest salt can also kill spiders by disrupting their internal processes.
What you need:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- Spray bottle
Dissolve the salt in warm water, pour into a spray bottle, and spray along baseboards, corners, windowsills, and door frames. You can also spray it directly on spiders. Salt spray is most effective in dry areas, as high humidity can dissolve it.
Other Natural Repellents
Essential Oils That Repel Spiders
Besides peppermint, several other essential oils work well:
Mix about 15 to 20 drops of any of these oils with water in a spray bottle and mist windowsills, corners, and entryways.
Citrus Peels
Spiders loathe citrus. Rub orange or lemon peels along windows and door frames. The natural oils in the peels leave behind a scent that repels spiders.
Cedar Wood
Cedar contains natural oils that deter spiders. Use cedar wood hangers in closets, place cedar chips in drawers, or add cedar blocks to storage areas.
Cinnamon Sticks
Place cinnamon sticks near entry points. Spiders do not like the hot spice smell.
Chestnuts
Fresh chestnuts or horse chestnuts placed near windowsills and entry points can repel spiders, though the effect is localised. Studies have shown chestnuts clearly repelled certain spider species.
Baking Soda
Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda in spider-prone areas like behind furniture, under sinks, or near window edges. Baking soda acts as a natural desiccant and irritant for spiders. It also absorbs moisture and neutralises odours. Vacuum and reapply every few days.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilised algae. When spiders walk over it, the sharp particles damage their exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and death. Sprinkle a thin layer of food‑grade DE along wall edges, behind appliances, and under furniture. Keep it dry for best results and avoid using it in damp areas. Always wear a mask when applying to avoid inhaling the dust.
Spider-Repellent Plants
Planting certain herbs and flowers around your home can create a natural barrier. Spiders avoid these plants because of their strong fragrances:
- Lavender
- Mint
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Lemon balm
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
- Lemon verbena
Plant them near doors and windows or keep potted versions indoors. Many of them are attractive and have a pleasant scent close to your windows and doors.
Prevention: Keep Spiders Out for Good
The best way to deal with spiders is to stop them from coming inside in the first place.
1. Seal Entry Points
Spiders can squeeze through tiny cracks. Inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, and walls. Use silicone-based sealant or weather stripping to close openings. Even small gaps under doors can be enough for them to sneak through, so consider a door sweep for extra protection.
2. Declutter Regularly
Spiders love dark, undisturbed spaces like cardboard boxes, piles of paper, and forgotten corners. Store items in sealed containers rather than open boxes. Regular vacuuming and dusting removes webs and egg sacs before they become a problem.
3. Reduce Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lights attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights or switch to warm‑toned bulbs to reduce the insect traffic around your home.
4. Keep Your Garden Tidy
Overgrown shrubs, piles of firewood, and thick foliage close to your home act like spider hotels. Keep your garden neat, trim plants away from windows, and store wood piles at a distance from your house.
5. Let in Light and Air
Spiders love dark, humid areas. Open your curtains during the day, let sunlight in, and keep your space well‑ventilated. A bright, airy home is less appealing to spiders.
Quick Reference Table: Which Method to Use
| Situation | Best Method | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Spray around windows and doors | Peppermint oil spray | Every few days |
| Stubborn spider areas | Clove + peppermint oil spray | Every 3‑4 days |
| Cheap, quick repellent | Vinegar spray | As needed |
| Kill spiders on contact | Salt spray | As needed |
| Long‑lasting barrier | Diatomaceous earth | Reapply if wet |
| Natural scent deterrent | Citrus peels or cinnamon sticks | Replace when dry |
| Prevention | Seal cracks, declutter, reduce lights | Once |
My Personal Spider Routine
Here is what I actually do in my own home. You can copy this.
Every week:
- I vacuum corners, under furniture, and behind appliances.
- I dust window sills and door frames.
- I check for new webs and remove them immediately.
Every month:
- I spray peppermint oil around windows, doors, and baseboards.
- I sprinkle diatomaceous earth behind furniture and along wall edges.
- I inspect my home for new cracks and seal them.
Every season:
- I trim plants away from my windows.
- I move firewood away from the house.
- I replace cedar blocks in closets and drawers.
Since I started this routine, I rarely see spiders inside. The ones that do find their way in are usually dead from the diatomaceous earth or quickly repelled by the peppermint oil.
The Bottom Line
You do not need harsh chemicals to get rid of spiders. Peppermint oil, vinegar, salt, and diatomaceous earth are all you need. These natural remedies are safe for your family and pets (with some precautions) and are better for the environment.
The key is to use a combination of methods. Spray repellents around entry points. Keep your home clean and clutter‑free. Seal cracks and gaps. Reduce outdoor lighting. Plant spider‑repellent herbs around your home.
I used to panic every time I saw a spider. Now I know exactly what to do, and I rarely see them anymore. You can do this too. Your home will stay spider‑free, and you will not have to worry about toxic chemicals.
