Many people feel a little jumpy when they see a spider. You might not like how they look, or you might worry about bites. The good news is that most spiders you find in your house are harmless. They even help you by catching other pests like flies and mosquitoes.

But, if you have too many spiders, or if you see dangerous kinds like black widows or brown recluses, you will want to take action. This guide will show you simple, effective ways to get rid of spiders and keep them from coming back. We will use easy methods that are safe for your family and pets.

Let’s make your home a comfortable, spider-free zone.

Understanding Your Eight-Legged Roommates

Before we talk about how to get rid of spiders, it helps to know why they are in your house in the first place. Spiders do not come inside to bother you. They are looking for three things: food, water, and shelter.

If your home has other small insects, it becomes a great restaurant for spiders. They will stay because you are providing their meals. They also like quiet, dark places where they will not be disturbed. Cluttered basements, crowded garages, and the space behind furniture are perfect spider homes.

Most common house spiders are not a threat. You might see daddy longlegs (which are not true spiders, but we often think of them as such), cobweb spiders, and cellar spiders. These guys are generally harmless.

However, you should learn to identify the two main types of dangerous spiders in many regions:

Black Widow Spider: Shiny and black with a distinct red hourglass shape on its underside. They like dark, undisturbed areas like woodpiles, sheds, and basements.
Brown Recluse Spider: Light to dark brown with a darker, violin-shaped marking on its back. They also prefer quiet areas like closets, attics, and boxes.

If you see either of these spiders, especially if you have children or pets, you should be very careful and may want to call a professional.

Your First Step: How to Keep Spiders Out

The very best way to get rid of spiders is to stop them from getting inside. This is called exclusion. It is about sealing up your home.

Check Your Doors: Look at the weather stripping around your exterior doors. If you see light coming through the bottom or sides, it is time to replace it. This seals the gap spiders use to walk right in.
Look at Your Windows: Make sure your window screens do not have any tears or holes. Even a tiny hole is a big door for a spider. Also, check that windows close and seal tightly.
Seal Cracks and Holes: Walk around the outside of your house. Use a tube of caulk to seal any cracks in the foundation, gaps around window frames, or holes where pipes and cables enter your home. This is a very important step.
Turn Off the Lights: Outdoor lights attract insects, and insects attract spiders. Try to keep outdoor lights off when you do not need them. If you need light, consider using yellow bug lights which attract fewer insects.
Manage Your Landscaping: Keep tree branches, shrubs, and plants trimmed back away from your house. Spiders can use these like bridges to get onto your roof and into your attic or eaves.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Spiders

If you already have spiders inside, you can use natural methods to encourage them to leave. These ways are safe, smell nice, and do not use harsh chemicals.

Use Peppermint Oil: Spiders strongly dislike the smell of peppermint. Mix about 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake it well and spray it in places where spiders like to go. This includes window sills, door frames, baseboards, and dark corners. You will need to re-spray every week or so, especially after cleaning.
Try Other Essential Oils: Peppermint is the most popular, but spiders also do not like citrus (like lemon or orange), tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus oils. You can use them the same way, mixed with water in a spray bottle.
Bring in Citrus: Rub citrus peels (like from an orange or lemon) along baseboards and window sills. The smell will deter spiders, and it is a great way to use something you might normally throw away.
Use Vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. The acetic acid in vinegar is unpleasant to spiders and can also kill them on contact. Spray this mixture around your home. Be careful using vinegar on certain surfaces like natural stone, as it can damage them.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE): This is a fine powder made from fossilized algae. It is completely natural and safe for people and pets (use food-grade DE). The powder feels soft to us, but to a small insect or spider, it is like walking on broken glass. It cuts their outer shell and dries them out. Lightly sprinkle DE in out-of-the-way places like behind appliances, in basements, and along crevices. Remember to wear a mask when applying it so you do not breathe in the dust.

Cleaning Your Way to a Spider-Free Home

A clean house is one of the most powerful tools against spiders. It takes away their food and their hiding spots.

Remove Clutter: Spiders love clutter. It gives them places to hide and build webs. Go through old piles of newspaper, cardboard boxes, and stacks of clothing. Reduce clutter in basements, attics, and garages. Store items in plastic sealed bins instead of cardboard boxes.
Dust and Vacuum Regularly: This is the simplest way to remove spiders, their webs, and their egg sacs. Use your vacuum attachment to get into corners, along ceilings, and behind furniture. Do not forget to vacuum under furniture and cushions. Empty the vacuum cleaner bag or canister outside so any captured spiders do not find their way back inside.
Clean Your Outdoor Area: Move firewood piles away from the side of your house. Clean up leaf litter, grass clippings, and other debris near your foundation. This removes cozy hiding spots right next to your home.
Fix Moisture Problems: Some spiders like damp places. Fix leaky pipes and faucets inside and outside your home. Use a dehumidifier in damp basements or crawl spaces. Make sure your gutters are clean and direct water away from your foundation.

When to Use Spider Sprays and Insecticides

Sometimes, natural methods are not enough for a big spider problem. If you choose to use a chemical spray, always read the label first and use it exactly as directed.

Targeted Sprays: You do not need to spray your whole house. Look for spider webs and egg sacs. Use a targeted spray directly on them. You can also spray along baseboards, in cracks, and around entry points.
Residual Sprays: These sprays leave a lasting effect that can kill spiders for weeks after you apply it. Spray these in out-of-the-way areas like along the perimeter of your basement or garage, where pets and children cannot easily reach.
Non-Chemical Traps: Sticky glue traps are effective for catching spiders. Place them along walls and in corners where spiders tend to travel. You can check them regularly to see what kind of pests are in your home.

How to Deal with a Spider You See

What should you do when you see a spider in your house?

The Cup and Paper Method: This is the classic, humane way. Take a clear cup or glass and a stiff piece of paper or cardboard. Slowly place the cup over the spider. Then, carefully slide the paper under the cup, trapping the spider inside. You can now carry the spider outside and release it far away from your house.
The Vacuum Cleaner: For spiders in hard-to-reach places or for those with messy webs, the vacuum cleaner is a quick and easy solution. Just remember to empty the vacuum afterwards.
When to Leave it Alone: If a spider is in a corner of your garage or basement and is not causing any problems, you might consider leaving it. It is probably eating other pests for you.

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How to Get Rid of Spider Webs and Egg Sacs

Getting rid of the spider is only half the job. You must also remove the web and, most importantly, the egg sac. If you leave an egg sac, you could have hundreds of tiny spiders hatching later.

Use a Web Brush: You can buy a long-handled web brush or duster specifically for this. It helps you reach high corners and ceilings without a ladder.
The Vacuum Attachment: The hose attachment on your vacuum is perfect for sucking up webs and egg sacs. It is the most thorough method.
A Broom: A simple broom can work for webs in lower corners or on walls.

Always try to remove the entire web and the egg sac. This tells the spider (or any new spider) that this is not a good place to live.

Special Tips for Specific Areas of Your Home

Every part of your house has different challenges. Here is how to target spiders room by room.

Basement and Garage:
These are the most common spider hangouts. They are dark, cluttered, and often damp.

Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.
Install brighter lights; spiders prefer darkness.
Store everything in plastic bins with tight lids, not cardboard boxes.
Seal cracks in the foundation and around garage doors.
Apply diatomaceous earth along the edges of the walls.

Attic:

Check for gaps in the eaves or roof vents and seal them.
Ensure insulation is in good condition.
Store holiday decorations and other items in sealed plastic containers.

Bedroom and Living Room:

Move beds and furniture away from walls.
Regularly vacuum under the bed, behind dressers, and under cushions.
Avoid leaving clothes on the floor.

Bathroom and Kitchen:

Fix any leaky faucets or pipes under sinks.
Wipe down counters and sinks to remove water sources.
Check under appliances like the refrigerator and stove.

Outdoor Spider Control

To control spiders inside, you must also manage them outside.

Turn Off Lights: As mentioned before, lights attract the insects that spiders eat. Keep outdoor lights off or switch to yellow bug bulbs.
Clean Up: Remove piles of rocks, lumber, and other debris from near your house.
Seal Up: Make sure your outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
Spray Vinegar: You can spray a vinegar solution around your outdoor doorways and on your patio furniture.

When to Call a Professional Exterminator

Most spider problems you can handle yourself. But you should call a professional pest control service if:

You have a very large infestation that you cannot control.
You keep seeing dangerous spiders like black widows or brown recluses.
You or a family member has a severe fear of spiders (arachnophobia) that prevents you from dealing with them.
The spiders are in your walls or other hard-to-reach areas.

Professionals have stronger tools and know exactly where to look for spider hiding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What smell do spiders hate the most?
Spiders hate strong scents like peppermint, citrus (lemon, orange), tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender. You can use essential oils mixed with water as a natural spider repellent spray.

What keeps spiders away naturally?
The best natural ways to keep spiders away are:

Using essential oil sprays (like peppermint).
Keeping your house very clean and free of clutter.
Sealing cracks and holes around your home.
Using diatomaceous earth in corners and crevices.
Turning off outdoor lights that attract other insects.

Does vinegar keep spiders away?
Yes, vinegar can keep spiders away. The strong smell and acidity of white vinegar are unpleasant to them. A mixture of equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle can deter spiders and even kill them on contact.

What can I spray for spiders?
You can spray natural mixtures like peppermint oil and water or vinegar and water. For a stronger solution, you can buy chemical spider sprays from a store. Always follow the instructions on the label carefully if you use a chemical spray.

Do spiders come up through drains?
This is a very common myth, but it is not true. Spiders cannot come up through the water in your drain or toilet. The water trap in the pipe blocks their way. They are much more likely to come in through cracks around windows or doors.

Why am I seeing more spiders in my house?
Usually, you see more spiders for two reasons: either the weather is changing (they come inside to escape cold or very hot weather), or your house has a good supply of other insects for them to eat. An increase in spiders often means you have another pest problem.

How do I find where spiders are coming from?
Check the outside of your house first. Look for gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines. Inside, check dark, quiet areas like basements, attics, closets, and behind large furniture. Follow their webs to find where they are hiding.

Is it good to have spiders in your house?
It can be helpful in small numbers. Spiders are excellent pest control. They catch and eat flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other insects. However, if you have too many, or they are of a dangerous type, it is best to remove them.

What kills spiders instantly?
Commercial insecticide sprays can kill spiders instantly. Natural options like vinegar sprayed directly on a spider can also kill it quickly. Vacuuming up a spider is also a very effective and immediate method.

How long do spiders live in a house?
The lifespan of a common house spider is usually less than one year. However, a female spider can lay many egg sacs in that time, each containing hundreds of eggs, which is why removing egg sacs is so important.

How to Get Rid of Spiders: A Complete Guide