How to Get Rid of Spiders: Step-by-Step Guide

Spiders entering your home can be unsettling, but you can get rid of spiders safely with natural methods and good prevention. In this guide, we share proven tips to keep spiders at bay. The first step is tackling the root cause: spiders often come indoors searching for food (other insects) or shelter. A clean, well-sealed home is less attractive to spiders.

To create a spider-free home, start by vacuuming and sweeping up any spider webs, egg sacs, or cobwebs you find. Vacuum cleaners or broom attachments work well for this. Regularly remove clutter in corners, storage areas, garages and basements, since spiders hide in undisturbed piles of boxes or wood.

Why spiders come indoors: Remember that most spiders are harmless and even beneficial (they eat pests). They don’t spread disease, but having them indoors is undesirable. If you see dangerous species like black widows or brown recluses, exercise extreme caution – these venomous spiders require professional removal. For typical house spiders, prevention and deterrents are key.

Preventing Spiders: Keep Them Out

The best long-term solution is to prevent spiders from getting inside. Follow these steps:

1. Seal entry points. 

Check for cracks and gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal holes. Install door sweeps and repair torn window screens. This “seal the house” approach is fundamental in spider control.

2. Declutter and clean. 

Spiders love dark, cluttered spots. Keep storage areas tidy and vacuum hidden corners like under furniture and in closets every week. Cobweb dusters or vacuums will remove webs and egg sacs immediately.

3. Trim vegetation. 

Overgrown bushes and tree branches touching your house give spiders easy access points. Trim them back at least a few feet from exterior walls. Also, keep mulch, firewood, and debris piles away from the foundation to eliminate harborages.

4. Control insects. 

Because spiders prey on insects, reducing other pests can “starve” spiders out. Fix leaks, clean up food crumbs, and store foods (and pet food) in sealed containers. Remove trash regularly. By cutting off their food supply, you make your home less appealing to spiders.

5. Outdoor lighting. 

Turn off or shield outdoor lights at night. Bright lights attract flying bugs, which in turn attract hunting spiders. Using yellow or sodium vapor bulbs can reduce insect attraction.

Implementing these preventive measures can dramatically reduce spiders indoors. They match expert advice: for example, pest pros recommend vacuuming and removing webs, sealing cracks, and keeping spaces uncluttered.

Natural Repellents & Essential Oil Sprays

One popular approach is using natural sprays and essential oils to repel spiders. Many essential oils have strong scents spiders hate. To make a simple spider-repellent spray: mix a quart of water with a few drops of essential oils (and a dash of dish soap to disperse oil). Good oil choices include:

1. Peppermint oil

A few drops in water create a menthol aroma spiders find unpleasant. Peppermint can be especially effective in entryways.

2. Lemon oil:

Spiders dislike citrus scents. Mix citrus oil or a citrus peel infusion into your spray.

3. Lavender oil:

Though a pleasant aroma to us, lavender is repellent to spiders. Use several drops of spray or diffuse it around windowsills.

4. Eucalyptus or tea tree oil:

Both are cited as spider deterrents. They have strong, medicinal scents that spiders avoid.

5. Cedarwood or cinnamon oils:

These woody/spicy scents are traditionally used to repel many insects, including spiders.

Spray these mixtures around the baseboards, window frames, door thresholds, and any cracks where spiders might enter. Reapply the spray weekly or after cleaning to maintain the scent barrier. You can also diffuse oils indoors or use sachets under furniture. Note: natural repellents provide temporary effect – they can keep spiders away by scent, but persistent infestations may require additional steps.

Removing Spiders and Webs

If you already have spiders inside:

1. Physically remove them: 

For single spiders, simply vacuum them up or catch-and-release outside (wear gloves). For webs, use a broom or cobweb duster to knock them down regularly. Remove any egg sacs immediately to prevent new hatchlings.

2. Sticky traps:

Place glue traps in dark corners, under sinks, or in closets to capture wandering spiders. Check and replace these traps weekly.

3. Outdoor spray:

Some homeowners use garden or insecticide sprays around the foundation to create a barrier. If using chemicals, follow label instructions carefully. Alternatively, a mixture of vinegar and water can be a mild deterrent outdoors.

Always dispose of captured spiders and webs promptly. The pest guidelines emphasize frequent vacuuming as a key tactic: “Vacuum regularly to suck up spiders, webbing, and other insects”. In short, cleaning and physical removal is an effective step in any spider-control plan.

Outdoor Spider Control

Spiders often live around the perimeter before wandering inside. To deter outdoor spiders:

1. Clear debris:

Remove wood piles, leaf litter, rocks, and old bricks – these are prime spider habitats.

2. Trim yard plants:

Keep shrubs and trees pruned away from the house. Don’t overuse mulch near walls, as it can hold moisture and attract spiders.

3. Reduce insects:

Controlling mosquitoes, flies and other bugs outdoors (e.g., with bug zappers or natural deterrents) will indirectly reduce spiders. Remember, Orkin notes that limiting spiders’ food source (other insects) by reducing lighting and debris is a top outdoor strategy.

4. Try natural outdoor sprays:

You can spray essential oil mixtures around patios, decks, and window wells to repel spiders from entering. Peppermint or eucalyptus diluted spray works on concrete and plants.

5. Professional barrier spray:

For heavy outdoor problems, some pest companies offer perimeter treatments around the home. But most of the time, simple yard hygiene is enough for casual spider issues.

Dealing with Dangerous Spiders

Brown recluse and black widow spiders are dangerous and require extra caution. If you suspect their presence:

  • Do not handle them yourself. Spiders like black widows (red hourglass on black body) and brown recluses (violin marking) can bite when threatened. Terminix and Raid both advise contacting a professional if you see these spiders or eggs.
  • Inspect and remove webs with care. Wear gloves, vacuum webs carefully, and kill the spider if safely possible (using a tissue or spray).
  • Glue traps in enclosed areas. In basements or garages, sticky traps can catch nocturnal wanderers. Place them in corners, under shelves, or near wood piles.
  • Protective measures: Keep storage bins sealed, remove cardboard boxes from the floor, and shake out boots or clothing stored in basements.

For any venomous spider sightings, professional help is recommended. Pest experts can safely remove nests and apply targeted controls.

Why Choose Lala Essential Oils

At LalaEssential Oils, we offer a wide range of 100% pure essential oils perfect for natural pest control. Our pure peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, cedarwood, and cinnamon oils are rigorously tested and sourced from plants with powerful insect-deterrent properties. Using our oils ensures you get the full natural potency without additives. Plus, we’re a trusted global supplier with decades of experience (since 1969) in creating high-quality oils for aromatherapy and home use.

In addition to repelling spiders, these oils have other benefits (aromatherapy, relaxation, antibacterial). All our products are ISO certified, cruelty-free, and made with sustainable practices. By choosing Lala Essential Oils, you support a natural, eco-friendly solution to household pests. Browse our Essential Oils collection to find the perfect oils for your DIY spider-repellent spray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I keep spiders away from my house naturally?
A: Seal cracks and gaps in your home (doors, windows, foundations) to block entry. Keep the yard trimmed and clean of debris. Indoors, reduce clutter and vacuum regularly. Use natural deterrents like peppermint or citrus oil sprays around the perimeter. These steps make your house less inviting to spiders.

Q: What natural sprays repel spiders?
A: Spiders are often repelled by strong scents. DIY sprays with essential oils work well. Common repellents include peppermint oil, lavender, lemon or orange oil, eucalyptus, and cedarwood. Mix a few drops in water (with a little soap) and spray around windowsills, doorways, and corners. Reapply the spray every week or after cleaning.

Q: How can I remove spider webs and eggs?
A: Use a vacuum or broom to remove any spider webs and egg sacs immediately. Vacuum in corners, under furniture, and along ceilings. Dispose of the vacuum bag contents outside so any surviving spiders don’t escape. For eggs, physically crush or vacuum the sac before it hatches.

Q: How do I get rid of spiders in my car or basement?
A: In cars or basements, first seal any openings (e.g., weatherstripping on doors, vents). Vacuum thoroughly, paying attention to corners and storage bins. You can also place a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls under seats or in basement corners to deter spiders. For persistent problems, small glue traps can catch nocturnal spiders.

Q: Are essential oils safe for pets when deterring spiders?
A: Many essential oils are generally safe, but some (like tea tree, cinnamon, citrus) can be toxic if overused. Western Exterminator cautions pet owners to research pet-safe oils. Always use diluted oils and avoid direct skin application. When in doubt, use the vacuum and cleaning methods mentioned above for pet-friendly control.

Conclusion

Knowing how to get rid of spiders starts with keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, and using effective natural sprays for spiders like peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus essential oils. These simple steps can help keep spiders away and reduce webs without relying on harsh chemicals. For long-lasting results, combine regular cleaning with natural prevention methods. Explore the premium essential oils from Lala Essential Oil to create a safer, fresher, and more spider-free home naturally.