Spiders are often unwelcome guests in our homes. While most species are harmless and even helpful in controlling pests, few people enjoy sharing their living space with eight-legged visitors. If you’re looking for safe, natural methods to deter spiders, this guide on Getting Rid of Spiders: 17 Natural Ways to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home has you covered. From simple household items to landscaping tips, we’ll explore practical strategies to keep spiders away for good.
1. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Spiders love cluttered spaces where they can hide. Regular cleaning can remove webs, egg sacs, and potential hiding spots. Vacuuming corners, under furniture, and along baseboards reduces spider presence dramatically.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Spiders can slip into your home through even the tiniest openings. Inspect windows, doors, and foundations for cracks and gaps, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. This simple step significantly reduces the likelihood of spiders entering.
3. Use Essential Oils
Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, are natural spider repellents. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply to corners, window sills, and baseboards. Not only will it deter spiders, but it will also leave your home smelling fresh.
4. Keep Outdoor Lights Off or Use Yellow Bulbs
Spiders are attracted to insects, which are drawn to lights. By switching to yellow “bug” bulbs or turning off unnecessary outdoor lights, you can reduce the insects that attract spiders to your home.
5. Maintain Your Yard
Trim bushes, shrubs, and trees that touch your house. Spiders use branches as bridges to enter homes. Keeping the perimeter clear of vegetation makes your home less accessible.
6. Remove Spider Webs Regularly
Don’t wait for spider webs to accumulate. Regularly sweep them away using a broom or vacuum. Removing webs not only discourages spiders but also prevents them from establishing permanent residence.
7. Use Vinegar Solutions
White vinegar is another natural spider deterrent. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and target corners, baseboards, and windows. The strong smell repels spiders effectively.
8. Citrus Peels Can Help
Spiders dislike citrus. Rubbing orange, lemon, or lime peels along window sills, doorways, and cabinets can help keep them at bay. It’s a safe, natural method that also freshens your home.
9. Introduce Natural Predators
If you’re comfortable with it, certain predators like birds and ladybugs can naturally reduce spider populations. Attracting them to your yard can create a more balanced ecosystem and reduce spider activity around your home.
10. Cedar and Chestnuts
Spiders are repelled by cedar and chestnuts. Place cedar blocks, chips, or chestnuts in closets, cupboards, and other areas where spiders might hide. This method is odorless and chemical-free.
11. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that dehydrates spiders on contact. Sprinkle it along baseboards, window frames, and other entry points. It’s safe for pets and humans when used correctly.
12. Keep Your Home Dry
Spiders are drawn to moisture. Fix leaky pipes, use dehumidifiers, and ensure proper ventilation. A dry home is less appealing to spiders and other pests.
13. Essential Herb Barriers
Some herbs, like mint, lavender, and rosemary, act as natural deterrents. Plant them near doors and windows or use dried bundles inside your home. They smell wonderful and help keep spiders away.
14. Sticky Traps
If you want a hands-off method, sticky traps are effective. Place them in corners, along walls, and in areas where spiders are frequently spotted. While not purely preventative, they help control existing spider populations.
15. Regularly Wash Bedding and Curtains
Spiders often hide in fabric folds. Regular washing of curtains, bedding, and other fabrics reduces their chances of nesting indoors. For tips on tackling tough fabric stains, see our guide on how to remove set-in stains.
16. Reduce Other Insects
Spiders feed on insects, so keeping your home free of other pests naturally deters spiders. Simple steps like cleaning up crumbs, storing food properly, and using natural pest repellents help create an uninviting environment. Learn more about natural pest control in our article on how to kill roaches naturally.
17. Maintain Consistent Habits
Consistency is key. Combining these strategies into your weekly cleaning and home maintenance routine will keep spiders from establishing themselves. Over time, your home will become an inhospitable place for them.
Tips for a Spider-Free Home
While these 17 natural methods are highly effective, combining them ensures the best results. Consider pairing essential oils with regular vacuuming or citrus peels with sealed entry points. Creating a multi-layered defense makes your home much harder for spiders to invade.
Conclusion
Spiders don’t have to take over your home. By implementing these strategies from our guide on Getting Rid of Spiders: 17 Natural Ways to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home, you can protect your living space safely and naturally. From household cleaning to outdoor maintenance and natural deterrents like essential oils, these methods are eco-friendly and effective. Remember, prevention is always better than extermination—by taking proactive steps, you can enjoy a spider-free home year-round.
For more home care tips, explore our other articles like get rid of rats naturally or clean hard water stains to maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment.
