Spiders. They’re the unexpected guests that sneak into your home, hanging out in corners, crawling across walls, and making their webs in places we’d rather not encounter them.
But don’t worry—keeping spiders away is easier than it sounds! Over the years, I’ve discovered simple, natural methods that work to discourage these eight-legged intruders from taking over my space.
From sealing entry points to using essential oils, let’s get into how you can keep spiders away .
Why Do Spiders Love My Home?
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why spiders are attracted to your home in the first place. Spiders seek shelter, warmth, and food—mostly other insects.
If you have a healthy population of bugs around your home, you might be unknowingly inviting spiders to make themselves at home as well. Damp areas, cluttered spaces, and areas with lots of potential hiding spots are prime real estate for spiders.
But fear not—by removing these factors and using natural repellents, you can make your home less appealing to them.
How Can Natural Repellents Help Keep Spiders Away?
Spiders are highly sensitive to strong scents, and luckily for us, there are plenty of natural repellents that they dislike. Here are a few methods I use to keep my home spider-free:
Essential Oils
I swear by peppermint oil to keep spiders away. I mix 15–20 drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and then spray it around window sills, door frames, and corners where I often see spiders lurking.
Other essential oils that work well include eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender. The strong scent drives spiders away and makes the area smell fresh and inviting to humans, but not so much to the spiders.
Vinegar
I’ve found that a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and distilled water is a great natural deterrent. The acetic acid in vinegar is unpleasant for spiders, and I use it to spray into cracks and crevices, areas where spiders love to hide. It’s safe, cheap, and effective.
Cedar and Citrus
Both cedar and citrus are natural spider repellents. I keep cedar blocks or shavings in my closets and drawers to prevent spiders from settling in. Additionally, I rub citrus peels (lemon or orange) on baseboards and window sills. The strong citrus scent is a simple yet effective way to repel spiders.
Horse Chestnuts
Another old-school method I’ve tried is placing horse chestnuts (conkers) on windowsills. While the effectiveness is debated, many swear by this traditional method, believing that the smell of the chestnuts deters spiders from entering.
It’s worth a shot, and it adds a bit of nature to your decor.
How Do I Seal Entry Points to Keep Spiders Out?
One of the most effective ways to prevent spiders from entering your home is to seal up any potential entry points. Spiders are notorious for squeezing through the smallest gaps, so blocking these is crucial.
Caulk Gaps
I go around my house and check for cracks around window frames, door frames, and where utility pipes enter. I use caulk to seal any gaps I find. This is an easy fix that prevents spiders from sneaking in. It’s quick, affordable, and effective.
Screens and Sweeps
I always check window screens and doors for holes or tears. If I find any, I repair them immediately. Additionally, I’ve installed door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors. This helps to close any gaps where spiders might try to enter.
Mesh Vents
If you have vents or chimneys, it’s a good idea to cover them with fine mesh insect screening. This helps keep spiders from entering through these often overlooked areas.
How Can I Remove Food Sources and Hiding Spots for Spiders?
Spiders are only going to stay in places where they can find food and shelter. If you remove these, you’ll be making your home less attractive to them.
Declutter
Spiders love cluttered, dark places where they can hide and spin webs. I’ve found that keeping storage areas like garages, attics, and basements free from clutter is one of the easiest ways to keep spiders away.
I make sure to get rid of old cardboard boxes, bags, and other items that might give spiders a hiding spot.
Turn Off Outdoor Lights
Spiders are attracted to light, but more importantly, the insects that are drawn to light. I make a habit of turning off outdoor lights when I’m not using them. If I need light, I switch to yellow “bug lights”, which are less attractive to insects.
Less light means fewer insects, which means fewer spiders looking for dinner.
Clean Regularly
I vacuum corners, under furniture, and behind heaters regularly to remove any webs, egg sacs, or insects that spiders may feast on. Keeping your house clean reduces the chance of attracting spiders looking for food.
Maintain the Perimeter
Spiders don’t just appear out of nowhere; they come from the outside. Keeping vegetation, woodpiles, and debris at least 8 feet away from your home’s foundation is key. This limits the areas where spiders can set up shop near your home.
Are There Any Physical Deterrents to Help Keep Spiders Away?
If you prefer physical solutions, there are a few methods I’ve used that work well in keeping spiders at bay.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural substance that kills insects, including spiders, by dehydrating them. I sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade DE around areas where spiders tend to gather.
It’s safe for pets and humans, but deadly to insects. It’s a non-toxic alternatives to deal with spiders and other pests without chemicals.
Dehumidify
Spiders love damp environments. To keep them out of bathrooms and basements, I use a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels. This makes the space less appealing to them, and I’ve noticed fewer spiders hanging around since implementing this solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is the Best Essential Oil to Keep Spiders Away?
The best essential oil to keep spiders away is peppermint oil. It has a strong scent that spiders find unpleasant.
I mix 15–20 drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to windowsills, door frames, and corners. It’s effective, easy to use, and leaves your home smelling great!
2. How Often Should I Reapply Natural Repellents?
I recommend reapplying natural repellents every 1–2 weeks or when you start to notice spiders again. Areas like door frames, window sills, and baseboards tend to need more frequent application, especially after cleaning or after a rainy day when humidity increases.
3. Can I Use Vinegar and Essential Oils Together to Repel Spiders?
Yes, you can use vinegar and essential oils together to repel spiders. The vinegar mixture (50/50 vinegar and water) can be used for cracks and crevices, while the essential oils are great for wider areas like windowsills and door frames.
Combining both creates a multi-layered approach to spider prevention.
Final Thoughts: Say Goodbye to Spiders
How to keep spiders away is all about making your home less inviting to them. By sealing entry points, using natural repellents, and removing their food sources, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of spiders making their way inside.
With these easy, non-toxic methods, I’ve been able to enjoy a spider-free home for months now. Give them a try, and let me know what works best for you!
