Guide to Getting Rid of Spiders Around Your Home

By HomeAdvisor

Updated April 10, 2018

common house spider on a smooth tile floor seen from ground level in a kitchen in a residential home

Spiders are a common pest, both indoors and out. These crawling pests can be frightening, especially if the spiders are potentially dangerous. Imagining a dangerous spider hiding in a corner of the house or out on the deck or porch can be unsettling. But spider repellents can be a useful and effective means of controlling a spider problem. It’s possible to eliminate spiders throughout your home without using harmful pesticides, often by choosing electronic repellents and other useful control methods.

Spider Pest Control: Best Tips and Products

Noticing spiders outdoors is one thing but seeing them inside is another. Unfortunately, these pests typically find a way inside the house, where they could pose a risk, or simply cause a fright. Spiders may come inside during the winter to escape the cold and during the summer to find respite from hot temperatures. Spiders find their way in through cracks around windows and doors. Controlling spiders outdoors around a house will help get rid of indoor spiders. Methods of outdoor spider prevention include:

  • Minimize use of outdoor lights, since lights will attract insects that spiders like to eat.
  • Fill crevices and cracks in window ledges or door frames.
  • Place eucalyptus sprigs around the perimeter of the house to repel spiders.
  • Make a homemade spider repellent out of table salt and water and spray this mixture around outdoor landscaping and around the perimeter of the house once per week.
  • Clean the gutters so that blockages don’t create safe places for insects to get in through gaps between the fascia and attic.
  • Clean and repair deck or porch regularly to keep small invaders from making homes in the cracks.
  • Mix herbs such as tea tree oil, lavender, citronella, citrus, peppermint, and cinnamon with water to get rid of spiders.

It’s also possible to buy products designed to kill spiders, though you’ll want to make sure to buy products that don’t risk the health of children and pets.

  • Spider Repellents: Repellents are available for both indoor and outdoor use. These products can be sprayed on plants so when spiders come into contact with the plants, they are poisoned. Natural repellents like chestnut extract won’t harm plants, but spiders will avoid areas with this extract because they don’t like it.
  • Contact Sprays: Spraying contact sprays on webs and existing spiders will kill them. Contact sprays may not be completely effective, however, because spiders often make webs in secluded and hidden areas.
  • Aerosol Sprays: Aerosol sprays are an effective control method in basements and garages where spiders spin their webs.
  • Web Eliminators: This product sprays onto surfaces such as wood, paint, brick, and metal and prevents spiders from attaching webs to these surfaces.

Spider Extermination

If a spider infestation occurs, hire a professional exterminator to safely and effectively get rid of them. Professional extermination companies use pest control programs that are both safe and effective. A nearby spider exterminator will solve the problem, killing potentially dangerous spiders in and around the outside of a house. They can even stop infestations of a deck and porch.

Natural Spider-Killing Plants and Repellents

Many plants will effectively repel spiders with their leaves and flowers. Planting eucalyptus, garlic, cilantro, and Osage oranges both indoors and outdoors can be helpful for preventing infestations. Scattering chestnuts near doorways and on window sills may also keep spiders from entering a home. Try these natural repellent recipes to control spiders, too.

  • Crush two or three garlic cloves and add to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray liberally around the outside of a home.
  • Mix peppermint oil with water; spray this mixture around doors and window sills to keep spiders outside.
  • Crush tomato leaves and add to a spray bottle filled with water. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator and spray liberally as needed.
  • Make a natural spider repellent with five drops of citronella and lemon dish soap. Spray infested areas with this natural repellent.
  • Burn citronella candles to keep spiders away.
  • Mix lemon and tobacco and sprinkle the solution liberally to eliminate spiders.
  • Combine five drops of tea tree oil, 1 ounce of neem oil, two tablespoons of dish soap, and enough warm water to fill a spray bottle. Spray this solution in areas where you see spiders.
  • Purchase plug-in spider repellents and use them in electrical sockets where you notice spiders. The ultrasonic sound waves of these repellents will keep spiders away, and the devices won’t affect humans and pets.

Spider-Killing Spray

Apply spider-killing sprays around the outdoor foundation of a house and indoors around the baseboards. Make sure you apply the spray liberally around all crevices and cracks, including windows, doorways, and garage entryways. These sprays will also help control spiders around outdoor landscaping such as retaining walls, rocks, and flower gardens. The sprays are invisible, yet they repel spiders effectively.

Insecticides and Electronic Repellents to Eliminate Spiders

Insecticides are readily available in stores and garden centers. These products have ingredients that will kill arachnids by attacking their nervous systems. These insecticides are available as liquid, powder, and dust solutions. Always use safety gear when handling and applying these chemicals to protect skin, eyes, and clothing.

  • Dust Insecticide: Using a dust product enables you to reach cracks and cervices where spiders can hide.
  • Powder Insecticide: Use a powder insecticide for spot treatments and to prevent spiders. Powder products are ideal for use both indoors and outdoors where spiders are visible.
  • Liquid Insecticide: Create a perimeter barrier with a liquid insecticide. It’s possible to cover large areas with a liquid spray. Two liquid insecticides suitable for outdoor use are Talstar P and Temprid SC.
  • Electronic Repellents: Electronic devices can work both indoors and outdoors. Advantages of electronic repellents include the avoidance of chemicals, making them safe to use around humans and pets.

Additional Resources

Related resources:

  1. Understanding Deck Construction
  2. A Homeowner’s Guide to Entomology and House Insects
  3. Cleaning Your Exteriors With a Pressure Washer
  4. Deck Maintenance Tips
  5. Cockroach Control
  6. Outdoor Equipment & Furniture Installation – Assembly Service Costs
  7. Decks and Porches Glossary
  8. Cedar vs. Pine: What Are the Benefits of Each?
  9. Pavers vs. Concrete: What’s the Difference?
  10. Best Way to Keep Mice Away from Your Home

2 Comments

  1. Concrete Steps, May 28:

    I have spriders all over my deck. I will be trying this. Thanks!

  2. Paul, July 6:

    Great suggestions but we find that the best way to deal with spiders is the sticky glue traps. You just need to make sure you are using fresh traps and replace them about once a month or so to keep them working for you.

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