To keep spiders out of your house, you can use a combination of natural repellents, home maintenance, and cleanliness strategies:
Natural Repellents
- Peppermint oil spray: Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spray around doorframes, windowsills, and other entry points. Spiders dislike the strong smell of peppermint
- Other essential oils: Tea tree and eucalyptus oils also repel spiders similarly to peppermint oil
- Vinegar spray: A mixture of half water and half vinegar sprayed around crevices and windowsills deters spiders due to its strong odor
- Citrus peels: Placing lemon, lime, or orange peels on windowsills or rubbing a citrus paste on surfaces can repel spiders
- Cinnamon sticks or scented candles: Cinnamon’s strong scent keeps spiders away; citronella candles work too
- Hedge apples (Osage orange fruit): Placing these in corners can deter spiders, but keep them away from children and pets due to toxicity
Home Maintenance
- Seal cracks and gaps: Use caulk or weather stripping to seal any cracks or openings around windows, doors, and the foundation to block spider entry points
- Repair or install screens: Fix damaged window and door screens to prevent spiders from entering
- Remove spider webs: Regularly knock down webs inside and outside your home to discourage spiders from settling
- Reduce outdoor hiding spots: Keep shrubs trimmed, remove yard debris, and store woodpiles away from the house to minimize spider habitats near your home
Cleanliness and Pest Control
- Keep your house clean and clutter-free: Spiders hide in clutter and undisturbed areas like basements, attics, and garages. Regular dusting, vacuuming, and removing cardboard boxes helps eliminate hiding spots and spider eggs
- Control other insects: Since spiders feed on insects, reducing populations of ants, flies, and other bugs by cleaning crumbs, sealing food, and minimizing moisture will make your home less attractive to spiders
- Turn off unnecessary lights at night: Bright lights attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. Using warm-colored lights and turning off lights when not needed reduces this effect
By combining these natural repellents, sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and managing your outdoor environment, you can effectively keep spiders out of your home without using harsh chemicals
