How To Get Rid of Spiders: 20 Simple Methods

Spiders can be unsettling creatures to find in your home. While many species are harmless and even beneficial outdoors because they feed on other pests, having them inside is rarely desirable. Whether you’re dealing with cobwebs in the corners, spotting eight-legged visitors on the walls, or finding spider eggs in hidden spaces, it’s completely natural to want them gone. If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of spiders, this comprehensive guide covers 20 simple and practical methods that truly work. These solutions are effective, safe, and suitable for homeowners, renters, and businesses alike.

1. Declutter Your Space

One of the first steps in learning how to get rid of spiders is to remove the environments they love. Spiders are drawn to quiet, dark, and cluttered areas where they can hide and build webs undisturbed. Start by decluttering your basement, attic, closets, and under-bed storage. Get rid of unused boxes, newspapers, and bags that act as hiding spots. A clean, organized home gives spiders fewer opportunities to settle in.

2. Vacuum Regularly

Frequent vacuuming is an underrated but powerful method to eliminate spiders, cobwebs, and their egg sacs. Focus especially on corners of ceilings, behind furniture, and baseboards. Vacuuming also helps reduce the population of small insects that spiders feed on. If you’re serious about how to get rid of spiders, make vacuuming part of your weekly routine.

3. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Spiders can enter through the tiniest of cracks around doors, windows, vents, and baseboards. Use a quality silicone-based caulk to seal gaps in walls and around utility entry points. Weather stripping on doors and windows further strengthens your home’s defense. By closing these entryways, you’re taking an important step in stopping spiders from getting inside in the first place.

4. Use Peppermint Oil Spray

One of the most popular natural remedies for how to get rid of spiders is peppermint essential oil. Spiders dislike the strong scent. Mix 10–15 drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and add a small amount of dish soap. Spray the mixture around windows, doors, corners, and other spider-prone areas. Refresh it weekly for best results.

5. Clean Outdoor Perimeters

Spiders often originate from outdoor environments and make their way inside. To stop them, keep your yard tidy. Remove debris, trim overgrown bushes and plants, and keep wood piles away from your house. Reducing vegetation near your home minimizes hiding spots and makes it harder for spiders to transition indoors.

6. Reduce Outdoor Lighting

Insects are drawn to bright lights, and spiders follow them for food. Reducing or repositioning exterior lighting can help control this food source. Use yellow or sodium vapor lights instead of white lights to attract fewer bugs. This simple change can significantly help in your efforts to get rid of spiders.

7. Use Vinegar Spray

White vinegar is a natural spider repellent. Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it in cracks, crevices, corners, and places where spiders are usually seen. The acidic smell disrupts their senses, making your home a less appealing place for them to hang around.

8. Install Door Sweeps and Window Screens

Make it physically harder for spiders to enter your home by installing tight-fitting door sweeps and insect screens. Ensure that existing screens are free of tears or holes. These physical barriers are inexpensive and effective in your long-term spider control strategy.

9. Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilized algae that dehydrates spiders upon contact. It’s non-toxic to humans and pets, but deadly to spiders and other insects. Sprinkle it in areas where you’ve seen spider activity, such as behind appliances, in crawl spaces, or under sinks.

10. Set Sticky Traps

Spider glue traps, available at most hardware stores, are effective at catching spiders as they wander through your home. Place them in corners, under furniture, and behind appliances. These traps are especially useful for monitoring spider activity and locating problem areas.

11. Use Cedarwood Oil or Blocks

Spiders dislike the scent of cedar. You can place cedar blocks in closets, drawers, or storage containers. Alternatively, mix cedarwood essential oil with water and use it as a spray around spider-prone areas. This adds a natural scent to your home while keeping spiders away.

12. Keep Your Home Dry

Spiders and many insects prefer moist environments. Fix leaky pipes, improve ventilation in bathrooms and basements, and use a dehumidifier if needed. Reducing humidity is key in preventing spiders from nesting indoors, especially in places like laundry rooms and basements.

13. Store Food Properly

Although spiders don’t eat human food, exposed food attracts other insects — which in turn attract spiders. Keep your kitchen clean, wipe down surfaces regularly, and store food in airtight containers. Taking care of your home’s cleanliness plays a crucial role in how to get rid of spiders.

14. Remove Webs Immediately

The longer a web stays in place, the more comfortable a spider becomes. Removing webs quickly tells spiders they are not welcome and prevents egg sacs from developing. Use a vacuum or long broom to take down any spiderwebs you find inside or outside your home.

15. Try Citrus Peels

Citrus scents such as lemon and orange are unpleasant to spiders. Rub citrus peels on baseboards, windowsills, and bookshelves, or use citrus-based sprays. Not only does this naturally deter spiders, but it also leaves your home smelling fresh.

16. Keep Garbage Covered

Open trash bins attract flies, cockroaches, and other bugs — and where bugs go, spiders follow. Always keep garbage bins sealed and clean them out regularly. This small effort supports a broader strategy for how to get rid of spiders effectively.

17. Use Eucalyptus or Lavender

These strong-smelling plants are another natural spider deterrent. You can grow them near windows or entryways, or use them in essential oil form. Their scent masks other attractants and helps prevent spiders from entering your home in the first place.

18. Store Items in Plastic Bins

Cardboard boxes are attractive hiding places for spiders, especially in garages or attics. Store clothes, decorations, and other items in sealed plastic containers instead. This small switch can reduce indoor spider populations significantly.

19. Keep Pet Food Sealed

Pet food bowls can attract insects if left out overnight. Spiders may come searching for bugs near these areas. Make it a habit to seal pet food and clean up spills, especially before bedtime.

20. Call a Professional Pest Control Expert

If you’ve tried all the above methods and spiders still keep appearing, it may be time to call in a professional. Pest control technicians can identify spider species, locate nests, and apply targeted treatments to solve the problem quickly and safely. For serious infestations or venomous species, professional help is the most reliable solution for how to get rid of spiders.

Final Thoughts

Spiders may play a role in natural pest control outdoors, but inside the home, they’re usually considered a nuisance. The good news is that there are many safe, practical, and proven ways to eliminate them. From natural repellents to sealing up your home and reducing clutter, each step you take brings you closer to a spider-free environment. By following these 20 effective methods, you can confidently say you know how to get rid of spiders once and for all.

If you’re still facing recurring spider issues or want a thorough home inspection, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pest control professionals. A clean, spider-free home starts with the right strategy — and the time to start is now.