How To Get Rid Of Spiders (2024)

Spiders are welcome guests in a garden because they keep other pests away from your flowers and vegetables. But, when they make their way into your home, they’re not such a pleasant sight. Though a single spider isn’t always cause for alarm, you’ll want to make sure that your eight-legged visitor is alone and not at the head of an infestation.

Here’s why your Spidey-sense should kick into gear if you see a single perpetrator: If spiders lay eggs in your home, you’ll have a big problem. Those egg sacs can contain anywhere from a hundred to even thousands of eggs. While spiders are not destructive like termites, you certainly don’t want these leggy creatures taking over your home.

When Spiders are Dangerous

Most household spiders are harmless to humans, but you’ll want to be aware of any Black Widow or Brown Recluse sightings, as their bites are highly toxic.

The Black Widow is a black spider with a red hourglass figure on its abdomen, while the Brown Recluse is brown with what looks like the figure of a violin on the back of its head. These spiders are more common in warmer climates, like in the South. If you see either, call a professional exterminator.

If you are bitten by these, or any, spider, seek medical attention. In the meantime, wash the affected area with soap and water, apply ice and elevate the area.

There are many spider and insect repellents on the market that can be used to quickly and effectively fix your pest problem. However, many of the sprays are filled with chemicals and other ingredients that are toxic to pets and even humans, particularly if the spray comes in contact with food preparation areas.

With proper precautions, these potent sprays might be a good choice, depending on the severity of your spider infestation. However, if you want to use more natural, non-toxic methods, keep reading.

Although the ingredients used in the following methods are completely harmless and even pleasant for humans (with some, you might still have to exercise caution around other pets), they are downright offensive to spiders. The best part? You likely already have some of these ingredients in your pantry and can get to work right away.

1. But First, Vacuum

Before you start on any DIY spider attacks, give your home a good vacuuming from top to bottom. Pay special attention to the corners, closets, entryways and under furniture. When you’re finished, be sure to empty out the vacuum canister or dispose of the bag immediately. If you have picked up any webs or spider egg sacs along the way, you want the garbage out of your house as soon as possible.

2. Peppermint or Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Humans might find essential oils to be calming, but not spiders. They hate the smell of peppermint and eucalyptus and will do their best to avoid it. Spiders smell and taste things with their legs, so spray this mixture everywhere you think spiders can get into your home. Fill up a 16-oz spray bottle with water and mix in around 10 drops of oil. Shake to combine, then spray corners, entry doors and floorboards throughout your home.

3. Lemon and Water

This is a refreshing drink for humans but again, not so much for spiders. Squeeze a lemon into a spray bottle of water, shake, then spray. You could also use lemon essential oil or another one from the citrus family—spiders don’t like citrus, either.

4. White Vinegar

Vinegar has many household uses, and that includes getting rid of spiders. In a spray bottle, mix white vinegar and water in equal parts. Then, get ready to spray whenever you see a spider—the acidic nature of the vinegar will kill the spider on contact.

5. Baking Soda

Like vinegar, this is another powerful ingredient with many uses in the home. You can sprinkle this wherever you see spiders and they will avoid the scene. Do be careful with how much you spread through the house, though, as large amounts of baking soda can be toxic to pets if they ingest it.

6. A Cup and a Piece of Paper

Provided you don’t have an infestation and are not afraid of spiders, you could choose to be humane and release the spider back into nature. Grab a cup or glass and trap the spider underneath. Then, slide the paper or cardboard beneath the glass, keeping it tight to the paper. Walk outside and release the spider.

If you really hate spiders, you might be tempted to call in a professional upon first sighting. Although that might seem extreme, you do want to monitor your home for any additional sightings. While a single insect of any kind doesn’t always mean disaster, you don’t want to be the unwitting host of a spider house party.

The pros have seen more than their fair share of spider infestations, though, and they’ll know exactly what to do.

“Generally speaking, trained pest control professionals know the biology of the pests we are dealing with and, as a result, know where to best apply products so they can be as effective as possible,” says Bernie Holst III, CEO of Horizon Pest Control based in Midland Park, NJ.”

The presence of spiders, Holst says, could mean that there are other issues lurking, like other insects. Again, that’s why spiders are great in your gardens, as they keep out other destructive pests. Does that mean other insects are in your home? Possibly. If the spiders are acting alone, though, Holst III says, you’ll still want to get rid of their food source.

Holst notes that when it comes to any type of a household pest, a proper diagnosis is necessary for the treatment to be truly effective.

“You may kill the spiders and win the battle, but the war will likely be lost as the underlying issue, such as ants, will likely persist and new spiders will return,” he says.