How To Prevent Spiders From Getting Into Your Home

I live in an older home and with its charm comes little nooks and crannies for bugs and spiders to sneak into and hide inside. While spiders are actually good for the environment, nothing makes me toss and turn at night like the thought of a spider crawling across my face or *gasp* into my mouth!

If you’re like me and care to keep the creepy crawlies outside, use these tips to help keep them out of your home. Because, even though we know they help keep nature under control, we don’t necessarily want them inside, right?

1. Clear The Cobwebs

About once a month, I grab a broom with a really long handle and clear away any cobwebs in and around my home, especially near doorways. Making a spider’s stay unpleasant can encourage it to move elsewhere—like outside to the garden where it’s welcome!

Photo by curtis_ovid_poe
Photo by curtis_ovid_poe
Photo by curtis_ovid_poe

2. Keep Things Clean

Bugs love clutter because they can hide in it. Avoid having piles of boxes, clothes or mail piled up, and that will remove some of the places for spiders to nest and hide. Besides, keeping things clutter-free makes your home look and feel better. So consider that a bonus in addition to keeping the eight-legged critters away.

Photo by go_greener_oz
Photo by go_greener_oz
Photo by go_greener_oz

3. Apply Essential Oils

According to Tips Bulletin, these oils can naturally help repel spiders:

  • Cinnamon
  • Citronella
  • Citrus
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Rose
  • Tea Tree

essential oils photo
Flickr | shalommama

4. Seal Any Cracks

Know that the small cracks around doors, window sills and the foundation can not only let in unwanted visitors, but drafts too. Each spring and fall, make a note to put your caulking gun to work and fill any holes or gaps that need sealing. Not only will you help keep out the bugs, you’ll make your home more energy efficient too.

caulking gun photo
Photo by Digital Nuisance

5. Make A Natural Spider Spray

Mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of pepper, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap and 1 teaspoon of oil to make this family-friendly spider repellant. You can spray around the inside and outside of your home. Just be sure to test it on any fabric first to ensure it doesn’t stain.

spray bottle photo
Photo by Arria Belli

RELATED: 7 All-Natural Ways To Keep Mice From Getting Inside Your Home

6. Move Spider Habitats Away From Your Home

Perhaps you have a woodpile conveniently located right near the back door of your house? Or a pile of leaves that you will get to next weekend?

Having places for spiders (and their food: bugs) to live close to your home will only increase the likelihood of them entering at their own will. This includes but isn’t limited to: compost piles, long grass, stacks of boxes or firewood, and overgrown shrubbery.

wood pile photo
Photo by Rubber Dragon

7. Turn Off Outdoor Lights

As you know, bugs are attracted to light. Smart spiders will naturally gravitate to these lights to catch an easy meal. Turning off your bright front porch or overhead garage door light can reduce the urge for spiders to creep into your personal space.

Photo by anneh632
Photo by anneh632
Photo by anneh632

8. Get A Pet Exterminator

Pets love to chase things that move, and spiders are the perfect target. Just be aware if you have poisonous spiders in your area, that they could harm your handy helper too.

via GIPHY

RELATED: 10 Ways To Keep Cockroaches Out Of Your Home

9. Use Borax

Borax not only kills ants but spiders too. If you need heavy artillery, this is it. Simply sprinkle on their path of invasion and eradicate the pests.

632
Amazon

Animals, Home, Wild Animals
,

Related posts

Close up cockroach on white cup drink
Get $2,500, free pest control for having 100 cockroaches released in your home
Sign for Colorado's Comanche National Grasslands
Thousands of tarantulas will soon be crawling across this state
spider inside home
Why you might want to let spiders live in your house hassle-free
brown insect, Clothes moth
How to prevent moths from eating your clothes

About the Author
C.M. Tenhundfeld
Animal Lover. Triathlete. Scuba Diver. Master Griller. Quirky Perfectionist. I believe talk is cheap, so I lead by example and let my work speak for itself. Naturally curly hair and a leftie – what else would you like to know?

From our partners