Spiders can be creepy and scary for many people. While some spiders are harmless, others can be venomous. It’s no wonder that people want to know how to keep spiders out of their homes and away from areas where they spend time. Luckily, there are several methods that can help deter spiders from taking up residence in and around your house.
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Why are people afraid of spiders?
Fear of spiders, also known as arachnophobia, is one of the most common phobias. There are several reasons why spiders evoke fear and disgust:
- Their appearance – Spiders have a distinct look with eight legs and bodies that can appear hairy or spiny. This unique appearance is foreign and alarming to many.
- Potential to be dangerous – While most spiders in the US are not harmful to humans, some do have venom capable of causing injury. Black widows and brown recluses are two venomous spiders people try to avoid.
- Unpredictable movement – The quick, sudden movements of some spiders startle people.
- Associated with dirt and mess – No one wants to see spiders and spiderwebs taking over their clean home.
- Myths and misinformation – Fictional depictions exaggerate spiders as much more threatening than the majority really are.
Even though most spiders are harmless, it’s understandable why people may fear or dislike finding them in their living spaces.
Common spiders found around homes
There are many different species of spiders that may be encountered in and around homes. Some of the most common include:
- Cellar spiders – Also known as daddy longlegs spiders, these have long skinny legs and small bodies. They make irregular webs in corners of basements and ceilings.
- Jumping spiders – As their name suggests, these spiders jump rather than spin webs. They have compact, furry bodies.
- Orb weaver spiders – These spiders spin large, intricate, circular webs outside. The common garden spider is one type of orb weaver.
- Wolf spiders – Big, hairy spiders that don’t use webs to catch prey. They roam around on the ground hunting.
- Grass spiders – Brown spiders with white marks on their belly. They build funnel-shaped webs in gardens and fields.
- House spiders – These are ones that happily live indoors. Some common house spider species include cobweb spiders and parson spiders.
The good news is that most of these spiders are harmless. Only the black widow and brown recluse spiders found around homes can cause medically significant bites in humans.
Why keep spiders away?
Here are some reasons you may want to deter spiders from getting comfortable in and around your home:
- Fear or dislike of spiders – If you have serious arachnophobia, seeing spiders in your living space could cause anxiety.
- Risk of venomous bites – Black widows and brown recluses have venom that can seriously harm humans, especially children and elderly people.
- Allergies to spider bites – Some people may have allergic reactions to venom and require medical care if bitten.
- Prevent spider infestations – Seeing a few spiders now and then is normal, but left alone they can breed and take over.
- Control insect pests – Large amounts of spiders mean there’s also likely lots of other bugs around attracting them.
- Avoid messy webs – No one wants unsightly spiderwebs filling up corners of their home.
While spiders play an important role in controlling insect populations outdoors, it’s understandable to not want them setting up shop inside your living space.
Chemical spider deterrents
There are a variety of chemical products available that claim to keep spiders away from treated areas. These can provide temporary relief but often need reapplication. Some common chemical deterrents include:
- Insecticide sprays – General bug sprays containing chemicals like pyrethrins, allethrin, or permethrin can kill and repel spiders.
- Essential oils – Some essential oils like peppermint, citrus, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil deter spiders with their strong scent.
- Diatomaceous earth – The sharp texture of this powdered rock damages the waxy coating on spiders.
- Boric acid – This chemical is toxic to spiders if ingested while they groom themselves.
Chemical sprays and powders should be applied carefully to areas spiders are found, like along baseboards, window and door frames, attics, garages, etc. Their effects are temporary so will need reapplied every week or two.
Risks of chemical deterrents
While chemical spider repellents can provide quick, short-term relief, there are some risks to consider as well:
- Toxic to humans and pets – Concentrated forms can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs, so use with caution.
- Harmful to beneficial insects – Can kill pollinators and predatory insects that keep pests under control.
- Spider resistance – spiders may adapt to products and become immune to their effects over time.
- Not spider specific – General bug sprays will kill any insects that come in contact.
- Temporary effects – Activity returns once the chemical residue dissipates in a week or two.
Regular use of chemicals risks building up tolerance in the local spider population. And they aren’t selective for spider control only.
Physical barriers
Installing physical barriers is an effective and lasting way to block spider access into your home. This approach focuses on sealing up potential entry points spiders could use.
Seal cracks and crevices
Caulk or seal gaps spiders may squeeze through, especially around:
- Doors and windows
- Pipes and utilities
- Attic entryways
- Soffits and vents
- Garage doors and entry points
Sealing up larger gaps denies spiders hidden passages into your living spaces. Ensure seals are intact around doors and windows as well.
Install door sweeps
Door sweeps attach to the bottom of doors to seal the gap between the door and threshold. Brush or rubber seals gently rest against the ground while still allowing the door to open and close. This blocks spiders from crawling underneath doors from outside.
Use window screens
Keep window screens in good repair without any holes or tears. Tight screening will prevent spiders and other insects from sneaking through open windows.
Add sealant strips
Foam or rubber sealant strips applied around doors, windows, and garage doors further deter spider intrusions. The compressible sealant fills any remaining gaps not sealed by caulking.
Benefits of barriers
The benefits of installing physical barriers to spiders include:
- Effective long-term solution
- Prevents entry rather than killing
- Improves energy efficiency by sealing gaps
- Can block other pests like rodents or roaches
- Safe for children and pets
- Less intensive maintenance needed
While barriers require some upfront installation work, the results are very long lasting compared to routine chemical treatments.
Natural spider deterrents
For those looking to avoid chemicals, there are a number of natural options that can make areas less inviting to spiders.
Strong scents
Spiders dislike strong odors that can overwhelm their senses. Try using:
- Dried peppermint
- Citrus peels
- Vinegar
- Cedar oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Onions
- Garlic
Place cotton balls with concentrated essential oils in prone areas. You can also mix water with oils in a spray bottle for easy application around windows, storage areas, baseboards, etc.
Diatomaceous earth
The sharp texture of diatomaceous earth dust scratches the waxy coating on insects. Sprinkle this abrasive powder along foundations, window sills, and anywhere spiders may enter.
Seal holes with steel wool
Use steel wool to tightly plug any small holes spiders may enter through. Works well around pipe and wire penetrations.
Keep areas clean and dry
Spiders seek out dark, dusty corners with established insect populations to feed on. Keeping areas clean and free of clutter removes appealing harborages.
Remove outdoor habitats
Clear tall grass, debris piles, and excess vegetation near the home’s foundation. This eliminates protective sites for spiders right outside.
Use desiccant dusts
Inert dusts like diatomaceous earth, fossil shell flour, and silica aerogel absorb the outer waxy layer on spiders, causing dehydration.
Vacuum regularly
Use a hose attachment to vacuum up webs and egg sacs around the house before they can multiply.
Natural deterrents require vigilance to maintain effectiveness but can control spiders without chemicals.
Exclusion tips for common spider entry points
Here are some key areas to focus exclusion efforts to keep spiders from sneaking in:
| Entry Point | Exclusion Tips |
|---|---|
| Attic openings | Seal ceiling entrance points with caulk, steel wool, copper mesh. |
| Air vents | Cover vent openings with fine steel mesh. |
| Around pipes | Seal gaps around indoor pipes and conduits with caulk or expandable foam. |
| Garage doors | Install tight-fitting door sweeps and weatherstripping around the garage door opening. |
| Gaps under siding | Use expanding foam or caulk to seal openings where siding meets foundation. |
| Window frames | Ensure windows have tight seals and screens without holes or gaps. |
| Door frames | Apply door sweep below and sealant strips around door perimeter. |
| Cracks in foundation | Patch foundation cracks with caulk, cement, or expanding foam. |
Paying attention to these vulnerable areas will deny common spider access routes into living spaces.
When to call a pest control professional
While home remedies can help, sometimes a severe spider infestation calls for professional pest control assistance. Get professional help if you notice:
- Huge populations of spiders or webs inside
- Venomous black widows or brown recluses
- Allergic reaction to spider bites
- Failed attempts at natural control methods
- Spiders continually reappearing shortly after removal
Experienced pest control technicians have commercial-grade chemicals and treatment tools to fully eliminate stubborn spider infestations. They can also identify entry points and provide exclusion recommendations.
Conclusion
Preventing spider invasions involves diligence and effort, but is very worthwhile to avoid the uneasiness spiders create. Focus first on sealing up cracks and gaps around your home’s interior and exterior. Maintaining cleanliness and deploying natural deterrents provides additional protection. Chemical sprays or professional control may be needed for severe cases. With some persistence and continuous upkeep, you can defend your living spaces against eight-legged trespassers.