Spiders Be Gone: How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your House

Spiders have a way of showing up uninvited, like that one neighbor who always pops by when you’re in your pajamas. They lurk in the corners, build webs in impossible-to-reach spots, and stare at you with all eight eyes like you’re the one trespassing. But don’t worry—learning how to get rid of spiders in your home isn’t rocket science. It just takes the right combo of strategy, consistency, and a few DIY tricks that even your grandma would approve of.

This isn’t just about shooing them away. It’s about creating a home where spiders don’t even want to live.

The Silent Invaders: Why Spiders Love Your Home

Before we grab the spray bottle and go full commando, it helps to understand why these eight-legged squatters moved in to begin with.

Spiders aren’t coming after you (even though it sometimes feels that way at 3am when one drops from the ceiling). They’re hunting insects and looking for shelter. If your home is warm, humid, and has a steady food supply (read: other bugs), then it’s paradise for spiders.

You’ll usually find them in:

• Corners of ceilings and basements

• Behind furniture

• Under sinks

• Around window frames

• In garages, sheds, and attic crawlspaces

Translation: they like dark, quiet spots with plenty of cover—just like teenagers when chores are being handed out.

Step One: DIY Spider Repellents That Work

Forget the expensive sprays with warning labels longer than your grocery list. You probably have most of what you need to repel spiders in your kitchen cabinet or essential oil drawer.

1. Peppermint Oil Spray
This one’s a fan favorite—and not just because it smells minty-fresh. Spiders hate peppermint.
Mix:

• 10–15 drops of peppermint oil

• 1 cup of water

• 1 teaspoon of dish soap (to help it stick)

Spray around entry points, corners, and any place that looks like spider real estate.

2. Vinegar Repellent
Smells like a salad, but works wonders.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray in the same spots you’d use peppermint oil.
Pro tip: Don’t mix this one near fabric-covered furniture unless you want a lingering scent of vinaigrette.

3. Citrus Power
Spiders aren’t citrus fans. Rubbing lemon or orange peels on window sills and doorframes creates an invisible "no entry" line. Bonus: your home smells like summer.

4. Chestnuts or Cedar Blocks
Old-school but surprisingly effective. Some homeowners swear by placing conkers or cedarwood blocks near windows and baseboards. Worth a shot—plus, they add a rustic touch.

Step Two: Clean Like a Spider Detective

One surefire way to get rid of spiders in your house? Take away everything they love. That means bugs (their snacks) and dark hideouts (their studio apartments).

Start here:

• Vacuum corners, baseboards, and behind furniture regularly.

• Use a long-handled duster to swipe webs from ceilings and light fixtures.

• Empty out storage areas, basements, and garages every few months.

• Wipe down surfaces and remove crumbs to avoid attracting insects (a.k.a. spider food).

And hey—if you’ve been looking for an excuse to finally clean behind the couch… you’re welcome.

The Trap Game: Catching Spiders the Smart Way

Not a fan of chemical sprays or vinegar-scented air? No worries. Sticky traps are like Airbnb traps for spiders—with no check-out date.

Stick them:

• In dark corners

• Behind couches

• Along baseboards

• In the garage or near doorways

They won’t wipe out an infestation overnight, but they do give you a sense of where spiders are coming from. It’s like a DIY version of CSI: Arachnid Unit.

How to Get Rid of Spider Webs (Without Feeling Like You’re in a Horror Movie)

Spider webs are not just spooky decorations—they’re active hunting zones. Remove them, and you’re kicking the spider out of their office.

Here’s how to de-web like a pro:

• Use a vacuum with a long wand attachment

• Or, wrap a microfiber cloth around a broomstick and twist it upward into corners

• For outdoor webs (eaves, porches), use a hose with a strong spray

Spiders usually rebuild in the same area, so reapply your repellent of choice right after removing the web.

One Time… a Spider Made It Into the Microwave 😬

I once opened the microwave to heat up leftovers and found a spider inside, chilling on the glass turntable like it was on a beach vacation. Turns out, it had crawled in through the back vent. Moral of the story? Always check hidden vents—and maybe warm your food with a little more suspicion from now on.

Also, check your bathroom towel before you rub it on your face. Trust me on this one.

Seal It Up: Preventing New Spiders From Entering

Getting rid of spiders in your home is great. Keeping them out? Even better.

Here’s your spider-proofing checklist:

• Seal cracks in the foundation or around pipes

• Install door sweeps on exterior doors

• Replace or repair window screens

• Use weather stripping around windows and garage doors

• Turn off outdoor lights at night (they attract insects = spider buffet)

A sealed home isn’t just pest-proof—it’s more energy-efficient. Win-win.

The Myth: “Spiders Eat Other Bugs So Just Let Them Be”

Yes, spiders eat bugs. But unless you have one of those rainforest-sized orb weavers, they’re not doing nearly enough to clean up your home’s bug problem. If anything, their presence usually means you’ve got bugs you haven’t seen yet.

So no, you don’t need to thank them. They’re not doing it out of kindness.

What About Those Giant Spiders?

You know the ones—legs like toothpicks, bodies like raisins. You spot one, scream (quietly or loudly, depending on your pride), and wonder if it's safe to sleep again.

Most house spiders are harmless, but if you're seeing unusually large ones (we’re talking palm-sized), it’s worth checking for entry points from outside—especially garages, crawlspaces, and under doors. And if they’re multiplying? Time to escalate from DIY to professional help.

Natural Doesn’t Mean Ineffective

One common misconception is that “natural = weak.” But the truth is, a well-deployed peppermint strategy and consistent cleaning routine will outperform chemical foggers almost every time. Spiders aren’t immune to scent-based deterrents—they just need them to be refreshed regularly.

Consistency is key. Light the peppermint candles. Mist the vinegar spray. Reapply once a week or after cleaning.

Your Daily Spider-Proofing Routine

Let’s be real. You don’t need a full hour a day to keep your home spider-free. Just 5–10 minutes can make a huge difference.

Here’s your spider-fighting routine checklist:

• Vacuum common spider zones (corners, under couches)

• Reapply essential oil sprays to entry points

• Check windows and screens for damage

• Shake out clothes, towels, and bedding before use

• Wipe kitchen counters and floors to prevent insect attraction

• Declutter one small area per day (shelves, closets, corners)

Small efforts, big payoff. And fewer jump scares when you’re brushing your teeth at night.

How to Handle Spider Egg Sacs (a.k.a. Tiny Nightmare Pods)

Find a white cotton-ball looking thing hanging in a web? That’s not dust—it’s an egg sac. And it could contain hundreds of baby spiders just waiting to ruin your weekend.

Here’s what to do:

• Don’t squish it (unless you want a bunch of baby spiders scattering like confetti)

• Vacuum it up immediately

• Empty the vacuum outdoors or dispose of the bag in a sealed trash can

Stay calm. Stay focused. And don’t blink.

FAQ

Can spiders survive winter inside my house?
Yes. Many house spiders actually prefer indoor life year-round, especially in heated homes. So if you think winter will “take care of them,” think again.

Do spiders crawl into beds at night?
Occasionally, yes. But only if your bed is near a wall or cluttered corner. Keep bedding off the floor, and don’t store things under the bed to reduce the chance of midnight visitors.

So there you have it—your spider game plan, from eviction to prevention. You don’t need a flamethrower or a shrine of bug spray to win this war. You just need a peppermint bottle, a vacuum with ambition, and a slight obsession with sealing door cracks.

And next time a spider shows up? You’ll be ready. No screaming. No panic. Just action.

Unless it’s on your toothbrush. Then… all bets are off.