How to Keep Spiders Out of House Without the Harmful Chemicals

Wondering how to keep spiders out of the house? If you’re not a fan of these eight-legged creatures, skip the chemicals and get rid of them naturally.

Spiders play an important role in our ecosystem and deserve to be protected, despite the fear and superstition that has long been linked to them. They work as nature’s little pest control experts, doing their part to reduce the population of insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and other creepy crawlies around your home and garden. Spiders really are fascinating creatures and the more you learn about them, the less eager you will be to reach for the bug spray next time you encounter one.

That said, not everyone is going to become a fan of spiders and having them in the home can still pose a small risk. More venomous spider species can cause harm, and in very rare instances, even death. 

Relocating spiders, rather than killing them, should be your first plan of action. But if the idea of getting up close and personal with one of these eight-legged critters gives you the creeps, learn how to keep spiders out of the house using natural remedies. 

Start with Preventative Measures

1. Deny Them Entry 

The best way to keep spiders out of the home is taking preventative measures. Ensuring your home is properly sealed will stop most spiders and bugs from entering in the first place. When windows are open, always make sure your fly screens are intact and correctly in place. Old windowsills and doorways showing weathering and cracks can be easily fixed with a bit of sealant or plaster.

2. Clean Out The Clutter

Spiders love to seek out dark, hidden places to build their homes. All that random junk and disused furniture piling up in your basement or attic will be irresistible to them. Reorganizing and re-stacking all that stuff in storage will go some ways to stopping spiders from moving in. Better yet, try dusting and vacuuming these areas and make sure that any openings to the outside world are well-sealed or at least kept closed. All those old cardboard boxes and stacks of wood also need to go. Not only are they an unwanted fire hazard, they are also favored by spiders as potential habitat.

3. Tend To The Gardens

Trees and shrubs that back up on your house should always be kept well pruned. This will go a long way towards keeping spiders out of your house. Leaf debris, old wood stacks, grass, and weed clippings should be cleaned up or disposed of entirely, since they will attract not just spiders but all sorts of other critters you don’t want near or in your home.

Keep Spiders Out of Your House With Scents

1. White Vinegar

White vinegar works as a great organic pest repellent, particularly on spiders. You will already have some white vinegar at home, but if not, you can pick up some from the store very cheaply. The sour taste and smell of vinegar is unbearable to spiders, without doing them any damage. It is also safe for humans. Just mix 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water in a spray bottle and apply to areas of the home where you suspect spiders are gaining entry.

2. Cedar

Similar to vinegar, cedar works wonders as a spider repellent. Cedar contains natural oils which spiders and other bugs can’t stand. You could get some cedar blocks and place them in the home or take some cedar chips and scatter them in your garden beds and around the outside of your house for the same effect. Cedar also comes with a pleasant woody aroma, which adds a little freshness around the place.

3. Horse Chestnuts

Keep spiders out of your house using horse chestnuts. All you need to do is place a few on your windowsills and along the corners of your attic and basement to prevent spiders from settling in. Dried horse chestnuts will last a long time before needing replacement, which makes them a very cheap and maintenance-free option.

4. Citrus

Whether using a few drops of citric essential oils mixed with water, or fresh citrus on its own, both work well as natural spider repellents. You can also rub some of your old lemon peels or orange peels along windowsills and doorways to act as a natural barrier. Homeowners who don’t like the smell of vinegar will prefer this method for use in the home.

5. Mint

Most creepy crawlies from the garden, including spiders, really can’t stand the smell of mint. Try growing your own mint to act as a natural outdoor defense. And if spiders have already infiltrated your house, try mixing some peppermint essential oil with water and apply using a spray bottle to areas where you suspect spiders have gained a foothold. You can also crush up some old mint leaves and sprinkle it behind cupboards, furniture and those dark corners in the basement to keep spiders out of your house. 

Read on:

• How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Basement: 5 Natural Methods
• Are Praying Mantises Endangered? Facts & Removal Methods
• The 12 Best Plants to Naturally Repel Mosquitoes

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Tags: Animals Guide Practical Tips