How To Rid Of House Spiders

So, you’ve got spiders. Not the cute, cartoonish ones that sing show tunes, but the eight-legged squatters that drop down from the ceiling just as you’re brushing your teeth. Don’t panic—we’ve all been there. Let’s talk about how to evict these tiny tenants without turning your home into a chemical warzone.

First, Why Are They Here?

Spiders aren’t plotting against you. They’re just lazy landlords looking for a cozy spot with a buffet of bugs. If you have other insects, you have spiders. It’s like inviting a cat to catch mice—except the cat has eight eyes and moves like a ninja.

The good news? You control the pantry. No bugs, no spider housewarming party. So before you grab a shoe, let’s starve them out.

Step One: Declutter Like a Maniac

Spiders love dark, quiet corners. That pile of old newspapers you’re “going to recycle someday”? That’s a spider penthouse. Clean it out. Vacuum under the bed, behind the sofa, and in those creepy basement corners where dust bunnies go to die.

Don’t forget closets. Spiders are obsessed with closets. They see a stack of sweaters and think, “Finally, a hotel with free breakfast.” Shake out your clothes before wearing them—you don’t want a surprise spider in your underwear drawer.

Pro Tip: Use the Vacuum Like a Boss

A vacuum is your best friend here. Not only does it suck up spiders (RIP, little guys), but it also removes their webs and egg sacs. Always empty the canister outside. Nothing says “oops” like releasing a hundred baby spiders back into your living room because you forgot to take out the trash.

Step Two: Seal the Fortress

Spiders are tiny escape artists. They can squeeze through a crack thinner than your fingernail. Walk around your house with a tube of caulk and seal up gaps around windows, doors, and pipes. Yes, it’s boring. But so is finding a spider in your coffee mug.

Don’t forget weather stripping under doors. That little gap is basically a spider welcome mat. “Come on in, we have flies!” Cling wrap for windows? Also works. Be creative. Spiders hate creative people.

Step Three: Natural Repellents (No Drama)

You don’t need toxic sprays. Spiders hate certain smells you already own. Peppermint oil is their kryptonite. Mix 10 drops with water in a spray bottle, and spritz around baseboards, window sills, and door frames. Your home will smell like a candy cane, and spiders will pack their tiny bags.

Other scents they despise: eucalyptus, tea tree, citrus, and vinegar. Drop a few lemon peels near entry points. Or, if you’re feeling sassy, set out bay leaves in your cupboards. Spiders look at bay leaves and go, “Ugh, not this again,” and move to your neighbor’s house.

A Word on Chestnuts

Some people swear horse chestnuts repel spiders. Is it true? No one knows. But they look cool in a bowl, and if a spider sees one, it might assume you’re a wizard. Worst case: you have a bowl of weird nuts. Best case: the spider gets intimidated and leaves.

Step Four: Light Traps and Sticky Cards

Spiders are nocturnal, but they’re also drawn to light—because bugs are drawn to light, and spiders eat bugs. So turn off outdoor lights at night, or switch to yellow “bug lights” that don’t attract insects. No bugs, no spider buffet.

Inside, use sticky traps near baseboards and corners. These are like spider jail—they stumble in and get stuck. Check them weekly, and say, “Sorry, pal, you picked the wrong house.” Dispose of them without guilt. You’re not a monster; you’re a homeowner with boundaries.

Step Five: The “Spiders Are Friends” Method

Okay, hear me out. Some spiders are good to have around. They eat mosquitoes, moths, and flies. If you see a harmless cellar spider (those gangly ones with tiny bodies), maybe let it be. It’s basically a free air fryer for pests.

But if you have black widows or brown recluses? That’s different. Those are the “call an exterminator” spiders. They’re not roommates; they’re villains in a horror movie. Learn to spot them (Google is free) and take action quickly.

The Fun Part: Catch and Release (If You’re Brave)

If you can’t stand killing them, get a spider catcher—a long-handled cup with a brush. Trap the spider, slide some paper under it, and carry it outside. Say, “You’re evicted,” in your most dramatic voice. Release it at least 20 feet from your house. Otherwise, it’ll just walk back in and send you a passive-aggressive note.

Bonus: if you scream while doing this, that’s fine. No judgment. We all have our process.

What NOT to Do

Don’t use glue traps for spiders. They’re cruel and slow. Spiders get stuck, dry out, and die over days. That’s not “getting rid of spiders”; that’s medieval torture for tiny creatures. Stick to vacuums or catch-and-release. Your conscience will thank you.

Also, stop buying intense chemical sprays. They’re bad for your lungs, your pets, and the planet. Plus, spiders can just walk right through them. It’s like spraying water at a ninja.

Uplifting Conclusion: You’re the Spider Boss Now

Look, spiders are just trying to live their best lives. They don’t want to crawl on your face at 3 AM any more than you want them to. You can coexist—or evict—on your own terms. With a little peppermint oil, some caulk, and a good vacuum, you can reclaim your home.

And remember: every spider you remove is a small victory for your personal kingdom. You’re not cruel; you’re just setting boundaries. So go ahead, spray that peppermint, seal that crack, and sleep soundly. You’ve got this. And if one spider still shows up? Just name it Steve and charge it rent. That’ll teach it.

You are the hero of your home. And Steve the spider? He’ll find a nice garden to call his own. Everyone wins.