How Can You Stop Spiders Coming Into Your House

So, there I was last Tuesday, shuffling into the kitchen for my 2 a.m. glass of water—half asleep, hair looking like a startled bird’s nest. I reached for the light switch, and bam. Right there, suspended at eye level, was a spider the size of my thumb. We had a moment, okay? I screamed (a little), it froze (a lot), and I ended up sleeping on the couch because the kitchen was officially “his” now.

Sound familiar? If you’ve ever had that heart-stopping encounter, you know the struggle is real. You’re not alone in wondering how to stop these eight-legged houseguests from crashing your place. Spoiler alert: it’s not about killing every spider you see—it’s about making your home feel less like a five-star bug hotel.

Why Are They Even Here? (Hint: It’s Not to Judge Your Decor)

Spiders come inside for three simple reasons: food, water, and shelter. Think of them as tiny, hairy real estate agents looking for a cozy fixer-upper. If your house has a few stray flies, a damp corner in the bathroom, or a crack under the door, congratulations—you’ve got a listing.

Side note: Spiders are actually your allies against other pests. But let’s be honest—you didn’t sign up for a roommate that hangs out in your shower caddy. So let’s make your place less inviting.

Step One: Seal the Fortress (And I Mean Every Crevice)

You’d be shocked how small a gap a spider can slip through. We’re talking credit-card-thin cracks. Grab a tube of caulk and go to town on gaps around windows, baseboards, and where pipes meet the wall. Pro tip: check the weather stripping on your doors—if you can see daylight, a spider can see a welcome mat.

Don’t forget the garage and the attic. Those are the VIP lounges for spider parties. Seal those entry points, and you’re cutting off their red carpet.

Step Two: Declutter Like You’re Expecting Your Mother-in-Law

Spiders love clutter—boxes, piles of laundry, forgotten shoes by the door. It’s like giving them a jungle gym. Clear the floor in your basement, move storage boxes off the ground, and shake out clothes before you put them on. Yes, that includes the sweater you haven’t worn since 2019.

And please, please stop leaving cardboard boxes everywhere. Spiders adore cardboard. It’s like a cozy apartment with free snacks (other bugs). Use plastic bins instead—they’re the cold-hearted condo version spiders hate.

Natural Repellents: The Scents That Make Spiders Wince

You don’t need toxic sprays. Spiders have a strong sense of smell—relative to their tiny brains—and they hate certain scents. Mix peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and mist around windows, doorways, and baseboards. They’ll skedaddle faster than you can say “essential oils.”

Other spider-repelling smells: vinegar (the kitchen staple), citrus peels, and even chestnuts. Yes, I’m serious—some people swear by placing conkers (horse chestnuts) on windowsills. Does it work? Science is fuzzy, but it looks like you’re trying, and that counts for something, right?

Step Three: Cut the Buffet (Goodbye, Other Bugs)

Spiders are basically freeloading diners looking for a fly buffet. If you have flies, ants, or silverfish, you’re throwing a never-ending party for arachnids. Keep your kitchen crumb-free, take out the trash regularly, and fix any leaky pipes—moisture attracts the bugs that attract spiders.

Also, turn off your outdoor lights at night. Those lights attract moths, which attract spiders, which build webs across your doorway. Congratulations, you’ve created a spider tollbooth. Use yellow “bug lights” instead for a less bug-friendly glow.

What About the Spiders Already Inside?

Don’t panic. You can gently catch-and-release using the classic cup-and-paper method (it’s like spider Uber). But if you keep seeing new ones, it’s not because they’re teleporting—a crack or gap is still open. You need to be a detective with a flashlight. Check behind furniture, under sinks, and along baseboards.

One more thing: vacuum regularly. Vacuuming up webs, egg sacs, and shed skins sends a clear message: “This is not a spider-friendly zone.” Just empty the canister outside—spiders can survive a trip through the hose. Ask me how I know. (Cue the horror story.)

The Ironic Truth

Here’s the ironic twist: the more you try to stop spiders, the cleaner and more organized your house gets. You’re sealing cracks, decluttering, using essential oils—basically turning your home into a minimalist spa. And you know what?

You’ll probably still see the occasional spider. That’s okay. It’s a reminder that nature is always trying to check in. Just scoop them up, say “sorry bud, no vacancy,” and release them into the garden. You’ve got this—and your 2 a.m. glass of water will remain spider-free.