How Do You Stop Spiders From Coming Into Your House

Last Tuesday, I was brushing my teeth—half asleep, squinting at my reflection—when I saw it. A spider, about the size of a quarter, was casually rappelling down from the light fixture, right toward my toothbrush. I screamed, spat toothpaste foam everywhere, and nearly threw my phone at it. You know the drill.

That little eight-legged menace got me thinking: Why do they always find a way in? You seal every crack, keep the house spotless, and yet—bam! There’s one doing yoga in your coffee mug. So, how do you actually stop spiders from treating your home like their personal Airbnb? Let’s break it down, one creepy-crawly step at a time.

First, stop inviting them to the party

Spiders don’t come for the décor; they come for the buffet. If your house is a five-star restaurant for bugs, spiders will show up as the guests who never leave. Every fly, ant, or moth is basically a flashing neon sign that says, “Free dinner here!”

Start by cutting off their food supply. Keep your kitchen counters crumb-free—yes, even that one rogue Cheerio under the toaster. Trust me, they find it. Also, take out the trash regularly. A stinky bin is like a cocktail lounge for fruit flies, and fruit flies bring the spider crowd.

Seal the obvious (and not-so-obvious) entry points

You think your house is a fortress? Think again. Spiders can squeeze through gaps smaller than a freckle. Check your windows, doors, and even the spots where pipes come through the wall. If you can slide a credit card through the gap, a spider can waltz on in.

Grab a tube of caulk and go full DIY warrior. Seal those cracks. I know, caulking is about as fun as watching paint dry, but it works. Don’t forget the weather stripping under your doors. That thin strip of rubber is actually a spider’s velvet rope.

Natural repellents: smell like a tree, not a snack

Spiders hate strong smells. Peppermint oil is basically Kryptonite to them. Mix ten drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle, and go to town on baseboards, windowsills, and corners. Your house will smell like a Christmas candy shop, and spiders will act like they’re allergic to fun.

Vinegar works too, but fair warning: your place will smell like a salad dressing factory for an hour. Better than a spider crawling on your face while you sleep, right?

Declutter like your sanity depends on it

Spiders are hoarders. They love boxes, piles of clothes, and that stack of magazines you swear you’ll read one day. Every dark, dusty corner is a five-star hotel for them. Get ruthless. Donate the clothes you haven’t worn since 2019. Recycle those old newspapers.

And please—please—vacuum behind the furniture. I found a spider family living under my couch last month. They had set up a whole neighborhood. I felt bad evicting them, but not that bad.

Let light do the dirty work

Spiders are creatures of the dark. They hate bright, open spaces. If you leave a porch light on all night, you’re basically throwing a rave for moths, which then attract spiders. Irony: your security light is a spider’s bat signal.

Switch to yellow or sodium-vapor bulbs for outdoor lights. They’re less attractive to insects, which means fewer spider snacks. Inside, keep curtains open during the day. Sunlight is natural spider repellent, and it’s free. My favorite price.

Don’t forget the basement and attic

This is where spiders throw their secret parties. Basements are damp, dark, and full of forgotten junk—spider heaven. Get a dehumidifier if you can. Spiders hate dry air almost as much as they hate peppermint.

In the attic, seal any gaps around vents and pipes. Yeah, I know, attics are creepy. Bring a flashlight and a brave face. A few minutes of courage can save you months of web-cleaning.

The last resort: friendly spider-catchers

Look, even with all this effort, one or two sneaky spiders will still make it inside. Don’t panic. Buy a spider-catching cup with a telescoping handle—it’s like a tiny wrestling cage for arachnids. You trap them, release them outside, and feel like a merciful god.

Or, if you’re really done with them, get a cat. Seriously. My cat, Mr. Whiskers, treats spiders like crunchy little toys. He’s an anti-spider security system with fur and zero shame.

So, stop spiders from coming in by attacking their food, sealing their doors, and making your home smell like a peppermint factory. It’s not magic—it’s just bug logic. Now go caulk something. Your toothbrush will thank you.