How Do You Get Rid Of Spiders In Your House

Okay, let’s talk about spiders. You know, those eight-legged freeloaders that set up camp in your bathroom corner. I get it—you didn't sign a lease with them, right?

First, take a deep breath. Most house spiders are harmless. They’re actually great at eating other bugs, like mosquitoes. But I know—seeing one scurry across your floor can make you feel like you’re in a horror movie.

So, how do you get rid of them? Let’s break it down, starting with the lazy method.

Step One: Declare War on Clutter

Spiders love hiding. Cardboard boxes, piles of laundry, and that stack of old magazines? That’s a spider penthouse. Clean up and they’ll have nowhere to crash.

Vacuum like you mean it. The corners, behind the couch, under the bed—go wild. This sucks up webs, eggs, and the spiders themselves. Bonus: you get a cleaner house.

And please, seal up cracks around windows and doors. A spider can squeeze through a gap the size of a pencil tip. Seriously. They’re basically liquid.

Step Two: Send a Scent Signal

Spiders have a secret weakness: they hate strong smells. Peppermint oil is their kryptonite. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz around windowsills, baseboards, and dark corners. Your house will smell like a candy cane factory, and spiders will pack their bags.

You can also try vinegar. Same idea—spray it on entry points. Just know your home will smell like a pickle for a bit. Worth it, though?

Don’t forget chestnuts. Apparently, placing them on windowsills wards off spiders. I’m not sure if they’re invoking ancient squirrel magic, but try it. Worst case, you have a snack.

Step Three: Trap Them (Gently, or Not)

If you’re a live-and-let-live person, get a spider catcher. It’s a little brush-and-cup device. You capture the spider, release it outside, and feel like a gentle giant. Pro tip: do this at night, because spiders are nocturnal. You’ll catch more of them.

If you’re more of a “do not negotiate with terrorists” type, use sticky traps. Place them along walls and under furniture. They’re effective, but grim. You’ll have to dispose of little eight-legged corpses. Not for the faint of heart.

Or just hire a cat. Cats are spider-hunting machines. Mine once stared at a wall for an hour—turns out there was a spider behind the baseboard. Soldier on, Whiskers.

Step Four: The Big Guns (Pesticides)

I try not to go nuclear right away. But if you’ve got a serious infestation—like, they’re forming a government—you can use spider-specific sprays. Look for ones with pyrethroids. They kill on contact and have some residual effect.

Spray in the cracks, corners, and behind furniture. Don’t spray on your bed. You don’t want to dream about chemical warfare. Follow the label, obviously.

If that still doesn’t work, call a pest control pro. They use stuff that’s way stronger than what you can buy. Think of it as calling in the Air Force for a tiny ground invasion.

The Real Secret: Prevention Beats Panic

The best way to get rid of spiders is never having them in the first place. Keep screens on your windows. Don’t stack firewood against your house. And for the love of all that is holy, turn off the porch light at night. That light attracts bugs, which attract spiders. It’s a bug buffet out there.

Also, shake out your shoes before putting them on. I found a spider in my boot once. I invented a new dance step that day.

And remember: a spider in the corner is just a dumb little animal. It’s not plotting against you. It just wants a warm place to eat gnats. But you’re the one paying the mortgage, so you make the rules.

A Few Quick, Slightly Unhinged Tips

Some people swear by diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle it along baseboards. It’s like tiny glass shards to spiders. They dry up and die. Gross but effective.

Others use cedar blocks or chips. Spiders hate cedar. It’s like potpourri with a body count.

And if you’re feeling extra? Put a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and tuck it behind your couch cushions. Your living room will smell amazing, and spiders will RSVP “no.”

So go ahead—reclaim your home. You’ve got this. And if all else fails, just name the spider. I named mine “Gerald.” Suddenly, I felt bad about evicting him. That’s how they win.