How To Stop Spiders Coming In Your House

Let’s be honest. Spiders are nature’s tiny, eight-legged architects. They build stunning webs, but you don’t want them building one in your shower drain.

I get it. You didn’t sign a lease for an indoor jungle. So, how do you evict them without getting tangled in a drama?

First, remember the golden rule. Spiders come inside for three things: food, water, and a cozy hideout. Cut off that buffet, and they’ll pack their tiny bags.

Turn Off the Bug Buffet

Spiders eat bugs. If your house is a bug nightclub, spiders are the bouncers. You don’t want bouncers.

Start with your lights. Outdoor lights attract moths, flies, and mosquitoes like a neon sign says “Free Pizza.” Switch to yellow “bug lights” or motion-sensor lamps.

Next, seal your snacks. Crumbs are a feast for ants, and ants are a spider’s fast food. Wipe counters and sweep floors. It’s not about being a neat freak; it’s about sending a clear message: “No menu here.”

Also, check your fruit bowl. Overripe fruit attracts fruit flies. Fruit flies? A spider will throw a party in your kitchen. Toss the mushy bananas.

Become a Hole Detective

Grab a flashlight. Pretend you’re Sherlock Holmes, but for spider entry points. This is strangely satisfying.

Check your windows. Are screens torn? Fix them. A tiny hole is like a red carpet for a spider. Spiders can squeeze through gaps the size of a pencil tip.

Look at your doors. Is there a gap under the front door? A draft snake or weather stripping is your best friend. Sliding doors also need rubber sweeps.

Don’t forget your pipes. Where plumbing enters the wall, there are often gaps. Stuff them with steel wool. Spiders hate scratching their legs on steel wool.

Declutter Like a Maniac

Spiders are shy. They love cardboard boxes, stacked newspapers, and old shoes. It’s like a five-star hotel with free parking.

Clear out your garage and basement. Piles of junk are a spider’s dream suburb. Get rid of them. Use plastic totes instead of cardboard—spiders can’t chew through plastic.

Move your firewood. Keep it at least 20 feet from your house. Firewood is basically a spider condo. You’re welcome.

Trim your bushes and trees. Branches touching your house are spider bridges. They literally walk from the bush to your bedroom window. Give them a haircut.

The Smell Trick (It Works!)

Spiders have a strong sense of smell. They hate certain scents. Use this to your advantage. You are now a perfume chemist, but for creepy-crawlies.

Peppermint oil is their kryptonite. Mix 10 drops with water and a splash of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spritz corners, baseboards, and windowsills. It smells like a candy cane bomb went off, and spiders will gag.

Other scents they despise? Vinegar, citrus, tea tree oil, and lavender. You can also use chestnuts, but that’s a myth some scientists debate. Try it anyway—it costs nothing.

Spray your entry points once a week. Reapply after rain. Your house will smell like a spa for humans, but a biohazard for spiders.

Vacuum Like a Ninja

This is the most fun tip. Whenever you see a web, don’t scream. Vacuum it. It’s instant gratification.

Vacuum corners, behind furniture, and under your bed. You are destroying their homes. Pop the spider into the vacuum canister. Then empty that canister outside. Don’t let them escape indoors.

Pro tip: Use the crevice tool. It’s long, skinny, and perfect for wrecking a spider’s day. You’ll feel powerful. You’ll feel like a hero.

Don’t Kill the Helpers

Here’s the twist. Not every spider is an enemy. Some are good roommates. If you see a daddy longlegs, thank it. It eats ants and bed bugs.

Jumping spiders are cute. They’re small, curious, and hunt flies without any drama. Let them chill in the bathroom. They’re the security guards you never hired.

But black widows or brown recluses? Nope. Those are the real villains. If you see them, call a pro. Don’t try to be a hero with a shoe.

Use a Spider Catcher

Want to be kind but still evict? Buy a spider cup and a piece of stiff paper. Trap the spider under the cup, slide the paper under, and release it outside. It feels like magic.

This is great for kids. You can pretend the spider is going on a vacation to the jungle. “Bye, Steve! Enjoy the woodpile.”

You save the spider, you save your sanity, and you avoid a stain on the wall. It’s a win-win. Plus, you get a story to tell.

The Final Secret (It’s Weird)

Spiders are afraid of certain animals. If you have a cat or dog, you already have a spider deterrent. Pets track spiders, play with them, or eat them. It’s free pest control.

Also, consider a gecko if you live in a warm area. Geckos love spiders. But don’t get a gecko just for this; that’s too much responsibility. Stick with peppermint oil and a good vacuum.

Here’s a quirky fact: Spiders can drink through their feet. I’m not joking. That’s why they hang out in your sink—they’re thirsty. Wipe your sink dry at night. It’s like turning off the bar.

You’ve got this. You’re now a spider-proofing pro. Remember: fewer bugs, fewer holes, fewer smells they love, and a bit of peppermint. Your house will be spider-free, or at least spider-minimal.

And if one does sneak in? Don’t panic. Just grab your cup and paper, smile, and say, “Nice try, buddy. You tried.” Then release it outside where it belongs.