How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home

Spiders, with their eight legs, tiny eyes, and sometimes microscopic fur, can look quite intimidating. Though they may seem unsettling, most spiders (which belong to the arachnid family along with scorpions, ticks, and mites) are harmless to humans. In fact, they contribute to the environment by aiding in pollination and controlling pest populations like mosquitoes. While they have their benefits, spiders aren’t always the most welcome guests in the home. If you're dealing with these creatures, there are steps you can take to keep them out of your house. We consulted a pest control expert for the best strategies.

How to Keep Spiders Away

Don't worry! There are plenty of steps you can follow to keep your home spider-free.

Seal and Block Common Entry Points

Spiders are tiny creatures, which allows them to easily slip through cracks and crevices in your home. According to Dihonov, the most common entry points are windows, doors, roof eaves, cracks in the foundation, and vents. He recommends sealing up these areas with the following steps:

• Use a weather-resistant caulk or sealant to close any gaps or openings.
• Replace any damaged door seals and sweeps to prevent spiders from entering. Make sure to use proper screening mesh on crawl space and attic vents.
• Install caps over fireplace chimneys and exhaust pipe openings to keep spiders out.

Keep Your Home Clean and Organized

A well-kept home with plenty of activity is not a preferred environment for spiders. According to Dihonov, “Spiders are drawn to dark, undisturbed places such as stored boxes in basements, attics, and closets, as well as low-traffic areas of the house and spaces behind or under furniture.” Regular cleaning and tidying are essential for keeping spiders out.

He recommends vacuuming both inside and outside the house, using a long vacuum extension to reach all corners, nooks, and crannies. (Make sure to empty the vacuum or dispose of the collection bag after use.) A dusting tool with a telescoping handle can also help remove webs. Dihonov emphasizes, “Clutter is a welcoming invitation for them—like piles of clothes, accumulated trash bags, scattered holiday decorations, and more.” Keeping things organized is key.

Kick Out the Other Bugs

Dihonov says the best way to keep spiders at bay is by reducing insect activity around your home. “No insects mean no food for spiders, so they will leave in search of it. Pest-proofing your house is the most effective way to deter them,” he explains.

Plant Natural Repellents

You can choose to use chemical-free solutions like essential oils and homemade mixtures (such as soapy water) to deter eight-legged visitors, but Dihonov points out that these methods only offer temporary relief, stating, “The results are generally inconsistent with short-term benefits for the issue.” However, he does mention that mint, lavender, and lemongrass are naturally repellent to insects.

According to Dihonov, “Planting these types of plants in your garden, flower beds, or along your home's exterior can help reduce pest activity and make your home less attractive to spiders.” If you prefer a natural solution, this is likely your best option. That said, he stresses that the most reliable and effective way to decrease spider activity around your home is to maintain its physical condition using preventive measures, sanitation, and mechanical methods.

Take Preventive Measures Outdoors

You’ve taken care of the inside, but don’t forget the outside—that’s where they’re coming from! Dihonov suggests several key steps to make your home less inviting to spiders, including:

• Seal or screen doors, windows, and other gaps around the structure.
• Move lights away from the building or adjust them to point toward the house rather than directly at it.
• Switch out bright white bulbs near entrance doors or porches with yellow-toned ones.
• Keep both the interior and exterior free of debris and clutter.
• Mow your lawn to 3 inches or less and trim vegetation around the building.
• Remove any spider webs you spot and check your house for them at least once a month.

Seeking Professional Help

If spiders have taken over your home and your efforts to manage the situation haven’t worked, it may be time to bring in a professional. Dihonov suggests capturing a clear, high-quality photo of the spider (or even trapping it in a plastic zip bag or jar) to help identify the species. He explains that this “is critical for developing a thorough plan of action.” A full inspection will be conducted, and insect monitors may be placed around your home. He continues, “An exterior perimeter treatment with approved chemicals will be applied. Webs and potential egg sacs will be physically removed. Some professionals also provide exclusion services.”

Dangerous Spiders You Should Watch Out For

With over 3,000 species of spiders in North America, most of them pose no threat to humans. However, Dihonov warns about two particularly dangerous spiders—the brown recluse and the black widow. Brown recluses are mostly found in the South, while black widows can be found across the country. Dihonov strongly advises checking these outdoor areas regularly to prevent spiders from entering your home:

• Firewood or rock piles
• Behind siding, rain gutters, and downspouts
• Electrical or cable boxes
• Foundation cracks and gaps
• Under decks and patios
• Window shutters
• Under eaves and in corner gathering areas