The best way to keep spiders out of your house is to seal the gaps they use to get in, reduce clutter where they hide, cut down the insects they feed on (often by changing outdoor lighting), and vacuum webs and egg sacs regularly. Natural repellents like peppermint oil may help a little, but sealing, cleaning, and controlling their food source make the biggest difference.
Why Spiders Come Into Your House
- Food: spiders follow the insects they eat.
- Shelter: quiet, undisturbed places like closets, basements, garages, and boxes.
- Season: in late summer and fall, many male spiders wander indoors looking for mates.
- Easy access: gaps around doors, windows, vents, and utility lines.
12 Ways to Keep Spiders Out
Block Their Way In
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and cables with caulk.
- Install door sweeps and replace worn weatherstripping.
- Repair window and vent screens, including attic and crawl space vents.
Make Inside Less Inviting
- Vacuum regularly, including ceiling corners, behind furniture, and under beds. Empty the vacuum outside.
- Declutter closets, basements, and garages. Swap cardboard boxes for sealed plastic bins.
- Control humidity in basements with a dehumidifier—damp areas attract the insects spiders eat.
- Move beds and couches a few inches from walls.
Cut Off Their Food Supply
- Switch outdoor lights to warm or yellow “bug” LED bulbs that attract fewer insects, or move lights away from doors.
- Close blinds at night so indoor light doesn’t draw insects to windows.
- Deal with other pests like ants and flies (see our guide to tiny ants in the house).
Fix the Outside
- Clear vegetation: trim shrubs and keep plants, mulch, and woodpiles away from the foundation.
- Sweep away webs from eaves, porches, and window frames outdoors.
What Smells Keep Spiders Away?
Spiders sense smell through their legs. Strong scents such as peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, and vinegar are popular deterrents. Mix 15–20 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle of water with a drop of dish soap and spray along windows, doors, and corners. Evidence for these remedies is limited, so treat them as a bonus, not your main defense—and keep essential oils away from cats and other pets.
Natural Repellents vs Insecticides
Pros
- Natural sprays are cheap and pleasant-smelling
- Safer around kids when used properly
- Residual insecticides outdoors can create a barrier around the foundation
Cons
- Natural sprays wear off quickly and need reapplying
- Indoor insecticide sprays rarely solve the root cause
- Some essential oils are toxic to pets
Should You Kill House Spiders?
Most house spiders are harmless and actually eat flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. If you don’t mind them, you can catch and release them outdoors using a cup and paper. If you’re worried about bites, read our guide to house spider bites.
When to Call a Professional
Call pest control if you see many spiders year-round, find black widows or brown recluses, or have a large underlying insect problem.
