Finding spiders in your home can be unsettling, especially if you have arachnophobia or worry about venomous species. While spiders help control other pest populations, many homeowners prefer to keep these eight-legged visitors outside. This comprehensive guide reviews the most effective spider repellents of 2025, comparing natural solutions with commercial products to help you select the right option for your specific needs.
Quick Picks: Best Spider Repellents for 2025
Editor’s Choice
People’s Choice
Best Long-Lasting
- Understanding Spider Repellents: Types and How They Work
- Top 5 Best Spider Repellents Reviewed for 2025
- Natural vs. Chemical Spider Repellents: Which Works Better?
- What to Consider When Buying a Spider Repellent
- How to Use Spider Repellents Effectively
- DIY Natural Spider Repellents You Can Make at Home
- Comprehensive Spider Prevention Strategies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion: Creating a Spider-Free Environment
Understanding Spider Repellents: Types and How They Work
Spider repellents operate by creating environments that spiders find unpleasant, forcing them to seek more hospitable locations. Different types of repellents use various mechanisms to achieve this goal, from scent-based deterrents to ultrasonic technology.
| Repellent Type | How It Works | Effectiveness | Safety | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Oil Sprays | Uses oils like peppermint, cedarwood, and citrus that disrupt spiders’ sensory organs | Moderate to high for most house spiders | Safe for families and pets when used as directed | 2-4 weeks before reapplication needed |
| Scent Pouches | Releases continuous aroma from botanical oils that spiders avoid | High for enclosed spaces; effective perimeter protection | Non-toxic, child and pet friendly | 30-60 days per pouch |
| Ultrasonic Devices | Emits high-frequency sound waves that disturb spiders’ nervous systems | Mixed results; more effective in confined spaces | Very safe; no chemicals involved | Continuous as long as plugged in |
| Barrier Sprays | Creates long-lasting residual perimeter that spiders won’t cross | Very high; prevents new infestations | Some contain chemicals; follow label instructions | 6-12 months depending on formulation |
Understanding why spiders come inside helps in creating effective repellent strategies. “Cobwebs are usually built in undisturbed places, such as corners and behind furniture. Continually cleaning and decluttering will discourage spiders from establishing webs,” explains Emma Grace Crumbley, an entomologist at Mosquito Squad. Spiders are attracted to dark, cluttered areas where they can build webs undisturbed and find insect prey.
Top 5 Best Spider Repellents Reviewed for 2025
After extensive testing and evaluation of dozens of products, we’ve identified the most effective spider repellents available this year. Our selections include a variety of application methods and ingredients to suit different preferences and situations.
Stay Away Spiders Repellent Scent Pouches
Editor's Choice
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Simply place pouches in areas where spiders are typically seen, such as corners, closets, basements, attics, and garages
- For best results, use one pouch for every 125 square feet of space
- Position pouches near potential entry points like windows and doors
- Replace every 30-60 days for continuous protection
- No spraying, mixing, or mess involved
- Plant-based, environmentally friendly formula
- Easy to use with no mess or spraying required
- Safe for use around children and pets
- Effective for up to 60 days per pouch
- Pleasant scent that's not overpowering
- Manufactured by EarthKind with a 2% carbon footprint
- Requires regular replacement every 30-60 days
- Multiple pouches needed for larger homes which can increase cost
- May take 24-48 hours to reach full effectiveness
- Not as immediately effective as contact sprays
Neatmaster Advanced Electric Plug-in Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
People's Choice
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Simply plug the device into any standard electrical outlet in areas where spiders are commonly seen
- Position units away from furniture and curtains that might block ultrasonic waves
- For best results, install one unit per room as ultrasonic waves cannot pass through walls
- Allow 2-3 weeks for maximum effectiveness as pests gradually leave the area
- Keep the device plugged in continuously for uninterrupted protection
- Completely non-toxic with no chemicals involved
- Silent operation - no noise disturbance for humans
- Energy-efficient design with minimal power consumption
- No need for refills or replacement parts
- Safe for use around children and pets
- Covers up to 120 square meters per unit
- Environmentally friendly pest control option
- May take 2-3 weeks for full effectiveness
- Multiple units required for larger homes
- Effectiveness can vary depending on spider species
- Ultrasonic waves can't penetrate walls or furniture
- Initial investment cost higher than some chemical options
WET & FORGET Miss Muffet's Revenge Spider Killer
Best Long-Lasting
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Use the 3-foot extended reach sprayer to apply to cracks, crevices, corners, and other spider entry points
- Apply in 'stream' mode for targeting cracks and crevices (reaches up to 10 feet)
- Switch to 'spray' mode for covering wider areas
- Treat both interior and exterior areas for comprehensive protection
- Allow spray to dry completely before allowing children or pets into treated areas
- For best results, remove existing webs the day after application
- Exceptional long-lasting protection (up to 12 months)
- Innovative trigger sprayer reaches up to 12 feet high
- 3-inch coil hose allows for easier application without hand fatigue
- Effective for both indoor and outdoor use
- Provides 65% more efficiency compared to standard sprayers
- Higher initial cost than some alternatives
- Application process can be time-consuming for large areas
- Not an all-natural formulation
- May leave a slight residue on some surfaces
TERRO Spider Killer Spray
Most Versatile Formula
How Does It Work
How to Use
- For indoor use, spray around baseboards, in corners, and around doorways and windows
- For outdoor application, treat around foundations, window frames, and entry points
- Use the precision nozzle to reach cracks, crevices, and other hidden areas
- Always point nozzle away from face during application
- Allow spray to dry completely before allowing children or pets into treated areas
- Reapply as needed, typically once every 6-12 months
- Long-lasting residual effect (up to 12 months)
- Works against multiple spider species, including dangerous varieties
- Dual-action formula both kills and repels
- Effective for both indoor and outdoor applications
- Specialized nozzle technology for reaching hidden areas
- Also effective against other crawling insects
- May require multiple bottles for complete home coverage
- Higher cost for treating large areas
- Contains chemicals that require careful application
- Not suitable for direct application on food preparation surfaces
Nature Shield Spider Repellent
Best Natural Concentrate
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Dilute 1 part Nature Shield with 8 parts water before application
- Mix thoroughly to ensure proper concentration
- Use a spray bottle or garden sprayer to apply the solution
- Apply to spider-prone areas including corners, entryways, baseboards, and window frames
- For outdoor use, spray around foundations, decks, and garden perimeters
- Reapply every 5 days initially, then as needed for maintenance
- All-natural, plant-based formulation
- Safe for use around children and pets
- Effective against various pest species beyond spiders
- Economical concentrate makes many gallons of spray
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications
- Fast-acting formula shows results within 15 minutes
- Requires mixing before use, adding an extra step
- Strong garlic scent may be off-putting to some users
- Frequent reapplication needed (every 5 days initially)
- Less convenient than ready-to-use products
- Scent may linger in indoor spaces
Natural vs. Chemical Spider Repellents: Which Works Better?
The debate between natural and chemical spider repellents centers around effectiveness versus safety concerns. Understanding the pros and cons of each approach can help you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.
| Aspect | Natural Repellents | Chemical Repellents |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Moderate; varies by spider species | Generally higher and more consistent |
| Duration | Shorter (2-4 weeks typically) | Longer (up to 12 months for some products) |
| Safety | Very safe for families, pets, and environment | Requires careful application; some toxicity concerns |
| Residue | Minimal to none | May leave visible residue on some surfaces |
| Scent | Often pleasant or herbal aromas | Can have chemical odors that dissipate over time |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal; biodegradable ingredients | Potential concerns for waterways and non-target organisms |
In a 2017 study testing natural spider-repellent efficacy, researchers found that spiders avoided chestnuts and peppermint oil more than 75 percent of the time, suggesting these natural alternatives can be effective when used correctly. For best results with natural repellents, concentrate on high-traffic spider areas and reapply consistently.
What to Consider When Buying a Spider Repellent
Selecting the right spider repellent involves evaluating several key factors to ensure you get a product that meets your specific needs and situation.
How to Use Spider Repellents Effectively
Even the best spider repellent won’t work optimally without proper application. Follow these guidelines to maximize effectiveness and create a spider-free environment.
Expert Application Tips
- Before applying repellents, clean thoroughly to remove existing webs, egg sacs, and spiders
- Focus on corners, dark spaces, basements, attics, and areas with minimal disturbance
- Create a complete perimeter around your home, paying special attention to entry points
- Apply repellents during dry weather conditions for maximum adhesion and effectiveness
- Maintain a regular application schedule based on the product’s recommended timeframe
- Layer different repellent types for enhanced protection (e.g., barrier spray outdoors, pouches indoors)
- Address moisture issues, as many spiders are attracted to damp environments
For scent-based repellents and pouches, concentrate on placement rather than quantity. Put repellents in high-traffic spider zones like dark corners, behind furniture, basements, attics, and near entry points. One strategically placed pouch is more effective than multiple pouches in low-activity areas.
DIY Natural Spider Repellents You Can Make at Home
If you prefer to create your own spider repellents, several effective homemade solutions can help deter spiders using ingredients you likely already have at home.
Essential Oil Spray
Fill a spray bottle with water and 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil and spray in places spiders tend to hide—under furniture, in closets, and in other corners and crevices of your house. Other effective oils include lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and citrus.
Vinegar Solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray directly onto any spiders you see. Vinegar contains acetic acid which burns the spider upon contact. This solution can also be sprayed around entry points as a preventive measure.
Citrus Soap Spray
Another natural spider repellent you can make from household supplies is a mixture of water and liquid dish soap. Dish soap disturbs the egg cycle of spiders, and the insects strongly dislike citrus scents like lemon, lime, or orange.
Repellent Plants
Place basil, mint, lavender, or eucalyptus plants around your home or in areas where you notice more spiders. Or decorate with bouquets of marigolds or chrysanthemums, both of which are effective in repelling spiders.
Yes, natural spider repellents are effective, but to keep your home spider-free, you’ll have to be consistent. DIY solutions typically require more frequent application than commercial products, sometimes as often as every 3-5 days for optimal effectiveness.
Comprehensive Spider Prevention Strategies
For the most effective spider control, combine repellents with preventive measures that make your home less attractive to spiders in the first place.
Regular Cleaning
Vacuum frequently, especially in corners and under furniture, to remove webs, eggs, and spiders. Dust regularly and minimize clutter where spiders can hide undisturbed.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for cracks, gaps around windows and doors, and other potential entry points. Seal these with caulk, weather stripping, or other appropriate materials.
Manage Lighting
Reduce exterior lighting that attracts insects (spider food). Consider using yellow “bug lights” instead of white lights near entrances, as they attract fewer insects.
Landscape Management
Keep vegetation trimmed away from your home’s exterior. Move woodpiles, compost, and leaf piles away from the foundation, as these provide ideal spider habitats.
Cedar acts as an excellent spider repellent. Incorporate as much cedar into your house as possible. Fill your closet with cedar hangers or keep your clothes in a cedar chest. Place cedar blocks inside dressers, drawers, and other small spaces where spiders might dwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are spider repellents safe for pets and children?
The safety of spider repellents varies by product type. Natural essential oil-based repellents and ultrasonic devices are generally safe for families, though some essential oils may cause skin irritation with direct contact. Chemical barrier sprays require more caution, especially during application.
Always read product labels carefully, keep children and pets away from freshly treated areas until dry, and store repellents out of reach. Products specifically labeled as pet and child-safe have undergone additional testing to ensure minimal risk when used as directed.
What smells do spiders hate the most?
Spiders are particularly sensitive to strong aromatic scents. Peppermint consistently ranks among the most effective spider-repelling scents, followed by eucalyptus, citrus (especially lemon), lavender, tea tree, cinnamon, and cedarwood.
The potency and concentration matter significantly – diluted essential oils generally provide only temporary effects while more concentrated applications offer stronger and longer-lasting repellent properties.
How long do spider repellents typically last?
Duration varies significantly by product type. Natural essential oil sprays typically last 1-4 weeks before requiring reapplication. Scent pouches maintain effectiveness for 30-60 days. Electronic ultrasonic repellers work continuously as long as they remain plugged in. Chemical barrier sprays can last from 3-12 months depending on formulation and environmental factors.
Weather conditions, especially humidity and precipitation, can significantly reduce effectiveness of outdoor applications. Indoor applications generally last longer due to less environmental degradation.
Do ultrasonic spider repellers really work?
Scientific evidence for ultrasonic repellers is mixed. These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that manufacturers claim disrupt spiders’ nervous systems, but effectiveness varies widely by device quality, spider species, and home environment.
Best results typically occur in smaller, enclosed spaces where sound waves can fully permeate the area. Furniture, curtains, and walls can block waves, creating “blind spots.” For maximum effectiveness, use multiple units and combine with other spider control methods rather than relying on ultrasonic repellers alone.
Does one spider mean there are more?
In most cases, seeing one spider suggests others are nearby. Spiders are generally solitary creatures, but they tend to be drawn to similar environmental conditions. If your home provides suitable habitat features like darkness, humidity, undisturbed areas, and insect prey, it will likely attract multiple spiders.
Finding numerous different spider species throughout your home indicates environmental conditions favorable to arachnids in general, while seeing many of the same species may suggest a breeding population has established itself nearby.
What attracts spiders to homes?
Spiders enter homes primarily seeking three things: shelter, moisture, and food. They’re attracted to dark, undisturbed spaces like basements, attics, and cluttered areas. High humidity and moisture issues draw moisture-loving species. Most importantly, they follow their prey – if your home has flies, mosquitoes, or other insects, spiders will be attracted to this food source.
Outdoor lighting that attracts insects indirectly attracts spiders. Reducing insect populations around your home will make it significantly less appealing to spiders.
Conclusion: Creating a Spider-Free Environment
Keeping your home free of unwanted eight-legged visitors doesn’t have to involve harmful chemicals or complicated processes. By selecting the right repellent for your specific situation and implementing complementary prevention strategies, you can create an environment that spiders prefer to avoid.
Whether you choose natural solutions like essential oil-based repellents, convenient options like scent pouches, advanced technology like ultrasonic devices, or long-lasting barrier sprays, consistent application and proper placement are key to success. Remember that spiders play an important ecological role by controlling other insect populations, so the goal should be to encourage them to stay outdoors rather than complete elimination.
With the right approach and the high-quality repellents reviewed in this guide, you can maintain a comfortable, spider-free home environment while still respecting these beneficial creatures’ place in the ecosystem outside your living space.
Neem oil https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841499/
Not so great to spray around where children are as suggested
I use Dr. Bronners peppermint oil soap to kill spiders (wolf) and carpenter ants. I dilute it with water. I do not have an exact measurement. Soak the suckers in a puddle of the mixture. They die! Spray them if they are on the wall and when they fall to the floor, spray by covering them with a puddle.
Need to know amount of warm water to add to 2 tbsp dish soap, 5 drops tea tree and l oz of neem oil. Please????
need size of spray bottle to use?????
HELP!! I love gardening, but I’m arachnophobic, and my garden is FILLED with spiders and spider webs. One day I decided to clean my swing, and I finished at about afternoon time. I went out at night to have a nice dinner there, but there were already spider webs! I need a quick and simple DIY spider/spiderweb repellent using ingredients that I already have at home. It would be a big help if someone replied. Thank you!
I want to find something I can put around my baseboards etc. to KILL spiders, not repell them. They always find a way to get around repellant solutions. I want to be able to put it down at the beginning of the Spring season and it to last. I am a sporadic housekeeper ( because I am always busy). Every time that I think I have found a solution, I then read where it does not work! My reason for disliking spiders in my house is when I get bitten, it leaves a hard bite that takes a month or so to go away and constantly hurts. I tried DE (diametrious earth sp. ? ) last year to kill ants coming in the house and they went around it! The essential oils only repel the spiders, and they always find a place to go. Is there not anything organic to kill spiders in the house. Also for Mike, a recluse spider bite (and a brown spider ?) can be so bad that a limb may has to be cut off. Not only that, it can land you in the hospital which costs you money too. So your silly comments are irrelevant. I kill a spider I see with a shoe, so I am not worried about that. I think I read about an organic spray you can buy that will kill the spiders and keep them out. I have spent hours reading up on this, so I would have to go back and find it! If you are the person who wrote this spray that you can buy, please put it back on for me. Thanks.
Citranella is bullshit it doesnt KILL spiders at all!!!! Whoever WROTE this is stupid. Youre mother kills spiesers NOt citranella!!!/
I read these articles and wonder if any of these people know what they are talking about! I have read in about a dozen articles how Peppermint will repel or kill spiders. So, I ordered some, and it is not cheap! It was 7 dollars for about 2 ounces! I put it in a soda cap where I had problems with spiders in my sunroom. They built a web right over the cap full of peppermint oil!!!! Did nothing to kill or repel! I have tried other “home remedies” none have worked!
My secret to getting rid of spiders is to reduce the humidity in the room. I use a dehumidifier on continuously for about a week to get the humidity down to about 25-30%. Spiders don’t like it and will go away.
Ever hear of a vacuum cleaner? This is mostly for the spider phobic folks. The force will kill the spider. Just keep those long attachments handy. Also don’t forget to treat the attic and crawl spaces under the house if you have them. Both really help.
If at all possible, use an exterminator who will use non toxic dust.
I have phobia to spiders I use to run away and wait till somebody get home tokl the spiders now im living alone and médium Spider appeard in my room I tryed to kill with a swiffer I sprayed with insecticid bleach vinegar peppermint and nothing Its imortal 🙁 is there any other thinh I can do to kill?
What would be the formula for spider killer for a one gallon sprayer?
+1
How come all these sites all seem so precise on the ingredients (“1.473 oz’s of Neem oil…”) and then it’s just “add to water”. A common spray bottle? 450 ml? A gallon? 15 drams??
Lemon pledge furniture polish is a great spider deterrent!
I’m a student renting a room in the owner’s house. They have a baby, weed ridden yard and spiders. I kill at least 4/day mostly daddy long legs type.
In past bug infestations: bed bugs and fleas I’ve found that tenacity seemed to get rid of the problem, vacuuming daily, no clutter spots, spraying 10% bleach or alcohol.
I’m getting the oils and will use them daily in the corners and close up the spaces where they get into my room, although their in the other places in the house too.
What kind of stores sell these oils as I’d like to get started right away? I have this weird fear about them getting in my shoes.
Buy a gecko and let it roam free in your house..it is the most natural effective way to drastically reduce your spider and any other insect population within your house/apartment.
Wow. Thanks for all the tips. I don’t think we get “bad” spiders here. (In montreal, Qc, Canada) but I have a bad case of arachnophobia. I know it’s all in my head but my head goes crazy when I see a spider…even the litle ones. I just got pepermint oil. I hope it will work because if I see 1 spider in my room ….I can’t sleep there. (I know im nuts) we bought the house 3 month ago and we also had to get ride of carpenter ants. We called a specialist for those ones. Im thinking we took the spider food away so now they go everywhere in the house to find food. It’s winter here. (-20 to -30 celcius) I will call a specialist as soon as it gets a bit better outside.
will peppermint essential oil in a mist diffuser work
I take my plants outside in summer but bring them in before it frost. They have spiders and earwings in them now. What can I use to clear them of bugs that is not harmful to my dog and birds inside before I bring them in.
Hi
I am having one. See food manufacturing plant in that I am facing so much problem with spiders.
Around 40feet roof.
Please suggest the non chemical treatment.
Some spiders are helpful inside as long as they’re not bothering you and minding their own business. Unless it’s a Black Widow or a Brown Recluse, those are the only really venomous spiders that i know of(in the US), it’s probably just a generic spider. Black widows have the red mark on their back, and the ones that i’ve seen weren’t very big.
Have read all comments. Thanks. Suggestions for ways to lessen spider growth are helpful. No problems insude but don’t kniw the mist effective way to eliminate webs that collect a billion bygs a night. Spiders outside create problems as their webs snare other creatures. Di the same ouls hel0 outside or are there other suggestions.
I found a big spider in the top corner of my conservatory. The odd fly would come in and if it goes near where the spider is, the spider leaps out to get it. It is black with black and white striped legs. Then today I stepped into the garden and behind the door was a big web with the same spider. Does anyone know what it might be. Scared it might bite. Will try some of these oils. Thankyou.
What about Deet? Does it work to kill? or even just repellant?
Deet is very toxic. I do not recommend it.
Spiders have established a forward observation post in my apartment unit and I am curious if their strategic movements are in any way related to my sin?
In my garden I have wood chips/wooden mulch and its a fairly sized area. When ever i walk across it all I can see are dozens and dozens of spiders running across it and going under it. The area is very close to the backdoor and they always manage to find a way inside the house. Id really like to be able to enjoy my garden without having to walk through hundreds of spiders.
What would you suggest to be a good repellant for these spiders?
Many thanks
Get chickens…they are amazing insect and spider eaters.
Has anyone tried simple green cleaner on spiders and insects?
Simple Green is AWESOME for killing all sorts of flying and crawling critters. I use it mostly for eliminating wasp nests that are in bad locations (vehicles, etc.), but don’t usually get to use on spiders. It’s usually the bottom of my shoe, a fly swatter, or the compressed air from a well pumped BB gun that I use, though it does work great. Also, having chickens has been an ENORMOUS help with reducing spider populations, especially black widows. I am going to be making my own cleaning products incorporating various essential oils and probably Azamax (it is derived from neem and is used as an organic pest control, but isn’t as strong smelling as straight neem). I’ll probably test the Azamax straight to judge it’s effectiveness against spiders, that way I can be sure of what is helping and what isn’t. I’m not sure if Simple Green would repel spiders, but it does kill pests instantly on contact. I have edible landscaping and value spiders for the good work they do, but I just don’t want them inside my house, though the “corner” spiders don’t bother me because they stay put and catch tiny flying insects. It’s the fast-running hobos and tenacious black widows I want to eliminate. Any bothersome spider webs in the garden are easily managed with the hose or a broom. Again, chickens are a huge help!
I mixed peppermint oil, lemon dish wash and water and sprayed every corner in my house and the area outside my door. The next day there was a spider hanging right in front of my door and another spider in one of the corners in the house. Please help!
Become proficient with a fly swatter. We have lots of spiders in the desert.
I decided to trade in my truck and it was discovered that it was infested with spiders. I told the salesman to get a match, five gallons of gas and set it on fire. I refused to get back in it or go near it. Since I drive a company car the truck sat under our carport untouched during the week. I have a severe phobia of spiders. So anyway I got a new one. Not 30 minutes parked in our driveway and there was a large Web with many tiny brown spiders in it attached between the new truck to another vehicle. I doused the new truck with peppermint oil like it was holy water. I hope that keeps them out.
Can I use cinnamon spice and if so do I mix that in water or do I have to use cinnamon oil mixed in water
I used tea tree oil and clove oil as said. I sprayed all the walls. Stairs.windows and doors and all. nooks and crannies as infested with small spiders. A few hours layer omg!!!!!! Not only were there more. But they were huge. I reckon this mixture attracts them and acts as a steroid.not impressed.
I have just opened my business in a new location and the building has been closed for over twelve years and there are tons of spiders here of all kinds ‘s I believe, can’t afford to call I pros because moving here depleted funds, I have heard that buring sulfur will run everything out of the building including the spiders is this true or do I have to get an army of help and start with the mixtures you have listed? Please Help
Yesterday I felt something crawling on my arm and thought it was a flea, but when I slapped it off of me, I noticed it was a baby spider. We have brown recluse here so I was worried it might be one. It was really tiny but I managed to get a good picture of it and looked online to see if I could figure it out. From the pictures and descriptions I’m pretty sure it’s a baby recluse. All night I kept feeling like something was crawling on me. About 3am, I picked my arm up and sure enough it was another baby recluse. I am freaking out about possibly having a hoard of babies right where I sleep. I’ve spayed the area with bedbug spray, then apple cider vinegar and then I sprayed it with a mixture of lavender and tea tree oil, Dawn and water with a lil white vinegar. I sure hope this works cause I haven’t slept in 2 days. But my house is definitely smelling fresher.
When we moved into our older home that had been vacant for a year the yard was plagued by some type of funnel-weaving spiders. Not sure if they were hobos but we had those inside. The outside spiders completely covered the bushes. I don’t like to use toxic chemicals. I keep reptile pets both inside and outside and now have a canary. Finally we put up bird feeders and bird baths outdoors and our property was swarming with birds we have never seen. And eventually all of the outdoor and indoor spiders were gone. I lost my job and couldn’t afford the birdseed. Now we have all types of spiders again including some black widows. I here keeping chicken loose in your backyard works wonders too.
How much water do you use in the salt, essential oil mixtures for spraying? What’s the ratio?
We have sprayed professionally 2 times in 3 years for spiders. We have had brown recluse and now we have spiders that look like black widows but I’m not getting close enough to look at them. What do I do???+
We live in the woods and there are a lot of spiders here, especially those harvest men. How do we get rid of those? Also, is there a way to prevent them from getting in closets and bathrooms? How expensive are these oils?
Feeling heroic but stupid. Just had to kill or finish off a massive spider that was coming in via my front door which was locked and I saw its legs come over the top . Luckily I saw it in time …It was huge .
I will all the methods asnwe live on the ground floor . We have had 3 incidents in 8 months living here . Sick of pretending to be brave in front of my kids. South West France , Toulouse.
Hey Mary, I sympathise, I live near Cahors in the Lot, this is my first summer living in France and am horrified by the size of the spiders here. I woke up at 5:30 this morning, something must have woken me at that hour, I noticed a huge dark shadow on the blind by my bed, it was just breaking dawn so it was quite visible, my worst nightmare was confirmed when I switched the light on, there was this massive spider on the blind just sat there looking at me. I was so scared, I got my spray but my hands were shaking so badly I couldn’t aim straight and it ran!!!! Thankfully it stopped on the wall and I managed to somehow find the courage to whack it with a shoe, I’m still trembling now and paranoid there may be more tonight. Going to try natural sprays now to hopefully stop them coming in, I never saw them as big as this in England, oh what have I done!!!!
what can you do to make sure they don’t bite you .i swear all like my blood
I have a black widow in my room but i cant find and im trying to get rid of it. Help!!!!!!!!!
Elizabeth, wow, Good Luck! I had the very same problem. I began spraying around the walls’ base, then worked toward my bed, taking each piece apart, spraying it as well, but I had my wife watching as I did all of this, but from a distance; I sprayed the legs of the bed, then each footboard and headboard, then the side railings, aaaaaaand then here it came. Believe it or not it was heading right for me, but my wife saw it first. Yep I got it, but it took awhile, but was sure worth it. Now I spray around the baseboards, bed’s legs, taking care to not have any cover actually touching the floor anywhere. I have to keep that process up, probably monthly or so. Thanks from Prattville, Alabama.
I live in an older house about 70 years old. As much as I have tried to seal every crack, spiders lurk in the wood piles outside and as the climate changes here in the mountains, they love the inside of my house. I have sprayed outside with insect repel… sprays until last summer, now I am regretting not doing so. about 2-3 times a month I will be just falling asleep and I feel a bug crawling across my skin. NOTHING wakes me faster that that sensation. 3 weeks ago it was a black widow on my neck, tonight just a pesty spider. Enough is enough. I am spraying the woodpile tomorrow and using every salt and oil trick on top of that. I hate spiders…I dont care what good they do, they can do good somewhere else. BUgs are bad enough but spiders have no place in my heart for a living one in my home.
Hey guys, from your personal expirience, what natural repelants work best? Thanks for the article, btw. It was extremely helpful.
I do not have a choice, I have to remove dangerous spiders from my garden in southern UK because my dog nearly died from a false widow spider bite and the symptoms were horrific and lasted for 1 month. National History Museum website lists 14 types of biting spiders in the UK.
I am striving to be positive towards spiders, despite my deep fear of them. Thank you for the top tips on plant oils that are effective in deterring spiders from access points in the home. Much appreciated!
So not to change the subject or anything, but I happen to live in a skyscraper where “flying spiders” catch the wind off the lake and up the building walls. All the spiders are outside, but I can’t open my windows without half an orb web blowing in.
Anyone else have this issue and have any suggestions?
I can’t exactly lean out thru the webs and spray insecticides up and against the wind.
Maybe get one of those long handled utility lighters and burn the webs. Not a perfect or long-term solution but might work for an evening of fresh air.
For the few that were talking about the topic of killing/repelling spiders naturally or with pesticides, thank you for not wasting the time of those looking for actual information on the subject at hand.
Thanks to all the good suggestions on internet I believe I have solved the problem of spider bites these past 2 nights. When I managed to tip over my triple dresser I found quite a nest – webs, eggs but I found something else. I found two tiny feathers; this puzzled me until I thought about my down pillows that I use. Needless to say I’m changing pillows but I also used a Natural Odor & Stain Remover made for dogs to eliminate their scent [spraying the bottom of the dresser after vacuuming]. Hopefully, the spiders will NOT find their way back after applying this essential oil of lemongrass product. Hope this helps someone.
Thank you for all of the spider control comments. I have moved into a new apartment on the ground floor. The place is wall to wall medium brown rug (can you imagine) -with spiders (and I caught one baby centipede). I put down DE (diatomaceous earth) which also is safe and dehydrates flowers etc -but is like talcum powder and can’t put everywhere. Is great to get rid of bugs, even bed bugs, ants -other crawlers- however, the spiders are now walking on the walls and ceilings. I am going to try the citronella oil with some lavender oil and water. Hope that will work. I know pine oil works but I have to spray the whole place and I hope the lavender/citronella will work. I will also do the outside patio like someone said. I don’t think the electronic things work as I tried them in the past. Thanks again.
We have tiny spiders coming in on the ceiling at night going towards
the lights. Is it safe to spray the soap detergent, water, andthe
peppermint on the ceiling?
I had a ton of spiders in my house when I bought it. The first thing I did was seal up the basement. The cement floor had gaps from the concrete blocks since the house was built in 1978, so I used backer rod and Quickrete (sold at home depot) to get rid of the cracks around the floor. But what has really made a super difference was applying grub killer to the lawn for the past 4 years. The spiders eat the bugs and it kills them. I have a lot of old trees so that is another problem to tackle. My goal was to keep them out of my house. I have asthma so I don’t think the oils will help me but make me sick. But I might be able to try tobacco and lemon juice, but I’m allergic to tobacco smoke so don’t know if I will have a reaction to that. It’s worth a try.
Pure, therapeutic grade essentials won’t inflame your asthma, and in the case of peppermint oil, might even help your breathing. I have had asthma for over 30 years and am very sensitive to chemicals. I recently started using essential oils in the home as a natural health therapy and for housekeeping. I love them and they don’t bother my asthma.
Please, be careful if you are allergic or have asthma. Oils can cause allergic reactions just like the flower or plant itself. Test in a well ventilated outdoor area before trying inside. I love and use oils myself but my sister is very allergic to most of my favorites.
hi,i live in a tiny town in arizona ,on a tiny piece of land with my husband and our two large dogs i am really sensitive to chemicals and i almost have like a mini panic attack when i see a spider or dangerous bug or scropion,i have seen at least three wolf spiders and at least 1 arizona brown spider in mutiple rooms in my house yesterday we sprayed 1 wolf twice and sqaushed it once it disapeared for the night then tonight i woke my husband at 1 am to kill the same wolf spider this time we sqished it so hard it shook the house its dead for sure now i cleaned it up myself but with two dogs and soon at least two ferrets,which can help by eating the spiders,how do i not harm my pets and eventually kids while i keep out bad arachnids and bugs at the same time? i read ur recipes and ideas and im gonna try them but r there any more hints and clues that help with them and or field mice as well plse and thanx oh btw in my opinion and experiance electric bug sound things do the complete opposite of what they are sposed to do they just attract nasty creepy crawlies to them and cats hunt them then bring them in the house alive play with them then the bugs escape still alive and in the house once the cats are bord with it. signed moonsong ps should i crush up the garlic or not when i make that recipe? thanx again ttyl
I must try these. I have used peppermint oil and tea tree oil for different things and it works, lavandar too.
i currently work for a business with a massive spider issue outside directly above the front door. my question is, would using an electronic repellent actually work in an outdoor setting? or maybe even plugged in inside and effect them outside?
Please think twice before using any more poisons on your lawns or gardens .Most insecticides are not very selective in what they kill. Our pollinators ,bees, wasps , etcetera are dying in droves because of over use of these chemicals…and when they die off humans won’t be far behind.
Any tips for white tail spiders, have found 4 in my room this past week, 2 on the desk, 1 on the bed and another on the floor. House has several pet cats and was done professionally yet they’re still comming in. HELP!!?
Ps yes got the pros back and had them re spray under warranty still no help
A lot of those oils listed can be particularly toxic to pets as well as bugs. Tea tree oil is euphoric to cats but an also be deadly. Do your research if you have pets.
The electrical devices had very little effect on deterring spiders from my room. I was constantly finding new webs under my bed even after religiously cleaning down there and spraying the area with hairspray. In fact one little critter built a web right next to the electronic device which made me question their effectiveness. I’m having problems again with this one spider I just can’t seem to get ride of and once again under my bed. It’s very uncomfortable getting into bed knowing I’m not alone. Anyway I don’t highly rate the electronic devices but I guess for some people they work. Looks as though the Hoover is my last call of action! It worked last time. Wish me luck!
Sounds like you may have to move?
My family has a cabin up in the mountains, and the electronic things really seem to work here. I wish I could use them at home, but I have pet rats 🙁 I wish I could find one that didn’t affect rodents. Anyone heard of something like that?
HELLO,
THANKS, & COMPLIMENTS ON A VERY HELPFUL WEBSITE.
I GET MANY SPIDER WEBS ON THE INSIDE OF MY SCREEN ENCLOSURE WHICH IS OVER MY POOL, & I ALSO HAVE SOME PLANTS AROUND THE POOL; WHICH NON-TOXIC MIXTURE WOULD YOU SPRAY WHICH WILL NOT MAKE THE POOL WATER UNSAFE FOR USE, & WHICH WILL NOT DAMAGE PLANTS?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP; MUCH APPRECIATED.
we have the same problem. little tiny ones with seed-like nests. we scrubbed them away and sprayed and they still came back. that was a big job that i don’t want to do again!! help would be appreciated.
Help! there was a creepy yellow/orange/brown spider in my room! and it doesn’t have fur, but its weird! it was in there yesterday night, and i slept terribly, under the covers and curled into a spider-blocking ball. today i had to do my hw outside, and I’m scared to go back in. AND THE BUG SPRAY IS IN THERE. I LEFT THE BUG SPRAY AND THE ASIAN INSECT REPELLENT UNDER MY DESK WHERE THE SPIDER MAY BE! i searched up the electronic spider repellent on amazon, and most ppl say its good, but some ppl say it won’t work. HELP! and I’m really EXTREMELY scared of spiders, i even screamed in class when i saw and image of one in the science textbook at school! please help! and i also don’t have peppermint oil or the other things like lavender and such. 🙁
also, my bug spray is for cockroaches and ants, so i need spider spray
*the asian bug repellent doesn’t really work
Hopefully by now you’ve made it back inside and aren’t just surviving out on the porch, eating leaves and fighting with the squirrels over acorns. If you are back inside, let me just tell you that, in my experience, the electronic anti-spider (and mouse) devices are not worth a lot. I’ve had pretty good luck with orange and peppermint oils mixed with water in a spray bottle.
PS – if you can look up the electronic thing on Amazon from outside, you can find the oils on Amazon, too. 😉
lol! i definitley will look into buying those oils! thanks laura!
Not long ago I woke up at 3 am and found a spider bigger than a waterbug in my bathtub. I was horrified. That sucker was gonna die before I got back in my bed. No way was I going back to sleep with that thing in my tub. I had a spray bottle with peppermint oil, water, and concentrated peppermint soap. I sprayed it but it just ran away from it. I waited for 5-10 minutes but it didn’t kill the creepy critter. I added some tea tree to the mix, sprayed the spider. Waited another 5-10 minutes. Darn thing was still alive. Then I added a few drops of citronella. Within in minutes it was dead. I was awake for 45 minutes and the strong scent left me breathless. I forgot to open a window and turn on the fan. But I was able to pick up the critter with some toilet tissue and flush it. I should’ve used cloves, rosemary, and citronella from the get-go. Anyway, ever since I began using essential oils in my homemade cleaning products, I haven’t seen any creepy crawlies like I used to except fot that one spider.
To eliminate spiders (and wasps) outside invite Orioles to your bird feeders. Their #1 food is spiders and wasps! I fed them faithfully with their sugar water mix all summer and we had fewer wasps then ever this year on our farm.
Sugar water is not healthy for birds. They fill up on it, but it provides no nutrional value whatsoever. You may think you’re doing a good thing for them, but studies have shown you are actually starving them.
Looks like the orioles were getting their fill of wasps and spiders, likely not starving.
I use raw sugar to feed my hummingbirds and no food dye(which kills them eventually). They love it and the population has increased from last year. I think it is much healthier than regular sugar which is probably GMO anyway.
I have tried most of these, I live in an old, not at all sealed house in the woods, I dont mind bugs outside, but I am getting very overwhelmed by how many spider find there way inside. I have not used an electronic method. I was wondering if anyone with pets have used them, and weather they bother the animals. I am worried my hyper kitten is going to chase one, and get bit, but I dont want to bring anything into the house the can harm her, or being a cat, her sensitive hearing. Any one have any suggestions what might be safest with her, but can minimize the problem?
Hi, you should be good with the electronic devices with pet’s around. I have played with this method in the past, my one issue was my impatiens, mostly because I wanted instant results and could not hear it..
i had a cat for many (10+) years and she did not seem to mind it.
I came here to this page tonight because I just rented this awesome house, with woods and many black berries all around, I was cleaning the fridge and stove well after dark tonight and noticed this massive spider strolling across the floor.. I put him outside (spiders are a good thing).
So I wanted something that would keep them outside, yet not necessarily kill them. My house was built in 1920 and does not really have more than 1 or 2 electrical outlets per room, so they are at a premium. But in the past, when I had meany sockets, the electronic method did work well..
I would say… Don’t fear, place one in each room and see how it works. If you notice a sharp decline then apply outside methods to keep them from coming in.
I feel that if you build the outside barrier too soon, you can trap them inside and then the system just breaks down…
Hope this helps..
Please ignore the misspelling(s)… I meant many sockets 🙂
Oh, and I also wanted to impart that my 1920 house is open to the public as far as spiders are concerned.. I do not believe there is a square corner in the house 🙂
It actually has bit key style locks…
I have 5 electronic repellant devices in 480 sq ft cabin. They worked to discourage a pack rat that was trying to nest under my bathroom sink, but do NOTHING to spiders whatsoever. Just now I saw one sitting right on top of one of the units!
I had the same problem with electronic mouse repellents, they didn’t care a bit!
don’t use the electronic thing. my mother and i tried it due to big flying tree roaches common in the area she lives… but all it did was attract the smaller food roaches (that were not present before) and she has not been able to get rid of them since.
Cats are actually pretty good natural born spider killers. I have two and they caught a really big spider outside my bedroom door one night and killed it. It’s like moving play toys to them. I am very thankful for my two cats. (It was a really big spider. )
I am assuming you don’t have the likes of black widows or brown recluse etc. that are not only dangerous to humans but also cats.
Vanessa I have used these electronic plug-ins for many years and have many pets through those years. Currently I have 4 dogs and one cat. The electronic repellers work and do not harm pets. My mother also used them for many years.
I have tried the electronic ones in the past & HATE them.. When I was a kid my sister and I came home from school just to be greeted by a shrill, painful noise that dropped us both to our knees… screaming in pain my mother realized the only new thing was the plug in pest killer that she had added earlier with no notice after. Immediately after unplugging it, we were relieved of our pain. Years later, I walked into a strangers house (I’m in EMS) to be treated by the same shrill noise. It made me nauseated! I had to wait outside bc I knew the sound right away! I al aye figured I wouldn’t hear it as an adult bc we loose a few octaves of hearing as we age, but nope! I’m 30 & am still effected by these things. I could only imaging what dogs or other children hear… then again, my sister and I could’ve just been flukes. GOOD LUCK!!!
I can’t stand spiders in my house, so I found a really effective aerosol spray a few years ago. It’s called Protector (aerosol) or Protector C (liquid spray). It’s not just effective against spiders but also against many different insects, both crawling and flying. It works instantly and is long lasting. Protector C can be found at Amazon (and at other online pest control stores, but Protector (the aerosol can) is a bit harder to find.
I can’t wait to try some of your suggestions. I am no longer spider-phobic. I had to get over using an entire can of Raid on every single spider when I became a zookeeper. I recently moved to the “country.” I have an enormous screened back porch facing a beautiful lake. There are more spiders inside the screened area than the porches without screening!!! Does any know what is controlling the unscreened spider population? I’m pretty sure it’s not all the hummingbirds!! I wouldn’t mind sharing my porch time with a spider predator.
Maybe they are using repellent since they are screenless
Spiders just get trapped in screened in area’s. Usualy they would move in and out of the non screaned pourches unnoticed but on ones woth Screens it is harder for them to find a path out and so they linger
Frogs…can’t get into screened area to eat insects…you havery provided sanctuary for your little interlopers.
Can I just use regular salt and water for spider repellent? If so how much salt do I use. I keep getting little spiders and its driving me nuts! Just few days ago I’ve encountered with 2 huge brown recluse spiders.
Yes, dissolve table salt in hot water it works like a charm!!
source: I do it 😉
I’m moving into my grandparents upstairs house which hasn’t been lived in for years and the room I was taking, has been known for brown recluse, hobo, and common house spiders. How do I keep them away because I have a 10 month old baby!!
Did you read the article?? It lists many ways to rid the area of spiders.
I found a huge brown recluse in my basement, we caught it and took it to the exterminator here. He said they usually only come inside to hunt other spiders- common house spiders. He said to place traps (sticky paper stuff) in the areas where you’ve noticed then. Then you can get an idea of what’s there. The worst thing to do is to kill off all the smaller house spiders cuz the recluse won’t have food and may venture further into our living. Spaces. Eucalyptus oil or branches, salt water, peppermint oil water or garlic, cinnamon and that type of thing sprayed in water will deter them since they sense smell with their feet and legs plus none of those are harmful to children. Make sure you keep things tidy too cuz as it gets cooler the spiders will move indoors. I hope this helps! Plus brown recluse spiders have terrible vision, and may charge toward you trying to get away. Good luck.
Brown Recluse spiders charge at you becausever they are meat eaters! They come in because it’s cold and they know that there will be some sort of warmblooded food source inside. They will try to attack you and they will go after your animals so you might want to guard your pets and all their Arar l areas and Rhona l things as well.
I live close to the woods. I have a lot problems with spiders all year round and ants. I have the ants under control. During the summer time I have mulch around flower beds an when it rains there is the worms come out I have to use bleach, baking soda and vinager to kill them. What do you suggest. HELP.
Why would you want to kill the worms? They are good for the garden and don’t get in your house…
I agree, unless they are cutworms, they are so beneficial.