Spiders aren’t trying to ruin your morning coffee. They’re just looking for food (bugs), warmth, or a mate. Your house is basically a five-star resort for them—dry, dark, and full of snacks.
So if you stop giving them a reason to stay, they’ll pack up their little web suitcases and leave. Easier said than done? Maybe. But trust me, it’s simpler than moving to Antarctica.
Step 1: Seal the VIP Entrance—Every Crack and Crevice
Spiders are like liquid. They can squeeze through gaps you’d swear were solid. Check your doors, windows, and especially where pipes meet walls—that’s their favorite secret tunnel. Use caulk or weatherstripping; it’s cheap and takes an afternoon.
And don’t forget the threshold under your front door. If you can slide a business card under it, a spider can slide in. (Pro tip: get a door sweep—it’s the bouncer your house needs.)
Oh, and windows? Even a tiny crack feels like the red carpet to them. Seal it. You’re not running a spider spa.
Step 2: Turn Off the “Vacancy” Sign—Clean Like a Maniac
Spiders love clutter. Piles of clothes, cardboard boxes, and dusty corners are their vacation condos. I learned this the hard way when I found a nest behind my bookshelf—thanks, I hate it.
Vacuum weekly, especially under furniture and along baseboards. That one step alone removes eggs, webs, and their food source. (Plus, you’ll feel like a hero when you spot a random leg sticking out of the dust bin.)
Why Do Spiders Come Into A House at Charles Grabowski blog
And for the love of all that is holy, keep your kitchen crumb-free. Spiders eat other bugs, which eat your crumbs. Cut the food chain, and you cut their motive to visit.
Step 3: Repel Them Naturally (Without a Chemical War)
You don’t need to nuke your home. Spiders hate certain smells—peppermint oil is their kryptonite. Mix 10-15 drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz around windows, doors, and baseboards. It smells like a candy cane apocalypse to them.
Vinegar also works: half water, half white vinegar. Just be careful on surfaces—it can strip finishes. But honestly, a faint salad-dressing vibe is better than a spider on your pillow.
Some people swear by dried bay leaves or citrus peels. I tried the bay leaf trick; my kitchen smelled like soup, but no spiders. Your mileage may vary. Experiment!
Step 4: Attack the Food Supply—Kill the Bugs First
You’re not going to win this war unless you starve them out. Spiders follow ants, flies, and mosquitoes. So if you have a fruit fly problem, you’re essentially running a spider drive-thru.
Fix leaky pipes (bugs love moisture), take out trash daily, and store food in sealed containers. Yes, even that bag of dog food in the garage—seal it. Spiders don’t care about your dog; they care about the weevils eating the kibble.
Why Do Spiders Come Into My House at Kristin Knight blog
And if you see a single spider, don’t kill it—catch and release it outside. Why? Killing one releases pheromones that can attract more. I’m not kidding; it’s like sending out a dinner invitation. Ugh, nature is rude.
Step 5: The Final Frontier—Lighting and Landscape
Outdoor lights attract moths, which attract spiders. Switch to yellow bug bulbs or motion-sensor lights near doors. That way, your porch doesn’t look like a disco for insects.
Also, keep bushes, mulch, and firewood at least a few feet away from your house. Those are spider highways. I once trimmed a hedge and found five egg sacs. Five. I’m still processing that trauma.
And don’t forget to check your garage and crawl spaces. They’re like spider suburbs. A little declutter and weatherproofing there goes a long way.