How to Keep Spiders Out of House Naturally

Keeping spiders out of your house naturally is a common concern for many homeowners. Nobody wants to share their living space with eight-legged creepy crawlies, but using harsh chemicals isn’t always the best solution, especially for families with young children or pets. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural and effective ways to deter spiders and keep your home spider-free.

Understanding Spider Behavior

Before we delve into the how-to, let’s understand why spiders enter our homes. They’re not there to scare us; they’re primarily seeking food, shelter, and a suitable place to reproduce. Knowing this, we can target their basic needs to discourage them from settling in. They are attracted to dark, undisturbed areas, plentiful insect populations, and easy access points. By addressing these factors, we can make our homes less appealing to these unwelcome guests.

Spider Entering House Through Crack in Wall

Natural Spider Repellents

Several natural substances are known to deter spiders due to their strong scents, which spiders find unpleasant. These include:

• Citrus fruits: Lemons, oranges, and limes are excellent spider repellents. Rubbing citrus peels along windowsills, doorways, and other entry points can effectively discourage spiders.
• Peppermint oil: Spiders dislike the strong scent of peppermint. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it around your home, focusing on areas where spiders are commonly found.
• Vinegar: White vinegar is another effective spider deterrent. Similar to peppermint oil, mix it with water and spray around the house.
• Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder is made from fossilized algae. It’s safe for humans and pets but deadly to insects and spiders. Sprinkle it along baseboards, in cracks, and other areas where spiders might travel.

Natural Spider Repellents: Citrus and Peppermint

Sealing Entry Points

One of the most effective ways to keep spiders out is to seal any cracks or gaps that they might use to enter your home.

• Check windows and doors: Ensure they are properly sealed and that screens are intact.
• Seal cracks and gaps: Use caulk or weather stripping to seal any openings in walls, foundations, and around pipes.
• Repair damaged screens: Torn or damaged screens on windows and doors provide easy access for spiders.

Keeping a Clean Home

A clean home is less attractive to spiders. Regular cleaning eliminates food sources (insects) and disrupts their webs and hiding places.

• Vacuum regularly: Pay attention to corners, under furniture, and along baseboards.
• Dust frequently: Remove cobwebs and dust, eliminating spider webs and potential hiding spots.
• Declutter: Clutter provides ideal hiding places for spiders. Keeping your home organized and clutter-free makes it less hospitable to them.
• Store food properly: Keep food in airtight containers to prevent attracting insects, which in turn attract spiders.

Landscaping to Deter Spiders

Maintaining your yard can also help keep spiders away from your home.

• Trim vegetation: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed back from your house, as these can provide bridges for spiders to reach your walls and windows.
• Remove debris: Clear away leaf piles, woodpiles, and other debris that can harbor spiders and insects.

Landscaping to Deter Spiders: Trimmed Bushes

Frequently Asked Questions about Keeping Spiders Out Naturally

1. What smells do spiders hate the most? Spiders are particularly averse to strong scents like citrus, peppermint, and vinegar.
2. Does vinegar kill spiders? Vinegar doesn’t necessarily kill spiders, but its strong smell acts as a deterrent.
3. What is the best natural spider killer? Diatomaceous earth is considered one of the most effective natural spider deterrents, as it dehydrates them on contact.
4. How do I get rid of spiders in my house permanently? While complete eradication is difficult, consistent implementation of the above methods can significantly reduce spider populations in your home.
5. Are spiders beneficial to have around the house? While some people find them unsettling, spiders play a crucial role in controlling other insect populations in and around your home.

Conclusion

Keeping spiders out of your house naturally is achievable with consistent effort. By understanding spider behavior and using natural repellents, sealing entry points, maintaining a clean home, and implementing proper landscaping practices, you can effectively create a spider-free environment without resorting to harsh chemicals. Remember, these natural methods require ongoing maintenance to keep spiders out of house naturally for the long term.