Spider Infestation Solutions: How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Home

Are Spiders Actually a Problem?

Most spiders are harmless and even beneficial — they eat mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. But when they start taking over your home in large numbers, or if you're dealing with venomous species like black widows or brown recluses, it's time to take action. Here's everything you need to know about identifying, eliminating, and preventing spider infestations.

Common House Spiders to Know

• Common house spider — small, brownish, builds messy cobwebs in corners; harmless
• Wolf spider — large, fast-moving, ground-dwelling; intimidating but not dangerous
• Cellar spider (daddy long-legs) — thin legs, builds loose webs in damp areas; harmless
• Black widow — shiny black with a red hourglass marking; venomous, seek professional help
• Brown recluse — tan/brown with a violin-shaped marking; venomous, seek professional help

Why Do Spiders Come Inside?

Spiders enter homes in search of three things: food, warmth, and shelter. If you have a spider problem, it often means you also have an underlying insect problem — spiders follow their prey. Common attractants include:

• Gaps and cracks in walls, windows, and doors
• Cluttered, undisturbed areas like basements, attics, and garages
• Outdoor lighting that attracts insects (which attract spiders)
• Moisture and humidity

How to Get Rid of Spiders

1. Remove Webs Regularly

Use a vacuum or broom to remove webs as soon as you spot them. This disrupts spiders' habitat and discourages them from settling in. Pay attention to corners, ceilings, and behind furniture.

2. Reduce Clutter

Spiders love undisturbed, cluttered spaces. Declutter storage areas, shake out boxes before bringing them inside, and store items in sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes.

3. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and utility lines. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these entry points and prevent spiders (and their prey) from getting in.

4. Use Natural Repellents

Several natural options are effective at deterring spiders:

• Peppermint oil — mix 15-20 drops with water in a spray bottle and apply to entry points and corners
• White vinegar — spray directly on spiders or in areas where they congregate
• Citrus peels — rub along windowsills and doorframes; spiders dislike citrus scent
• Cedar — cedar chips or blocks in closets and storage areas repel spiders naturally

5. Apply Insecticide Treatments

For more persistent infestations, residual insecticide sprays applied along baseboards, in corners, and around entry points can be highly effective. Look for products containing pyrethrins or deltamethrin for best results.

6. Use Sticky Traps

Place glue traps in corners, along walls, and in areas where you've spotted spiders. These are especially useful for monitoring the severity of an infestation and catching ground-dwelling species like wolf spiders and brown recluses.

Preventing Future Spider Infestations

• Switch outdoor lighting to yellow or sodium vapor bulbs, which attract fewer insects
• Keep vegetation, woodpiles, and debris away from your home's exterior
• Fix leaky pipes and use a dehumidifier in damp areas
• Vacuum and dust regularly, especially in corners and behind furniture
• Treat the perimeter of your home with a residual insecticide each season

When to Call a Professional

If you suspect you have black widows or brown recluses, or if your infestation is widespread and not responding to DIY treatments, contact a licensed pest control professional. They can safely identify and eliminate dangerous species and implement long-term prevention strategies.

Take control of your spider problem today. Explore our spider control products for safe, effective solutions for every situation.