How To Get Rid Of Spiders: 12 Natural & Chemical Solutions

Do you ever get the feeling that something is watching you? That’s because spiders are often lurking around our homes and offices, making us feel uneasy. While some people find them fascinating, many of us just want to know how to get rid of spiders once and for all. In this article, we’ll look at why they come inside in the first place, as well as provide 12 natural spider deterrents and chemical solutions so you can finally say goodbye to these eight-legged creatures. Get ready to learn more about getting rid of spiders today.

Why Do Spiders Come Inside

Spiders often find their way into our homes, and while they can be creepy or frightening to some people, there are actually a few reasons why spiders come inside our homes.

Food

One of the most common reasons is that spiders follow their food source indoors. Insects such as flies, moths, and beetles are attracted to light sources like windows and lamps in our homes. When these insects enter through an open window or door, spiders will often follow them inside in search of a meal.

Weather 

Another reason for spider infestations is environmental conditions outside the home. For example, during autumn and winter months, many spider species seek warmer temperatures, which is why spider sightings in the home soar as temperatures begin to drop. A common example of this in the UK is the giant house spider.

Additionally, during periods of drought or extreme heat outdoors, many species of spiders may seek out cooler temperatures found indoors to survive. Spiders also prefer dark places where they can hide from predators; this makes basements and attics ideal locations for numerous different species to take up residence in your home. One such example is the cellar spider, which you’ll often find in corners of cellars and attics.

Mating

Finally, some species of spiders migrate during certain times of year due to mating season or other biological needs—which could lead them right into your living room. This type of migration typically occurs when large numbers of male spiders travel together, looking for female mates who have already established themselves elsewhere within the home’s walls or ceilings.

In summary, there are several possible explanations as to why you might find yourself with an unwelcome house guest. Insect prey following entry points into your home, environmental conditions forcing them indoors, and seasonal migrations leading male spiders on a quest for female companionship all contribute towards spider infestations in residential areas across the UK each year.

12 Natural Spider Deterrents

Spiders can be a nuisance in the home, but there are many natural ways to deter them from entering. Here are 12 natural spider deterrents that you can use to keep spiders away:

1. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, lavender and eucalyptus have strong scents that spiders hate. Mix a few drops of your chosen oil with water and spray around doorways or windowsills where spiders may enter.

2. Vinegar

White vinegar is an effective spider repellent because it has acetic acid, which irritates the arachnids and makes them want to stay away from it. To make a homemade solution mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spritz around entry points or areas where you have seen spiders before.

3. Citrus

Spiders dislike citrus smells, so using lemon juice or orange peels near entrances will help keep them out of your house naturally without having to resort to chemical solutions. Place slices of lemons or oranges near doorways, windowsills or any other places they might enter for maximum effectivity.

4. Conkers

The horse chestnut (conker) is another great way to repel spiders naturally due to its tannic acid content, which deters these eight-legged creatures from entering your home. Put some conkers in small sachets around door frames and window sills for best results.

5. Diatomaceous Earth

This fine powder made up of fossilised algae is an effective way of getting rid of unwanted pests, including spiders, by dehydrating their exoskeletons when they come into contact with it. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth along baseboards, cracks, crevices, and window ledges etc., to create an invisible barrier against these little critters.

6. Garlic & Onion

These two pungent vegetables contain sulfur compounds which act as natural insecticides, making them ideal for keeping spiders out and away from your house. Make sure you chop up garlic cloves and onions finely before sprinkling them around entrance points and other areas where you suspect activity.

7. Coffee Grounds

Not only do coffee grounds smell good, but they also work wonders when it comes to warding off unwelcome guests such as spiders. Simply sprinkle some used coffee grounds near entry points and other problem spots throughout the house for extra protection.

8. Cedarwood Oil

Another powerful essential oil derived from cedar trees works great against all sorts of insects, including spiders. Dilute this potent oil with water before spraying on carpets, furniture, curtains etc…for added protection against these uninvited visitors.

9. Cinnamon Sticks/Powder

Just like most spices, cinnamon contains volatile oils which give off strong odours that bugs hate making it perfect for keeping spiders away. You can either place whole sticks strategically around your home or grind down some powder into small containers and leave them in strategic locations inside the house too.

10. Cloves/Clove Oil

Cloves not only smell amazing but also act as a great spider repellent thanks again to their volatile oils content. So why not try placing some cloves strategically inside drawers, cupboards etc., or even better, make yourself an organic clove oil spray by mixing 1 part clove oil with 3 parts water?

11. Tobacco Leaves

Believe it or not, tobacco leaves actually work well at deterring spiders when placed strategically inside drawers, cupboards etc, particularly handy when dealing with species such as Steatoda grossa. As do cigarette butts if you happen to smoke; however, please note that both should be used sparingly due to the health risks associated with smoking-related products.

12. Lavender

Lavender flowers are a great way to ward off all kinds of spiders. Not only does it have a sweet aroma that keeps them away, but its calming properties can help reduce stress in any environment – indoors or outdoors. You can use the flowers themselves or opt for an essential oil version for added potency.

Chemical Solutions

When it comes to getting rid of spiders, some people may choose to use chemical solutions. Chemical solutions include insecticides or sprays that contain pyrethrin or permethrin. Pyrethrins are natural compounds derived from the Chrysanthemum flower and have been used for centuries as an insecticide. Permethrin is a synthetic version of pyrethrins and has been found to be more effective against certain insects, such as spiders.

When using these chemicals, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label carefully in order to avoid any potential health risks associated with them. It’s also important to note that these chemicals can be toxic if ingested by humans or pets, so they should only be used in areas where children and animals cannot access them easily.

In addition, when using these products indoors, it’s important to ensure adequate ventilation so that fumes do not build up inside your home, which could lead to respiratory issues over time. When spraying outdoors, make sure you keep away from any plants or vegetation you don’t want to be affected by the spray, as well as bodies of water such as ponds and streams, since many of these chemicals can contaminate water sources if not applied properly.

FAQs Regarding How To Get Rid Of Spiders

What kills spiders and keeps them away?

There are several ways to keep spiders away and prevent them from entering your home. Vacuuming regularly, sealing cracks in walls and windows, removing webs and egg sacs, and using insecticides or natural repellents such as essential oils can all help reduce the presence of spiders. Additionally, some people use sticky traps or glue boards to capture any that enter their homes. Spiders can also be killed with a vacuum cleaner or by spraying them directly with an insecticide.

How do you keep spiders away permanently?

There are several steps you can take to keep spiders away permanently. Firstly, remove any sources of food and water that may attract them, such as dealing with any other insect infestation that may be acting as a food source and attracting spiders. Secondly, seal off entry points into your home, such as cracks in walls or around windows and doors, with caulk or weatherstripping. Finally, vacuum regularly to remove webs and eggs, which will help reduce the number of spiders in your home over time. With these steps taken consistently, you should be able to keep spiders away permanently.

What smells do spiders hate?

Spiders have an acute sense of smell and are known to be repelled by certain scents. Common smells that spiders hate include peppermint, citrus, lavender, cinnamon, tea tree oil and citronella. These scents can be used in the form of essential oils or sprays to create a barrier around your home or garden that will keep spiders away. Additionally, keeping your house clean and free from clutter is another way to deter spiders, as they prefer dark areas with plenty of hiding spots.

What attracts spiders to my house?

Spiders are attracted to your house for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they seek shelter and warmth in the winter months. They also look for food sources such as other insects or small animals that may be living in your home. Additionally, spiders can be drawn to areas with moisture and humidity, so if you have any damp spots in your house, this could attract them too. Taking these factors into consideration can help you reduce the number of spiders entering your home.

Conclusion

No matter what method you choose to get rid of spiders, it is important to remember that they are beneficial creatures and play an important role in the environment. While it may be necessary to take action against them if they become a nuisance, there are ways to do so without causing harm. Natural deterrents such as essential oils or vinegar can be effective in keeping spiders away from your home while chemical solutions should only be used as a last resort. With careful consideration and some patience, you can find the best way for you to get rid of spiders without harming them or their environment.