How to Prevent and Get Rid of Spiders Safely, According to Pest Experts

Spiders often seek shelter inside homes in search of food, water, and safety from harsh weather conditions. While these insects can be very beneficial for eliminating other pests (think carpenter ants and flies), their population may get out of control if they've found a safe space to multiply.

To keep spiders away from your home and right where you want them (outside), proper prevention is key. But if it's too late for that, there are a few expert-approved ways to get rid of spiders from your home.

Know Which Spiders Are Problematic

Although spiders may look scary, most of them rarely bite humans, and their bites usually only result in minor symptoms. "However, there are some notable species that are definitely dangerous and potentially life-threatening due to their venom, such as black widows and brown recluses," says Timothy Wong, technical director at MMPC.

Brown Recluse

Brown recluse spiders bite, usually unintentionally, when they feel trapped. "Because damage from their bites can develop slowly and take multiple weeks to heal, it is important to keep an eye on the individual who was bitten," says Jim Fredericks, board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). "The brown recluse venom can cause severe allergic reactions, notably in children, the elderly, or those with pre-existing medical conditions."

Black Widow

Black widow spiders have fangs big enough to pierce human skin and venom potent enough to cause severe side effects. This is one of the most venomous spiders in North America. "However, bites are very rarely fatal as the amount of venom injected is so small, and very few people have interactions with black widows in which they are bitten," says Fredericks.

When and Why You'll See Spiders in the Home

You'll likely see spiders most during late summer and early fall. "Since spiders are ectothermic creatures, they can move around more when the weather is warm," says Wong. "This time is also the mating season for many species, so they venture out in search of mates. During the fall, you’ll start noticing them inside the house more as they search for places to spend the winter."

Spiders like to hang out in homes and other structures because they provide them with a safe, warm, and dry environment, especially during the cold and wet seasons, says Wong. They’re more likely to take up long-term residence in a home when there are other pest issues around, which provides them with a stable source of food.

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How to Get Rid of Spiders

There are a few effective ways to get rid of spiders, such as setting up traps and using insect repellent. Keep in mind, though, that not all spiders are bad, and if you have an insect problem, these creatures can even be beneficial.

Get Rid of Webs

The first thing to do is go through your home and remove any spider webs you see with a vacuum, duster, or long-handled broom for those high and hard-to-reach places. Scour basements, attics, and closets for webs.

"Many spider species (but not all) use cobwebs to catch their prey," says Fredericks. "Vacuuming can also eliminate spiderlings before they become a problem." Additionally, vacuuming can remove other insects that spiders depend on as a food source.

"By removing webs, homeowners make it harder for spiders to find food. Additionally, some species lay eggs in their webs, so removing eggs eliminates the next generation of spiders," says Fredericks.

Eliminate Their Food Source

The best way to get rid of spiders is to eliminate their food sources, like mosquitoes, flies, and ants. Do so, and the spiders will eventually go away on their own. Remove cobwebs and set up traps for those particular pests.

Set Up Traps

Set up traps around your home and anywhere you often notice spider webs. "There are several types of spider traps out there, but any simple glue trap will work fine," says Wong. "If you don’t want to kill the spider, you can sweep it up or catch it in a cup and release it outside, away from your home."

Make a DIY Solution

Rather than purchasing traps, there are a few DIY solutions you can use instead. "You can make one with peppermint repellent by filling a spray bottle with water and about 10-20 drops of peppermint essential oil," says Wong. "You can also use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water." Spray the solution around your home, focusing on areas where you usually notice spiders, webs, or their food sources.

How to Prevent Spiders

The best way to not have spiders is to prevent them from getting into your home altogether, which you can do by sealing entry points, cleaning regularly, turning off lights at night, and pruning your greenery.

Seal Entry Points

One of the best ways to keep spiders at bay is by sealing their points of entry. "Sealing entry points prevents more spiders from coming into your home, especially in the fall," says Wong. "It also helps stop other insects from coming in, which cuts off that source of food for the spiders already in your home." When sealing entry points, focus on the following tasks:

• Install weatherstripping around doors.
• Seal gaps around windows.
• Fix holes in door screens and window screens.
• Check the exterior of your home for gaps or cracks in the foundation, walls, and siding.
• Check utility entry points, such as where pipes, cables, and wires enter the house.
• Install vent covers or fine mesh screens on vents and crawlspaces.
• Install chimney caps.

Turn Lights Off at Night

Leaving outdoor lights on at night can increase the number of flying insects attracted to the exterior of a home, which creates an abundance of food for spiders, says Fredericks. Turning off lights at night or putting them on a timer or motion detector can help reduce exterior spider populations.

Clean Regularly

Keeping your home clean will help eliminate spiders and their food sources. Be sure to regularly tidy up areas like the garage, attic, and basement, which have plenty of hiding spaces for spiders to build webs in.

Tend to Landscaping

Tending to the greenery around your home can also keep spiders away, including your lawn and plants. Create distance between your shrubbery and home to make it more difficult for spiders to access your home.