Let’s face it: spiders are part of life. Whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or out in the countryside, the occasional eight-legged visitor is bound to make an appearance. While it’s nearly impossible to eliminate them entirely, there’s good news—you can take simple steps to drastically reduce the number of spiders sharing your space.
Here’s how to make your home a lot less inviting for these uninvited guests.
- Clean Regularly (Especially the Corners)
Spiders love quiet, undisturbed places—think corners, ceiling edges, behind furniture, and under appliances. Routine cleaning not only removes webs and eggs but also disrupts the cozy hideouts spiders tend to settle in.
Focus on:
Vacuuming baseboards, under beds, and behind furniture
Dusting ceiling corners and window sills
Sweeping out garages and basements
Bonus: you’ll likely be removing other bugs too, which are a spider’s main food source.
- Declutter Like You Mean It
That box of old magazines in the basement? Prime spider real estate. Clutter offers plenty of hiding spots and makes it harder to detect cobwebs and nests.
Declutter areas such as:
Closets
Basements
Garages
Sheds and attics
Use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, and keep items off the floor whenever possible.
- Seal Up Entry Points
Spiders are expert sneaks, slipping through the tiniest gaps and cracks in your home. Regularly check for and seal off potential entryways, especially as the seasons change and outdoor critters look for warmth.
Inspect and repair:
Cracks around windows and doors
Gaps in siding or brickwork
Torn or loose window screens
Openings around utility lines and vents
Add door sweeps and use weather stripping to close gaps under doors.
- Check Window and Door Screens
One of the easiest ways for spiders to get in? Damaged screens. Small tears or holes can go unnoticed but act like welcome mats for bugs.
Inspect all window and door screens for holes or loose fittings
Repair or replace damaged screens promptly
Keep windows closed at night if lights are on—spiders love to follow flying insects
- Limit Outdoor Lighting
It’s not the light that attracts spiders—it’s the insects that are drawn to it. Outdoor lighting acts as a buffet line for bugs, which in turn brings in spiders looking for a snack.
Try this instead:
Use yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs outdoors (less attractive to insects)
Position lights away from doors and windows
Turn off unnecessary lights at night
- Keep the Yard Tidy
Spiders often set up shop just outside your home before moving in. A tidy exterior makes it harder for them to find shelter.
Trim bushes and trees away from your home’s exterior
Clear leaves, mulch, and wood piles
Keep grass trimmed and remove yard clutter
- Use Natural Repellents
There are a few natural deterrents spiders dislike, including:
Peppermint oil (mixed with water and sprayed around doors and windows)
Citrus peels (rub on window sills)
Vinegar sprays in problem areas
While these won’t kill spiders, they can help discourage them from settling in.
In Summary: A Spider-Free(ish) Home Is Possible
You might never achieve a spider-free home—and that’s okay. Spiders actually help control other pests, but that doesn’t mean you have to invite them in for dinner.
By staying clean, keeping your home sealed tight, and removing the environments spiders love, you can dramatically reduce their presence and keep your living space far more comfortable.
So grab a broom, fix that screen, and show those spiders the door. Your peace of mind (and your corners) will thank you.
