6 Smart and Natural Ways to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home

If you’ve ever been startled by a spider crawling across your floor or hanging in a corner, you’re not alone. While spiders are beneficial in the garden, acting as natural pest controllers, most of us prefer they stay outside. With changing seasons—especially cooler months—spiders often seek warmth and shelter indoors. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals to keep them out.

Experts suggest combining natural repellents, basic home repairs, and regular tidying to make your home far less inviting to these eight-legged intruders. Here are six tried-and-tested methods to spider-proof your space naturally and effectively.

1. Seal Entry Points Around Doors and Windows

Spiders often slip inside through small cracks, gaps, and broken seals around your home. Check for holes near windows, doors, vents, and the foundation. Use caulk, weather stripping, and door sweeps to block these access points. Also, repair torn window screens to add another layer of protection.

2. Spray Vinegar or Citrus-Based Solutions

Spiders dislike strong scents, and vinegar is a reliable natural deterrent. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist it in corners, around doors, and near windows. Citrus scents—like lemon, orange, or even peppermint oil—also work well. Add a few drops of essential oil to water and use it as a spray in spider-prone zones.

3. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free

Spiders prefer quiet, hidden areas filled with clutter. That’s why basements, attics, and storage spaces become common hiding spots. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and removing webs disturbs their habitat. Declutter areas with cardboard boxes, old clothes, or stacked papers to remove potential hiding spots.

4. Dim or Turn Off Outdoor Lights at Night

Outdoor lighting attracts insects, which in turn attract spiders. If possible, turn off porch or garden lights at night, or switch to yellow-tinted bug lights that draw fewer insects. Keeping lights away from entry points can help reduce spider traffic near your doors and windows.

5. Trim Back Bushes and Plants from Exterior Walls

Spiders often live in bushes, woodpiles, and thick vegetation. When these are close to your home, it’s easier for them to wander indoors. Trim back plants touching your walls, avoid letting vines grow on the exterior, and keep wood or leaf piles stored farther away from your house.

6. Clear Out Webs Regularly

Spiders will stay where they feel safe—and their webs are a key sign they’ve settled in. Removing webs frequently inside and around your home discourages them from sticking around. Focus on corners, ceilings, behind furniture, and light fixtures. Consistent removal sends a clear message: this is not a spider-friendly zone.

By combining these six practical steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of spiders taking up residence in your home—naturally, safely, and without fuss.