How to Get Rid of Spiders, Step by Step

Warm weather is always welcome, but with it comes an influx of critters looking to make their way into our homes. Spiders are one of the most hated pests, yet they play a critical role in our ecosystem. Spiders can help us with pest control because they eat other insects that may come into our home, but many of us are still spooked by the idea of spiders living among us. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about spider infestations in your home, and a step-by-step guide to how to get rid of spiders.

What do spiders look like?

There are more than 35,000 spider species worldwide but only a small variety of them will actually show up in your backyard. Spiders are distinctive insects with eight legs and bright eyes. When trying to determine the species of spider in your home, consider its size, color, and behavior. Without knowing where to apply pest control and what you're looking for, preventing spiders from coming into your home can be tricky. Though not all spiders are venomous, it's crucial to pay close attention to any strange or lingering spider bites you may receive. Most spider bites will appear as small, red, itchy bumps on your skin and may also be painful. Most common spider bites will take longer to heal than an average bug bite but you can treat the bite with topical ointment or anti-inflammatory medication.

How do you get spiders?

Spiders can enter your home in a variety of ways—and for a variety of reasons. Usually, they are looking for basic necessities such as food and shelter. Spiders enjoy spinning webs and making themselves at home in areas that are mainly undisturbed such as ceilings, light fixtures, and window seals. Spiders can enter into your home through doors, windows, vents, or any unfilled holes or cracks. Spiders will enter your home mainly because there is a food source for them there. If you've found spiders in your bathroom, that may mean there are other bugs lurking around that the spider wants for food. It's smart to keep an eye out for other pests because many spiders will prey on insects that may be carrying diseases into your home. Most spiders pose no threat to humans and will attempt to hide from the places you frequent most. Spiders living in and around your home will only bite if they feel threatened by you. In fact, as long as you're keeping your distance and the spider isn’t a venomous species, living with spiders can actually benefit you by killing other pests and reducing your need for chemical insecticides.

How to check for spiders

Spiders choose to make their homes in the low-traffic areas of your house. You'll find spiders in cluttered, less-visited spaces such as the garage and attic. But don't be surprised to find some spinning webs in high ceiling areas or on hard to reach light fixtures. The best way to check for spiders is to declutter those less frequented areas and keep them organized. Spiders will have nowhere to hide when the space is open and free of clutter. You can take it a step further by spraying a bug repellant solution outside your home. It's best to spray outside around porches, under decks, and under patio covers.

How long can spider infestations last?

A spider infestation can last as long as the spider is receiving its basic necessities such as food, shelter, and water. Once one of these necessities is eliminated, the spider infestation can be too. It could take days or weeks to realize you have a spider problem because the spiders hide from humans out of fear.

How to get rid of spiders, step by step

Finding a spider in your home can leave you and your family feeling unsettled and squeamish. While most species of spiders that come into your home are relatively harmless, you still may want to take advantage of knowing how to keep them away. If you're ready to rid your home of spiders and other pests, follow our step-by-step process to effectively eliminate them.

Step 1: Take a powerful vacuum to your carpet, floors, furniture, and mattress

By deep cleaning around your home, you'll be able to disrupt the spiders' living spaces and remove their resources. Use a crevice tool attachment to go over any tight spaces or cracks where spiders are known to build webs and hide.

Step 2: Seal all outdoor cracks and holes where spiders could enter your home

Take a walk around your home to inspect all small holes and cracks. By filling these areas in, spiders will have a harder time entering your home.  

Step 3: Keep your home tidy and clean

By keeping your home organized, spiders will have fewer places to hide out. Consider implementing a regular cleaning checklist where you can quickly sweep out any webs beginning to form and spray for spiders during mating season and warmer months.

Products you can use to treat a spider infestation

• Harris Spider Killer Spray - Harris Spider Killer Spray is an odorless solvent you can use anywhere from your home to your car to regularly keep spiders out
• Mighty Mint Spider Repellent - Mighty Mint Spider Repellent is ideal for those looking for a non-toxic solution to use within their home or even in their personal garden
• Miss Muffett's Revenge Spider Killer - Miss Muffett's Revenge Spider Killer is a ready-to-spray product with a nozzle that gives you accuracy without you having to be too up close and personal with the pests
• Raid Max Spider Killer - Raid Max Spider Killer spray works fast to effectively eliminate spiders, roaches, and ants

Don't want to use chemical cleaners? Here's how to get rid of spiders naturally

You may want to use alternative methods to get rid of the spiders living in your home. You can make a natural spider repellent using items you probably already have in your pantry. A popular remedy to rid your home of spiders is a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the areas in your home where you've seen spiders previously and consider spraying the baseboards that create an interior perimeter around your home. Spiders do not like the smell of natural oils such as peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and rose oil. These oils smell great to humans and can effectively eliminate your spider problem.

When to call a professional exterminator to treat spiders

Since spiders will enter into your home looking for a main food source, it's quite likely that there is another pest issue at play in your home. You should consider calling a professional if you want to completely eliminate spiders from coming back into your home. A professional exterminator will be able to assess your home and create a custom action plan to rid your home of pests once and for all.

How to keep spiders out of your home

A spider can't enter your home if there are no easy ways inside. Take a walk around the outer perimeter of your home to see if there are any open cracks or holes where pests could crawl into. It's important to stop the problem at the beginning so you won't have to worry about spiders coming inside. You can also deter spiders from coming inside by eradicating their food sources. Keep your home sprayed for other bugs - especially the ones spiders feed on like mosquitos and flies - and spiders won’t have a reason to visit.

The bottom line on spiders

House spiders, which are typically non-venomous, are a part of our natural ecosystem and can be a great asset to us if we allow them. Since a spider will only enter and stay in your home if there is a main source of food for them, you should consider upping your pest control game to eliminate all types of insects who could be lurking in your home. If you can't stomach the thought of living alongside an eight-legged bug, there are many ways to prevent them from coming into your home, including thorough cleaning, decluttering, sealing up foundational cracks, using pest sprays, or calling on a professional exterminator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get spiders in a home? Spiders will enter your home in a variety of ways. They can enter in through any openings such as vents, doors, windows, and any open cracks or holes along the outer perimeter of the home. Are there natural remedies to get rid of spiders? Yes, there are many natural remedies you can make at home to get rid of spiders. Try mixing water and vinegar in a spray bottle to kill off any wandering spiders you may find. Natural oils such as peppermint and rose will also assist you in eliminating your spider problem. Will I get bit by a spider living in my home? Spiders will only bite if they are provoked or feel threatened. You most likely won't interact with them because they are attempting to hide and shelter away from you.