Finding spiders crawling across your floor or hanging in the corners of your ceiling can make anyone uneasy. While most spiders are harmless—and even help by eating other pests—no one wants them taking over their home.
If you’re noticing more webs than usual, it’s time to take action. Here’s how to get rid of spiders, what attracts them, and how to keep them from coming back.
Why Spiders Come Into Your Home
Spiders don’t enter your home to bother you—they come searching for food and shelter. Their favorite meals? Other insects like flies, ants, and mosquitoes.
Common reasons spiders move indoors include:
- Abundant insect activity (a sign of another pest problem)
- Warm, dark hiding spots like basements and attics
- Moisture sources around sinks, bathrooms, or basements
- Clutter and storage areas that provide cover
If you have a steady supply of insects and cozy corners to hide in, spiders will feel right at home.
Common Spider Hiding Spots
Spiders are sneaky and prefer out-of-the-way areas where they can spin webs without being disturbed. You’ll often find them in:
- Basements, attics, and crawl spaces
- Closets or storage boxes
- Corners of ceilings or windows
- Behind furniture or wall décor
- Bathrooms and laundry rooms
- Garages and sheds
Knowing where to look helps you target the source of the problem instead of just the symptoms.
How to Get Rid of Spiders Naturally
If you’d rather skip the harsh chemicals, there are several natural ways to repel and remove spiders:
1. Vacuum and Dust Regularly
Remove webs, egg sacs, and hiding spots. Vacuum corners, under furniture, and along ceiling edges to eliminate both spiders and their prey.
2. Seal Entry Points
Close gaps around windows, vents, and doorframes. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal cracks and prevent new spiders from sneaking in.
3. Use Essential Oils
Spiders dislike strong scents like peppermint, tea tree, and citrus. Mix 10–15 drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz doorways, windows, and baseboards.
4. Reduce Clutter
Boxes, papers, and piles of clothes create perfect spider hiding spots. Declutter storage areas and keep things off the floor.
5. Turn Off Outdoor Lights
Lights attract insects—which in turn attract spiders. Keep outdoor lighting minimal, or use yellow “bug” bulbs that deter insects.
6. Control Other Pests
Since spiders feed on other bugs, reducing your insect population naturally cuts down on spiders too.
How to Get Rid of Spiders Quickly
If natural methods aren’t enough, you may need to use targeted spider control techniques.
Use Sticky Traps
Place sticky traps behind furniture, in basements, and near windows to catch wandering spiders.
Apply Insecticide or Spider Spray
For visible infestations, use an indoor-safe insecticide along baseboards, doorways, and cracks. Always follow the label instructions.
Vacuum Visible Webs and Spiders
Immediate removal prevents them from reproducing and spreading. Dispose of the vacuum bag outside.
Schedule Professional Pest Control
If spiders keep reappearing, you may be dealing with a larger pest issue (like ants or flies). A pest control professional can identify and treat both spiders and the insects attracting them.
How to Prevent Spiders from Coming Back
Once you’ve removed the spiders, focus on keeping them out for good:
- Keep your home clean and clutter-free.
- Seal cracks and gaps around the foundation, doors, and windows.
- Store firewood and outdoor debris away from your home’s walls.
- Install screens on vents and windows.
- Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces.
- Schedule seasonal pest inspections.
Consistency is key—regular maintenance keeps your home spider-free year-round.
Are Spiders Dangerous?
Most household spiders in Ohio are harmless. Common species like house spiders, cellar spiders, and jumping spiders rarely bite and pose no real threat, but if you want fewer spiders (and fewer insects that spiders feed on), pest control for your residence can help reduce the indoor pest activity that attracts them.
However, brown recluse and black widow spiders, though uncommon, can deliver venomous bites that require medical attention. If you suspect one of these, contact a pest control professional immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spider Control
Do spiders go away on their own?
Not usually. They’ll stick around as long as food and shelter are available.
What kills spiders instantly?
Spider sprays or a vacuum can kill and remove them immediately.
Why do I suddenly have so many spiders?
A spike in insect activity or seasonal temperature changes can draw spiders indoors.
Can I prevent spiders naturally?
Yes. Essential oils, regular cleaning, and sealing entry points work well for mild infestations.
Do professional exterminators get rid of spiders permanently?
Professional treatments can eliminate active spiders and prevent future infestations with regular maintenance.
Keep Your Home Spider-Free with Elite Pest & Termite Control
Spiders may help control other pests, but they shouldn’t take over your living space. Whether you’re dealing with a few webs or a full-blown infestation, Elite Pest & Termite Control has the expertise to remove spiders safely and effectively.
Our team uses proven, eco-friendly methods to eliminate spiders, address the root cause, and prevent future invasions.
Get a professional checkup for your home—schedule your Elite Pest & Termite Control inspection now.