How Do I Keep Spiders Out Of My House

Let’s be honest: nobody wants to share their living room with an eight-legged freeloader who doesn’t pay rent and leaves creepy webs in the corners. You reach for a glass of water at 2 AM, and suddenly you’re face-to-face with a spider that seems to be staring right into your soul. It’s a universal moment of panic—the kind that makes you question your entire life choices.

The good news? Spiders aren’t actually out to get you. They’re just really bad at reading roommates. They wander in looking for food, warmth, or a mate—basically the same reasons you stumble into the kitchen for a midnight snack. Unfortunately, their version of “snack” involves catching flies, not opening the fridge.

The First Rule: Stop Being a Hotel for Their Prey

Spiders follow bugs the way your cat follows a laser pointer. If you have a steady supply of flies, ants, or moths, you’re essentially running a five-star buffet for arachnids. Kill the buffet, and you kill the party.

Start by sealing up crumbs like you’re hiding evidence from a detective. Crumbs are basically invite-only fly magnets. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight—unless you want to host a spider rave at 3 AM.

Plug Those Gaps Like a Pro

Spiders can squeeze through gaps the size of a paperclip. That’s right—your house is not a fortress, it’s a colander. Check the bottom of your doors, windows, and even that random crack under the baseboard you’ve ignored since 2019.

Grab some weather stripping or caulk and treat those gaps like you’re patching holes in a sinking boat. Every millimeter counts. My buddy once sealed his front door with a rolled-up towel—tacky, but the spiders stayed outside, and that’s a win in my book.

Peppermint Oil: The Great Smell-Off

Spiders hate strong smells, especially peppermint. It’s like us walking into a room that smells heavily of sour milk and old gym socks. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle, and go to town on entry points—windowsills, door frames, and baseboards.

How To Keep Spiders Out Of Outhouse at Michelle Cousin blog

You’ll smell like a Christmas candy cane factory, but the spiders will pack their tiny bags and leave. Pro tip: Test it on a hidden area first, because nobody wants their wallpaper to smell like a minty disaster zone.

The Great Declutter of 2024

Spiders love clutter. Cardboard boxes, old newspapers, and that pile of laundry you’ve been meaning to fold are basically spider condos with valet parking. They hide in the dark, cozy spaces you never touch.

Go through your home like you’re Marie Kondo on a caffeine high. Does this stack of magazines spark joy? No, it sparks spider babies. Toss it. Vacuum under the couch, behind the chair, and definitely inside that forgotten winter boot you found under the bed.

Bit the Light Bulb Switch

Spiders are attracted to lights because bugs are. If you leave your porch light on all night, you’re basically hanging a neon sign that says “Free Snacks Here”. Turn off outdoor lights unless you need them, or switch to yellow “bug lights” that are less inviting to flying insects.

Why Spiders Come In Your House at Ruby Najar blog

Indoors, blinds and curtains act as a force field. Keep them closed at night—spiders can see the silhouette of a fly through a window, and they’re not above a little window-shopping.

The Final Boss: Keep a Mean Vacuum Cleaner

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a spider will still make a John Wick-style entrance. That’s when you channel your inner vacuum ninja. A vacuum cleaner is the single best weapon for spider control—it’s like a black hole for unwanted guests.

Just don’t feel guilty about it. Spiders have tiny brains; they won’t remember your face. If you do feel bad, you can catch and release them outside—but honestly, by midnight, you’re probably just in survival mode.

Laugh It Off

At the end of the day, you’re sharing your home with thousands of creatures you never see. Spiders are just the bold ones that knock on the front door. They’re not plotting against you—they’re just looking for a warm spot and a snack, like you do when you order pizza at midnight.

So seal the gaps, spray some peppermint, and vacuum like you mean it. And when you still find a tiny spider on your pillow? Smile, name it Steve, and escort it outside. It’s just a weird roommate, not a villain—and you’ve got this.