How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your House, Yard and Deck
Most spiders are harmless, and many are helpful. They eat flies, mosquitoes and other pests, and very few species can hurt people. Still, nobody wants webs across the doorway or a spider dropping onto the sofa.
The most effective way to deal with spiders is not spraying them but making your home less appealing. Spiders go where there is food (other insects), shelter and an easy way in. Remove those, and the spiders follow.
Know when to worry
In North America, only two groups of spiders are a real medical concern:
Black widows are shiny black with a red hourglass shape under the abdomen. They hide in dark, undisturbed places such as woodpiles, sheds, meter boxes and under outdoor furniture.
Brown recluses are brown with a darker violin-shaped mark on the back. They live mainly in the central and southern United States and hide in closets, attics, boxes and shoes.
Bites from both are uncommon and rarely fatal, but they can be serious. If you are bitten and have severe pain, muscle cramps, sweating, a spreading wound or feel unwell, seek medical care. If you find either species regularly in your home, call a licensed pest professional.
Getting rid of spiders indoors
1. Vacuum webs, spiders and egg sacs
A vacuum with a hose attachment is the fastest way to clear spiders from corners, ceilings and behind furniture. Get the egg sacs too, which look like small silk balls, since each can hold dozens or hundreds of eggs. Empty the vacuum into a sealed bag outside.
2. Catch and release
For the occasional spider, place a glass over it, slide a piece of card underneath and carry it outside. It is quick, clean and spares a creature that will go on eating pests in your garden.
3. Declutter
Spiders love undisturbed hiding places. Store items in sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes, keep clothes and shoes off the floor, and clear clutter in basements, garages and closets.
4. Control moisture
Damp basements, crawl spaces and laundry rooms attract the insects spiders feed on. Fix leaks, run a dehumidifier where needed and improve ventilation.
5. Use sticky traps to monitor
Glue boards placed along walls, behind furniture and in corners catch wandering spiders and show you where they are coming from. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Keeping spiders out
6. Seal entry points
Spiders get in through surprisingly small gaps. Walk around your home and:
Caulk cracks around windows, doors, pipes and cables
Fit door sweeps and replace worn weatherstripping
Repair torn window and door screens
Cover vents with fine mesh
7. Change your outdoor lighting
Outdoor lights attract insects, and insects attract spiders. Switch to warm yellow or amber LED bulbs, use motion sensors, and keep curtains closed at night so indoor light does not draw insects to your windows.
Getting rid of spiders around the yard and deck
Decks, porches and patios are spider favorites: they offer shelter under boards and railings and plenty of insects at night.
8. Clean regularly
Sweep away webs from railings, furniture and the underside of deck boards with a broom or a long-handled brush. A pressure washer or garden hose removes webs and egg sacs from hard-to-reach spots. Regular cleaning tells spiders this is not a stable home.
9. Remove hiding places
Move firewood, lumber and stacked pots away from the house and deck, and keep them off the ground.
Trim shrubs and climbing plants so they do not touch walls, railings or the roof.
Clear leaf litter and debris from under the deck.
Keep gutters clean.
10. Keep outdoor furniture and storage tidy
Store cushions, toys and tools in closed boxes or sheds. Check under furniture and inside gloves, shoes and boots that have been left outside, especially in areas with black widows.
What about natural repellents?
Peppermint oil, vinegar, citrus and chestnuts are popular home remedies. There is little scientific evidence that they keep spiders away for long, though a peppermint spray is harmless to try and smells pleasant. Treat them as an extra, not a solution.
When to use insecticides or call a professional
If you have a heavy infestation or venomous spiders, a targeted treatment can help. Use products labeled for spiders, apply them only where they are needed, such as around foundations, entry points and the underside of decks, and follow the label exactly. Broad, repeated spraying kills the beneficial insects in your garden and rarely solves the underlying problem.
A licensed pest control professional can identify the species, find where they are getting in and treat safely, which is the best option when black widows or brown recluses are involved.
The bottom line
To get rid of spiders, remove what they need: food, shelter and a way in. Vacuum and declutter indoors, seal gaps, change your outdoor lights, and keep the deck and yard tidy. Most spiders will then move elsewhere, and the few that remain will be doing you a favor by eating other pests.
