Spiders. Eight-legged, wall-climbing nightmares. They skitter into corners, drop from ceilings, and turn peaceful evenings into full-blown panic attacks. If you’re here wondering What Keeps Spiders Away, congrats—you’re one of us. The arachnophobes, the slipper-throwers, the people who have definitely set a personal speed record sprinting out of a room because something just crawled up the wall.
Good news: You don’t need toxic sprays or a full-on extermination crew to evict them. Turns out, nature has its own way of saying, “Not today, Satan.” Here’s how to keep spiders out of your home, using stuff that won’t make your living room smell like a chemistry lab.
What Keeps Spiders Away (Without a Flame Thrower)
Okay, so first—why do spiders even come inside? It’s not because they want to haunt your nightmares. They’re just looking for shelter, warmth, and, most importantly, food. If you’ve got other bugs hanging around, congratulations—you’ve basically put out a buffet sign for spiders. Step one? Make your home very unwelcoming.
1. Essential Oils: Spiders Hate a Spa Day
You know What Keeps Spiders Away? Peppermint oil. Turns out, they can’t stand the stuff. Personally, I love it, but hey, I’m not an eight-legged demon spawn.
How to Make a Spider-Repelling Spray:
- Take a spray bottle. Fill it with water.
- Add 10–15 drops of peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus oil.
- Shake it like you mean it.
- Spray it around windows, doorways, and dark corners.
The smell overwhelms their senses and sends them packing. Plus, your house will smell like a fancy spa instead of whatever that weird mystery smell in the corner is.
2. White Vinegar: The Ultimate Nope Juice
Spiders and vinegar? Not a love story. The acetic acid messes with their nervous system, making it one of the most effective solutions for What Keeps Spiders Away. Also, it’s dirt cheap.
How to Use Vinegar to Repel Spiders:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spritz it along baseboards, windows, and anywhere you’ve seen spiders lurking.
- Try not to gag if you accidentally get a whiff—this stuff is strong.
Bonus: It also works on ants. Double win.
3. Citrus Peels: Because Spiders Hate Lemon Pledge
Ever noticed how spiders never hang out in fruit bowls? That’s because citrus smells like pure evil to them. Lemon, orange, lime—if it’s got that fresh, zesty scent, they want nothing to do with it.
How to Use Citrus to Keep What Keeps Spiders Away:
- Rub lemon or orange peels along windowsills and door frames.
- Leave citrus peels in cabinets and dark corners.
- Use citrus-scented cleaners for extra protection.
This method is easy, smells amazing, and makes your home feel like a summery kitchen commercial. What’s not to love?
4. Declutter: Because Spiders Love Hoarders
Listen, I get it. That stack of old magazines? The mysterious pile of “important papers” you swear you’ll sort through one day? Prime spider real estate. They love dark, undisturbed places where they can spin their webs in peace.
How to Spider-Proof Your Space:
- Vacuum. A lot. Especially corners, under furniture, and anywhere you don’t want to look.
- Get rid of the junk you’ve been meaning to donate since 2018.
- Keep food sealed—other bugs love crumbs, and spiders love them.
Basically, if your home is clean and uninviting to insects, spiders will have zero reason to move in.
5. Seal the Cracks, Lock the Doors, Build a Tiny Spider Moat (Kidding, Kind Of)
What Keeps Spiders Away don’t just appear. They sneak in through cracks, gaps, and tiny openings like the sneaky little ninjas they are. If you’re serious about What Keeps Spiders Away, you need to block their entrances.
Easy Fixes for a Spider-Free Home:
- Use caulk to seal cracks around windows, doors, and walls.
- Check for gaps under doors and install weather stripping.
- Repair window screens—spiders love crawling through the smallest rips.
Would a tiny spider-sized “Do Not Enter” sign help? Probably not. But sealing up your home definitely will.
6. Diatomaceous Earth: Nature’s Spider Exterminator
If you’re into non-toxic pest control, diatomaceous earth (DE) is your new best friend. It’s a fine powder made from fossilized algae, and when spiders crawl through it? Game over. It dehydrates them from the inside out. Brutal, but effective.
How to Use DE for Spiders:
- Sprinkle it along baseboards, windows, and entry points.
- Let it sit for a few days.
- Vacuum it up. Repeat as needed.
It’s safe for humans and pets—just don’t inhale it while applying, or you’ll end up sneezing out ancient algae dust.
7. Chestnuts and Walnuts: The Weirdest Spider Repellent Ever
Okay, this one sounds made up, but people swear by it. Chestnuts and walnuts release chemicals that What Keeps Spiders Away can’t stand. Why? Who knows. But if it means fewer spiders, I’m willing to roll with it.
How to Try This Strange Trick:
- Place whole chestnuts or walnuts in corners, windowsills, and near entry points.
- Replace them every few months.
- Enjoy the fact that your home is now both spider-free and mildly nut-themed.
No idea if this one works 100%, but honestly? I’ll take any excuse to keep spiders out.
8. Saltwater Spray: For When You Want to Go Full Pirate Mode
Salt isn’t just for margaritas—it’s also a great way to dehydrate and repel What Keeps Spiders Away.
DIY Salt Spray:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of salt with a quart of warm water.
- Spray it around windows, doors, and dark corners.
- Repeat as needed.
It’s cheap, effective, and makes you feel like a pirate warding off evil sea creatures. 10/10, highly recommend.
9. Turn Off Outdoor Lights (Because Bugs Love Them, and Spiders Love Bugs)
Ever notice how porch lights turn into a full-on bug rave at night? What Keeps Spiders Away do, too. They show up for the buffet.
How to Fix This:
- Use yellow or sodium vapor lights—they attract fewer bugs.
- Turn off outdoor lights when not needed.
- Move lights away from entry doors and windows.
Less bugs = less food for spiders = less spiders. Easy math.
10. Get Some Natural Predators on Your Side
If you really want to win the war on spiders, bring in some allies. Birds, lizards, and even ladybugs can help keep spider populations in check.
How to Recruit Nature’s Tiny Spider Hunters:
- Put up a bird feeder—birds love a good spider snack.
- If you live in a warm climate, don’t chase away harmless lizards.
- Let ladybugs do their thing—they eat other bugs, which means fewer spiders overall.
Nature has your back. Let it do some of the dirty work for you.
So, What’s the Verdict?
If you’re sick of surprise spider encounters (same), these natural remedies should help. Some work better than others, but hey—anything is better than waking up with a spider on your ceiling.
