As the weather warms and flowers start to bloom, something else seems to make an unwelcome appearance – spiders. While they play a crucial role in keeping pests at bay, they’re surprise drop-ins around your home (especially the bathroom or bedroom!) can be more startling than soothing.
If you’d prefer to admire nature from a distance rather than share your space with it, there are simple, effective, and non-toxic ways to keep spiders outside – where they belong.
Here’s your warm-weather guide to a spider-free, serene home.
Seal the invitation
Spiders are sneaky, slipping through the tiniest cracks. Start by checking your home’s entry points – think window frames, door gaps, and wall vents. Use a silicone-based sealant or weather stripping to close up any openings. Even the smallest gaps under doors can be enough for them to sneak through, so consider a door sweep for extra protection.
Declutter (Yes, they love messy corners)
Spiders thrive in quiet, undisturbed spaces – like that forgotten corner behind your shoe rack or the pile of magazines beside your bed. Spring cleaning is your best defence. Vacuum regularly, dust often, and store items in sealed containers rather than open boxes. A minimal, tidy home is not just aesthetic – it’s also far less appealing to eight-legged visitors.
Use nature’s repellents
Essential oils are not only chic home staples but powerful spider deterrents. Scents they despise include:
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Peppermint oil (a must-have for its fresh, cooling scent)
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Lavender oil (soothing for you, repelling for them)
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Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil (antibacterial and aromatic)
Mix 10 drops of any of these oils with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist windowsills, corners, and entryways.
Pro tip: Your home will smell divine.
Try citrus and vinegar solutions
Spiders loathe citrus and vinegar—two household staples that double as natural repellents.
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Wipe down surfaces with a vinegar-water solution (equal parts).
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Rub orange or lemon peels along windows and door frames.
Both leave behind a subtle freshness while keeping creepy crawlies at bay.
Turn off outdoor lights when possible
Insects are drawn to light, and spiders follow the feast. By minimizing outdoor lighting (or switching to warm-toned bulbs), you reduce the insect traffic around your home – and naturally, the spiders that feed on them.
Maintain the garden
Overgrown shrubs, piles of firewood, and thick foliage close to your home act like spider hotels. Keep your garden neat, trim plants away from windows, and store wood piles at a distance. It’s not just good pest control – it gives your outdoor space that clean, curated look.
Vacuum up webs (and eggs) regularly
Even if a spider has already set up shop, consistent cleaning breaks their nesting cycle. Vacuuming corners, ceilings, and under furniture helps remove webs and unhatched eggs before they become a problem.
Keep it light, airy, and fragrant
Spiders love dark, humid areas. Open your curtains during the day, let sunlight in, and keep your space well-ventilated. A bright, airy home not only uplifts your mood but deters the darker-loving creatures of the season.
This spring and summer, make your home the least inviting place for spiders while maintaining a serene, beautifully scented space. Because really – fresh blooms, iced tea, and open windows are wonderful… but spiders? Not so much.
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Featured Image: Pexels
