I still remember the night I turned on the bathroom light and saw a long-legged spider chilling in the corner like it paid rent. I froze for a second—not because I’m terrified of spiders, but because it caught me off guard. It’s that jolt of “why are you here??” that makes your heart skip a beat. And honestly, nothing ruins a peaceful evening faster than unexpectedly locking eyes with an eight-legged roommate.

The next morning, I found another one near the window sill. That’s when annoyance started creeping in. I keep my home clean, I sweep, I mop… but somehow these spiders always find their way inside. A little frustration, a little confusion, and a bit of guilt mixed together, making me wonder what I was doing wrong. I didn’t want to spray chemicals everywhere—especially not with kids and pets in the house.

So I began searching for natural solutions. Not the “wave a magic herb and hope they disappear” type, but methods that genuinely work. And surprisingly, once you learn what spiders like and what they absolutely hate, keeping them out becomes easy. This is the complete guide I wish someone had given me earlier.

1. Seal Entry Points (Spiders Enter Through Tiny Gaps)

Before focusing on repellents, you need to block the ways spiders get in.

Common spider entry points:

window cracks
gaps under doors
holes around cables
vents without screens
tiny wall openings
attic or basement gaps

Spiders don’t need a big opening—just a few millimeters is enough.

How to fix it naturally:

Use silicone caulk on cracks
Install door sweeps
Repair torn window screens
Add fine mesh to vents
Seal cable holes

Stopping the entry points dramatically reduces indoor spider sightings.

2. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free (Spiders Avoid Disturbed Spaces)

Spiders love quiet corners where nothing moves—clutter makes a perfect home.

Where they hide most:

behind furniture
under beds
storage boxes
dusty corners
basements and attics
piles of clothes

These areas give them shade, warmth, and insects to hunt.

Cleaning strategy:

vacuum corners and ceilings weekly
avoid leaving clothes on the floor
declutter shelves
dust window frames
move furniture occasionally

A clean home makes spiders feel unwelcome because they prefer undisturbed spots.

3. Use Natural Spider-Repellent Scents

Spiders have sensitive legs and hate strong scents.
Certain natural oils confuse their navigation and keep them far from your home.

Best natural spider repellents:

peppermint oil
eucalyptus oil
tea tree oil
lavender oil
cinnamon
vinegar (white vinegar + water)
citrus peels

How to use them:

Mix 15 drops of essential oil with water → use as spray
Wipe door frames and window edges with vinegar
Place citrus peels near entry points
Add peppermint oil to cotton balls and place in corners

Most spiders avoid areas with these scents for weeks.

4. Reduce Outdoor Attraction (Spiders Come Because Bugs Come)

Most indoor spider problems actually start outside.
If your home attracts insects, spiders will naturally follow.

Outdoor factors that attract spiders:

bright outdoor lights
dense bushes touching the house
piles of leaves
wood stacks
clutter on porches
standing water that breeds insects

How to reduce outdoor pests:

switch to warm-colored outdoor bulbs
trim bushes away from walls
move wood piles away from the house
remove debris and leaf piles
clean outdoor lights regularly

Reduce insects outside → fewer spiders inside.

5. Use Diatomaceous Earth (Safe and Highly Effective)

If you want a natural way to kill spiders—not just repel them—food-grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is your best bet.

How DE works:

It dries out insects and spiders without chemicals.
Safe for pets and kids when used correctly.

Where to apply DE:

baseboards
room corners
under cabinets
behind appliances
basement and attic edges

Application tips:

Use a thin dusting—don’t pile it up.
Reapply after vacuuming or when moisture builds up.

This method works incredibly well for long-term prevention.

6. Keep Indoor Humidity Low (Spiders Hate Dry Air)

Spiders and their prey love moisture.
If a home feels damp, it becomes a perfect hunting ground.

Reduce humidity by:

using a dehumidifier
fixing leaky pipes
improving ventilation
opening windows during sunny hours
using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchen

Dry rooms discourage spiders and the insects they hunt.

7. When to Call a Professional

If you see:

many spiders
egg sacs
large house spiders appearing daily
signs of dangerous species (black widows, recluses)

…it’s time to involve a pest professional.

Professionals can:

identify species
apply natural or low-toxicity treatments
inspect structural gaps
provide long-term exclusion plans

In most cases, one visit is enough.

Conclusion: Keeping Spiders Out Naturally Is Totally Possible

You don’t need harsh chemicals to keep spiders away.
Just focus on:

sealing entry points
keeping the home clean
using natural repellents
reducing outdoor insects
applying DE in key areas
lowering humidity

Combine these steps and your home becomes naturally spider-free—safe for kids, pets, and your own peace of mind.

How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home Naturally and Effectively