13 Natural Ways to Keep Spiders Out of Your House

I’ll be honest—spiders give me the creeps. I know they’re great for the garden, but when they start popping up inside the house, it’s another story.

The good news? You don’t have to resort to chemical sprays or call pest control every time you spot one.

There are plenty of natural ways to make your home less appealing to spiders.

Here’s what’s worked for me and others I know—simple, affordable, and totally doable…

1. Make a Peppermint Oil Spray

Spiders hate the smell of peppermint—and thankfully, most of us humans quite like it. I’ve used this spray for years now, and it really does help keep them at bay.

Here’s my go-to recipe:

• 500ml water (just over 2 cups)

• 10–15 drops of peppermint essential oil

• A splash of white vinegar or witch hazel (this helps the oil mix with water)

• Spray bottle

Give it a good shake before each use, then spritz around door frames, windowsills, skirting boards, air vents, and anywhere else spiders might sneak in. Reapply every few days or after cleaning for best results.

2. Use Citrus to Deter Spiders

Spiders can’t stand citrus scents. I’ve had good luck rubbing lemon or orange peels along windowsills and skirting boards. You can also add a few drops of orange or lemon essential oil to your peppermint spray for extra power—and a fresher smell.

3. Wipe Down Surfaces with White Vinegar

White vinegar works two ways—it’s a natural cleaning agent, and it repels spiders too. Mix it 50:50 with water and use it to wipe windowsills, baseboards, and corners. It’s especially handy near sinks and drains where spiders love to lurk.

4. Grow Spider-Repelling Plants

Certain plants naturally deter spiders thanks to their strong scents. I keep pots of lavender, mint, eucalyptus, and lemon balm around the house—on windowsills, porches, and even in the bathroom. Bonus: they look and smell great too.

5. Try Chestnuts Along Windowsills

It might sound odd, but horse chestnuts (conkers) are a popular natural deterrent. Some say they release a scent spiders dislike. I scatter a few along windowsills and corners in autumn—cheap, harmless, and worth a try.

6. Turn on the Dehumidifier

Spiders are drawn to damp spots—bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are prime real estate. A dehumidifier keeps humidity in check and makes these areas less appealing. I noticed fewer creepy crawlies within a week of switching ours on.

7. Keep Your Home Clutter-Free

Stacks of boxes, bags shoved under the bed, and cluttered corners give spiders the perfect place to hide. I’ve made a habit of decluttering room by room—especially lofts, garages, and spare bedrooms where I don’t go often.

8. Vacuum Regularly (Especially the Corners)

Once a week, I do a quick round of the corners, ceilings, behind furniture, and under beds with the vacuum. It helps clear away spider webs, egg sacs, and even the odd spider if they’re brave enough to stick around.

9. Keep Outdoor Lights Off

Outdoor lights attract insects. Insects attract spiders. It’s a simple food chain. If you can, keep porch and garden lights off unless needed, or switch to yellow-toned bulbs which are less attractive to bugs.

10. Seal Up the Gaps

If spiders are getting inside, chances are they’ve found a gap. I go around the house once a year with a tube of silicone sealant and fill in cracks around windows, vents, and the base of doors. I also use draft excluders at the back door—it’s a small fix with a big impact.

11. Keep the Garden Tidy

Overgrown gardens are spider heaven. Trim back any shrubs or ivy touching the walls of your house, and move things like firewood and compost bins away from entry points. Less outdoor mess = fewer spider stowaways.

12. Get Rid of Houseplants That Attract Bugs

Moist soil and dense foliage can attract fungus gnats and other insects—which in turn, draw in spiders. I now use a layer of gravel on my plant soil to deter bugs and only water when the soil’s properly dry.

13. Rehome Them Gently (If You Must!)

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, one slips through the cracks. When that happens, I reach for a glass and a bit of cardboard and pop them outside. It’s not ideal, but I’d rather rehome than squish—especially if they’ve been munching on flies in the meantime.

Clive’s Tips for a Spider-Free Home

• Combine your efforts. No single trick is magic—peppermint spray works best alongside a clean, sealed, and clutter-free home.

• Keep it seasonal. Autumn is when spiders come inside most, so up your efforts from late summer onwards.

• Avoid harsh sprays. They smell awful, linger for days, and can be harmful to pets and kids. Stick to natural solutions where you can.