10 Ways to Get Rid of Spiders Naturally

If you're in South Florida, you already know our climate is a magnet for all kinds of creepy crawlies, including all sorts of spider species—from common house spiders to the more concerning brown recluse or black widow. Luckily, there are plenty of natural ways to deal with them that are safe for your family and pets.

Here are 10 natural spider repellent methods to help shrink your spider population without any of the nasty side effects.

Key Takeaways

• Peppermint oil, citrus peels, and other essential oils can keep spiders away when sprayed near common entry points.
• Spider webs, outdoor lights, and unsealed cracks can attract spiders if not cleaned up or sealed properly.
• Diatomaceous earth, chestnuts, and less clutter in storage areas make it harder for spiders to hide and build webs.
• Spider control services are available if natural methods fail to stop spiders from returning to your home.

1. Use Peppermint Oil Around Entry Points

Let’s start with one of the most popular natural repellents—peppermint oil.

Just mix equal parts water and white vinegar, add about 10 drops of peppermint essential oil, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Then spray around entry points like windows, baseboards, and door frames.

This one’s not just hearsay, either. In a recent study, it was shown to actually repel certain spider species, including the brown widow.

So you’re not just making your home smell fresh—you’re making it less inviting for arachnids too.

2. Clean Up Spider Webs and Cobwebs Promptly

Spiders spin webs to trap food, which means if you’ve got spider webs and cobwebs sticking around, you're signaling to them that your house is a good place to stay.

Vacuum or sweep these away as soon as you see them—especially in places like basements, attics, and closets where they love to hide.

3. Seal Cracks, Crevices, and Gaps

Spiders don’t need much space to sneak in. Check your home for gaps in door frames, crevices in the walls, and cracks around pipes. Use caulk to seal them and weatherstripping to close up any drafty doors or windows.

This blocks off the first place spiders usually enter—and helps with keeping other household pests like cockroaches and roaches out too.

4. Get Rid of Their Food Source

One reason you might have spiders in the first place? They’re chasing after dinner.

That means you could also be dealing with an infestation of fleas, cockroaches, or flies—aka their food source. Regular cleaning and calling in a pest control company can help cut off their supply chain.

5. Use Diatomaceous Earth in Hiding Places

Sprinkling diatomaceous earth (DE) in known hiding places—under furniture, behind appliances, inside wall gaps—is a great way to control spiders without harsh products. It’s deadly to insects but safe for people and pets.

One study even found that low doses of DE effectively reduced insect populations under real-world storage conditions, not just in labs.

Use it around woodpiles, garage corners, and anywhere spiders are likely to hang out.

6. Switch to Spider-Safe Outdoor Lighting

Bright outdoor lights attract moths and other insects, which in turn attract—you guessed it—spiders. Swap your current bulbs for yellow-toned or motion-sensor lights to reduce this effect.

Less food, less reason for spiders to hang out near your doors and windows.

7. Use Citrus Peels as a Natural Deterrent

Spiders dislike citrus, so instead of tossing your orange or lemon peels, rub them along windowsills, doorways, and other areas spiders might crawl through. You can also soak peels in water overnight and pour the mix into a spray bottle for a refreshing repellent.

One study found that sweet orange and lime peels were effective at reducing pest activity from cockroaches, houseflies, and mosquitoes—especially after an hour.

While spiders weren’t tested, it’s another reason citrus is a solid choice when you're trying to repel them naturally.

8. Place Chestnuts in Key Areas

This old-school trick still holds up—placing chestnuts around the home, especially in closets, corners, and under sinks, may help keep spiders out.

It's not fully understood why, but some believe it’s due to a scent that certain arachnids find off-putting.

9. Declutter Your Storage Areas

Spiders love to hide in undisturbed areas, especially ones packed with cardboard boxes. Organize your attics, basements, and storage rooms, and swap cardboard for sealed plastic bins.

Reducing clutter cuts down on the spider deterrent challenge by removing their favorite hideouts.

10. Use a Blend of Essential Oils Like Tea Tree and Eucalyptus

Beyond peppermint essential oil, other essential oils work wonders against spiders.

Tea tree, eucalyptus, and citronella oils can be just as effective. Try mixing any of them with water and vinegar in a spray bottle and misting around baseboards, windowsills, and corners.

Take the Next Step in Natural Spider Control

Spiders are helpful out in nature—but inside your home? Not so much.

If you’re still seeing too many critters crawling around, or you’re concerned about an infestation, don’t wait for a venomous spider bite to take action.

At Native Pest Management, we provide targeted treatments in problem areas like attics, basements, and garages, along with proactive exclusion services to seal up entry points and keep spiders out for good.

Ready to get rid of spiders the safe and effective way?

Reach out today for your free quote.