Simple and Effective Ways to Remove Spiders Indoors Without Chemicals

 

The best way to remove spiders from inside your home without using any chemicals is a combined approach: physically removing spiders, making your house less attractive to them, and sealing up ways they get inside. By staying consistent with these steps, you can keep your living spaces mostly spider-free while staying safe for both your family and the spiders.

 

Physical Removal of Spiders Safely

 

• Use a Glass and Paper Method: When you see a spider, gently place a glass, cup, or jar over it. Carefully slip a stiff piece of paper or cardboard under the glass. Hold both steady, carry the spider outside, and release it away from your home.
• Spider Catcher Tools: You can buy special spider catchers—a long-handled tool with soft bristles at the end to grab and release spiders safely and from a distance.

 

Vacuuming and Cleaning

 

• Frequent Vacuuming: Use your vacuum (with hose attachment, if possible) to remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs from corners, under furniture, behind curtains, and along window sills. Always empty the vacuum bag or canister outside afterwards so no spiders remain in your home.
• Clean Up Webs and Eggs: Be thorough—spider egg sacs are silky balls (often white or cream) that might stick to walls or ceilings. Remove them when you see them to prevent more spiders hatching indoors.

 

Declutter and Reduce Spider Hiding Spots

 

• Tidy Up: Spiders hide where they won’t be disturbed. Keep floors, basements, and garages free of piles of clothes, boxes, or newspapers. Move stored items off the floor and onto shelves.
• Reduce Under-Furniture Clutter: Clean regularly under beds, sofas, and behind larger furniture pieces, as these undisturbed spots are common spider favorites.

 

Seal Gaps and Entry Points

 

• Inspect Windows and Doors: Look for gaps around window frames, under doors, or in the caulking. Use weatherstripping or silicone caulk to seal openings.
• Check Baseboards and Vents: Fill cracks in baseboards, around vents, or anywhere pipes enter the house with caulk or expandable foam to block spider paths inside.

 

Limit Outdoor Factors That Attract Spiders

 

• Move Things Away from Your House: Firewood, compost, garden debris, or storage bins leaning against exterior walls are all havens for spiders. Keep them at least a few feet from your house to decrease spider migration indoors.
• Keep Outdoor Lights in Check: Outdoor lights attract other insects, which in turn attract spiders. Use yellow “bug lights” if possible, or turn off unnecessary porch lighting at night.

 

Discourage Spiders Naturally

 

• Natural Deterrents: Some people place fresh chestnuts (horse chestnuts) or walnuts around the house, as they are rumored to repel spiders (though scientific proof is limited). You can also try essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus: Mix a few drops with water and spray around doors, windows, and corners. Reapply frequently for best results.

 

Maintain Regular Cleaning Habits

 

• Routine Schedule: Even after spiders are gone, keep up with regular vacuuming and dusting to prevent them from coming back. Consistency is key for long-term success.

 

By combining these no-chemical steps—removal, cleaning, sealing, decluttering, and discouraging—you create an environment where spiders do not want to live. This approach is safe, humane, and completely effective for keeping your indoor spaces spider-free.