How to prevent spiders in the house

Love them or loathe them, spiders are a common sight in UK homes, especially during the autumn months. As the temperature drops, these eight-legged visitors often seek shelter indoors, sparking a mix of fascination and fear. But don’t reach for the vacuum just yet—spiders can be surprisingly beneficial to your home. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips on how to prevent spiders in the house, explore whether spiders are good for your home, and offer natural ways to keep spiders away.

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• Are spiders good for your house?
• How to prevent spiders in the house
• How to keep spiders away naturally
• FAQ's

Are spiders good for your house?

Before we dive into prevention, it’s worth recognising the positives of having spiders around. Spiders play a crucial role in controlling the population of pests like flies, mosquitoes, and moths—keeping your home free from these nuisances without the need for chemical sprays. In fact, the average house spider can eat hundreds of insects a year! So, while their webs may seem unsightly, spiders are nature’s pest controllers, making them a helpful addition to your home.

How to prevent spiders in the house

If you’re keen to minimise their presence, there are practical steps you can take to make your home less inviting:

Seal gaps and cracks

Spiders are experts at sneaking into homes through small gaps and cracks. Inspect your doors, windows, and walls, sealing any potential entry points with caulk or weatherstripping. Pay special attention to areas around pipework and vents.

Declutter regularly

Spiders love dark, quiet spaces, so a clutter-free home is less appealing. Declutter regularly, especially in storage areas like lofts, basements, and under the stairs. Don’t forget to vacuum corners and behind furniture where webs might form.

Check out our handy guide for more tips on decluttering your home.

Keep outdoor areas tidy

Overgrown gardens, stacked firewood, and outdoor clutter can attract spiders, who may then wander indoors. Keep your garden neat, and store woodpiles away from the house to reduce the chances of spiders finding their way inside.

Switch off outdoor lights

Bright lights attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night to reduce the spider buffet near your home.

How to keep spiders away naturally

If you’d prefer a natural approach, several methods can help keep spiders at bay, including:

Use essential oils

Spiders are repelled by the smell of peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils. Mix a few drops of your oil of choice with water in a spray bottle and spritz doorframes, windowsills, and other entry points.

Introduce natural deterrents

Place conkers (horse chestnuts) or citrus peels in corners and windowsills. Spiders dislike the smell and will likely move on.

Keep It clean

Regular dusting and vacuuming can remove webs and spider eggs, discouraging spiders from settling in. Pay extra attention to skirting boards, ceilings, and corners.

Remove any food sources

Remove any dead flies or any other creepy crawlies from doorways and window ledges as they can attract spiders.

Utilise your pets

Most cats and dogs enjoy a game of chase when they spot a spider. Although your furry friend won’t remove an entire infestation, they will help get rid of the odd few around your home.

Limit entry ways

Cracks, doorways, and windows are basically open invitations for spiders to come in. Since most of them are active at night, keeping your windows and doors shut while you sleep is a great way to keep them out. Sealing up any gaps around pipes, walls, and window or door frames can also help keep your home spider-free.