5 Expert-Backed Ways to Evict Spiders From Your Home

Finding a spider scurrying across the floor or a web glistening in the corner is enough to make anyone’s skin crawl. Generally, household spiders fall into two camps: web-builders, who wait for their dinner to come to them, and hunters, who actively prowl for prey. To keep your home from becoming a sanctuary for these eight-legged guests, you need a strategy that targets both types.

Know Your Roommates: Common Household Spiders

Before you grab the broom, it helps to know what you’re dealing with. Entomologists highlight three common varieties:

• Wolf Spiders: Large, hairy hunters that don't build webs. They are fast, agile, and usually prefer garages or backyards.
• Cellar Spiders: The classic "long-legged" web-builders found in quiet spots like basements and crawl spaces.
• Black Widows: Shiny black with a red hourglass. These are dangerous web-builders that hide in dark, dry areas like old shoes or attics. Their venom is potent, so use extreme caution.

How to Get Rid of Spiders Fast

1. Vacuum Webs and Egg Sacs

The most immediate way to disrupt a spider’s lifestyle is to remove its home. Use a vacuum attachment to suck up webs, adult spiders, and—most importantly—egg sacs. This ensures you aren't just moving the problem around, but stopping the next generation before it hatches.

2. Clean Up the Yard

Spiders love clutter because it provides shelter. To reduce the population near your entryways, clear away piles of firewood, leaves, and outdoor toys. A tidy yard means fewer hiding spots for spiders to transition from the garden to your living room.

3. Seal the Perimeter

Spiders can squeeze through the tiniest gaps. Check your windows and doors for light peeking through cracks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these entry points. If you enjoy fresh air, ensure your window screens are free of holes and fit snugly.

4. Eliminate Moisture and Prey

Hunting spiders follow the food. Standing water and excess moisture attract gnats, flies, and other insects that spiders find delicious. By cleaning out damp planters, emptying stagnant water from trash cans, and keeping your kitchen crumb-free, you remove the "buffet" that keeps spiders around.

5. Manage Your Outdoor Lighting

Bright porch lights are a beacon for flying insects. Naturally, web-builders love to set up shop right in front of these lights to catch an easy meal. Turn off outdoor lights when they aren't needed, or switch to yellow "bug bulbs" that are less attractive to insects.