Arachnids in the house? No need to take revenge. These spider repellents humanely shoo away eight-legged intruders.
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7 Best Spider Repellents & Sprays for Your House (That Actually Work)
Updated on Oct. 15, 2024
On the hierarchy of homeowner downsides, pests are among the most annoying (and usually creepy). After all, who likes to look up at their ceiling at night to see some kind of bug monster crawling across it? Luckily, you’re not without options, even when getting rid of spiders—an especially large concern for anyone with arachnophobia.
This guide will explain spider repellents in detail, laying out the best solutions for various situations, explaining how they work, and even offering some sage advice when searching for the one that’s best for you and your home.
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Best Spider Repellent Spray
Wet & Forget Miss Muffet’s Revenge
Wet & Forget Miss Muffet’s Revenge creates an invisible barrier around your home to keep spiders away without killing them.
The high-capacity sprayer features a three-inch extension hose to reach up to one foot, so there’s no need to haul out the ladder. Once dry, it drives off spiders for up to a year. One safety note, per the manufacturer: Do not use around kids or pets, because the active ingredients Bifenthrin and 2 Butoxyethanol are toxic.
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Best Cobweb Eliminator and Spider Repellent
Terror Ready-to-Use Spider Cobweb Eliminator and Repellent Spray
The first step in defending your home against a spider infestation is to “get ’em where they live.” Terror Ready-to-Use Spider Cobweb Eliminator and Repellent Spray knocks out spider webs indoors and in covered outdoor areas while preventing web formation for up to 60 days.
For optimal results, remove webs with a broom or brush before spraying, which we admit is a bit of a pain.
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Best Spider Repellent For Boats
Star Brite Spider Away
Star Brite Spider Away chases spiders from watercraft, docks, boathouses and trailers without harming bugs, people or seafaring pets. When used as directed, the repellent is safe on most marine surfaces, including metal, plastic, vinyl, wood and glass.
One five-star Amazon reviewer, Tammy Baitman, used Spider Away on her boat. “We have tried all kinds of other methods,” she writes. “This one works the best!”
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Best Spider Repellent Scent Pouches
EarthKind Stay Away Spiders Deterrent Pest Control Scent Pouches
If aerosols and liquids aren’t for you, perhaps you’d prefer EarthKind Stay Away Spiders Deterrent Pest Control Scent Pouches instead. The scent-filled sacks deter spiders while refreshing stale, dank areas of your home.
Concerned with social and environmental issues? You’ll be happy to know this award-winning company says it operates at a two percent carbon footprint, and 20% of its workforce is developmentally disabled.
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Best Homemade Spider Repellents
Essential Oils, Vinegar and Chestnuts
- Essential oils: Spiders don’t like certain smells, among them from lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree and citronella oils. To make a natural spider repellent from any of these scented lubes, just fill an empty spray bottle with half a cup of water and about 20 drops of essential oils. Add a couple of drops of liquid dish soap to give the solution a little “stick,” then spray wherever spiders commonly hang out.
- Vinegar: If you don’t mind the aroma, double down on the pest protection by spiking your essential oil concoctions with a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar.
- Chestnuts: Is it a fact or myth that chestnuts repel house spiders? According to a 2017 study testing natural spider-repellent efficacy, subject spiders avoided chestnuts and peppermint oil more than 75 percent of the time. It’s also worth noting that scattering chestnuts around the house won’t leave residue behind.
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Best Spider Repellent For Gardens
Mums
Pretty as can be, horticulturist and entomologists agree spiders hate chrysanthemums. That’s because they contain pyrethrins, a naturally occurring pesticide that’s really good at sending spiders and cockroaches packing. Plant in the garden, or purchase mums in 2-1/2-gallon containers in a rainbow of colors.
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Best Spider Repellent Door Sweeps
Save Unicorn Self-Adhesive Door Sweep Draft Stoppers
