Natural spider repellents: DIY spider control

Updated on: 8 September 2026

Quick facts about DIY spider deterrents 

• Most home remedies repel spiders rather than eliminate them completely
• Results are usually short-term and need frequent reapplication
• Only a few U.S. spiders, like the black widow and brown recluse, are considered medically significant
• DIY methods rarely reach nests hidden in wall voids, attics, or crawl spaces

Spotted a spider dashing across your floor? You're not alone. Most house spiders are harmless, though the U.S. has a handful of venomous species, such as the black widow and brown recluse. Below, we cover popular natural spider deterrents, how well they work, and when to call in spider control professionals.

Homemade remedies to get rid of spiders in the house

Plenty of homemade remedies to get rid of spiders use everyday household ingredients. Some may help deter spiders away from certain areas, at least for a while. Here's a closer look at the most popular options, whether they work, and how to use them.

Saline solution

Salt is a natural type of spider poison, so it makes an effective pest control aid. Dissolve an ounce of salt (1/8 cup) in a gallon of warm water, and pour the saline mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the salty solution directly onto a spider to kill it.

Crushed chestnuts

Spiders detest fresh chestnuts. To send a spider running the other way, place freshly crushed chestnuts at spider entry points.  Cedar wood is also said to have a similar effect. This natural cure for spiders can help deter them without using chemicals, but its effectiveness will be limited to only the areas in which you place the chestnuts. This may also attract other pests.

Vinegar and coconut oil

If there’s an area of your home that is chronically draped with cobwebs, clean out the webs and spray the area with a mixture made from a cup of white vinegar and a teaspoon of coconut oil. This natural mixture will encourage spiders to hang out somewhere else.

Essential oils

Some of your favorite essential oils can be deadly to spiders, even in the smallest quantities. Mix a quart of water with a drop of one of the following essential oils: lavender, citronella, peppermint, citrus, tea tree, eucalyptus, or cinnamon. Simply spray the spider with the mixture you created.

Soapy water

A simple dish soap and water mixture is another common household solution that can work in direct contact. Soap can break down a spider's protective outer coating, causing it to dehydrate. Combine a few tablespoons of dish soap with water in a spray bottle and spray it directly onto spiders. Like the other contact methods here, it won't prevent new spiders from showing up.

What's the most effective method to get rid of spiders naturally?

The most reliable natural approach isn't a single spray or scent; it's prevention. Reducing the conditions that attract spiders, like insects to eat, clutter to hide in, and easy entry points, does more long-term good than any single home remedy.

Spider prevention tips

• Vacuum regularly, including under furniture and behind cupboards.
• Remove webs as soon as you notice them.
• Seal gaps around doors, pipework, and walls.
• Clear woodpiles, compost, and general clutter away from your home's exterior.
• Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts the insects that spiders feed on.
• Check grocery bags and packages left outside before bringing them in.

What to do if DIY spider control methods don't work

If homemade natural spider repellents aren't working, or if you suspect a venomous species is nesting nearby, it's worth calling in the experts. Our team can help identify spider infestations, locate nests, and recommend the right next steps. For ongoing protection, PestFree365 covers spiders as part of year-round pest coverage.