Many homeowners looking to maintain a spider-free home turn to the shelves of their local stores, seeking the most efficient solution to repel these eight-legged intruders. Spider repellents and spider sprays are commonly used as a DIY method to combat these creatures — but are they effective or just a temporary fix? Let's take a look at natural spider repellents and spider deterrents so you can learn how to repel spiders.

How to repel spiders

Eliminating spiders in your home goes beyond addressing the visible creatures crawling on your floors. Many turn to spider sprays and other forms of spider deterrents as a quick solution to get rid of spiders. While these spider repellents can be somewhat effective, they generally only offer temporary relief, failing to deal with the underlying issues that lead to spider infestations. The availability of food sources and shelter your home provides can attract spiders, causing an ongoing problem.

spider behind basket

DIY spider repellents

Natural spider repellents or DIY methods are a popular way to keep spiders at bay. A key aspect of their appeal is their reliance on specific scents that spiders find repulsive, such as peppermint oil, citrus, eucalyptus, basil, and lavender. These can be an eco-friendly option that can be used indoors, however, the effectiveness of DIY spider sprays can vary greatly, and consistent application is often necessary to maintain their effect. Additionally, while they offer an alternative to professional pest control, they do not always provide the same level of efficacy against infestations.

Spider sprays for outdoors

Outdoor spider sprays are designed to help control and prevent spider populations in your outdoor living spaces. Chemical spider deterrents can be effective and fast-acting, targeting spiders and their habitats. These sprays contain active ingredients that affect the nervous system of spiders, which can lead to their quick extermination, but won't resolve your spider issue entirely. Many of these products are designed to provide a barrier effect, preventing new spiders from entering treated areas for a certain period post-application. However, these spider sprays can also impact non-target species, including beneficial insects, pets, plants, and even humans.

person spraying repellant on deck

Preventing spider infestations with regular maintenance

Keeping spiders away from your home takes more than over-the-counter spider repellent. Sealing entry points, eliminating food sources, and regular outdoor maintenance, along with professional pest control services, can help keep spiders at bay. Severe infestations or venomous species also require professional help. That's where the spider control experts at Terminix step in. With our PestFree365 and PestFree365+ plans1, you can stay protected from spiders and up to 39 other common household pests.2

1Covered Pests defined in your Plan. Automatic payment sign up is required for PestFree365+. Voles and fire ants are only covered if they are in the home, we will not treat the lawn. Homes must be free of bed bugs at the initial service to qualify for coverage of bed bugs under the PestFree365+ Plan. Applies to single family, free-standing, owner-occupied homes only. Account must be in good standing. Other limitations may apply. See Plan for details.

2To see our Covered Pests, visit Terminix.com/pest-control/pestfree365/.

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