Copyright tomsguide
Skip to main content Tom's Guide Newsletters View Profile Search Tom's Guide You May Like Pest experts say boiling lemon peel this fall can deter spiders in your home — here's why Gardeners urged to spray patios and paths with vinegar until November — and it’s not as strange as it sounds The secret to a spider-free home is hiding right in your pantry Phone Insights Phone Best Picks Phone Deals Phone Face-Offs Phone How-Tos Phone Reviews Network Carriers Android Phones Google Phones Motorola Phones OnePlus Phones Samsung Phones Nothing Phone TV Best Picks TV Face-Offs Audio Insights Audio Best Picks Audio Deals Audio Face-Offs Audio How-Tos Audio Reviews Over-Ear Headphones Bluetooth Speakers Entertainment Streaming Devices Prime Video Paramount Plus Playstation Gaming Peripherals Connections Computing Insights Computing Best Picks Computing Deals Computing Face-Offs Computing How-Tos Computing News Computing Reviews VPN Best Picks VPN Face-Offs VPN How-Tos VPN Reviews Operating Systems Malware & Adware Smart Glasses Chromebooks Gaming Laptops Apple Desktops Gaming Desktops Android Tablets Computing Brands AI Insights AI Best Picks AI Face-Offs Google Gemini Apple Intelligence Mattress Best Picks Mattress Deals Mattress Face-Offs Mattress How-Tos Mattress News Mattress Reviews Mattress Care Mattress Toppers Pillows & Bedding Smartwatches Fitness Trackers Smart Rings Apple Watch Home Insights Home Best Picks Home Face-Offs Home How-Tos Home Reviews Home Topics Home Appliances Home Office Home Security Home Brands Popular Brands View Phones Phone Insights Phone Best Picks Phone Deals Phone Face-Offs Phone How-Tos Phone Reviews Network Carriers View Network Carriers Android Phones View Android Phones Google Phones Motorola Phones OnePlus Phones Samsung Phones Nothing Phone TV Best Picks TV Face-Offs Audio Insights View Audio Insights Audio Best Picks Audio Deals Audio Face-Offs Audio How-Tos Audio Reviews Headphones View Headphones Over-Ear Headphones View Speakers Bluetooth Speakers Entertainment View Entertainment View Streaming Streaming Devices Prime Video Paramount Plus View Gaming Playstation Gaming Peripherals Word Games Connections View Computing Computing Insights Computing Best Picks Computing Deals Computing Face-Offs Computing How-Tos Computing News Computing Reviews VPN Best Picks VPN Face-Offs VPN How-Tos VPN Reviews View Hardware View Software Operating Systems View Security Malware & Adware View VR & AR Smart Glasses View Laptops Chromebooks Gaming Laptops View Desktops Apple Desktops Gaming Desktops View Tablets Android Tablets Computing Brands AI Insights AI Best Picks AI Face-Offs AI Engines Google Gemini Apple Intelligence View Wellness Mattresses View Mattresses Mattress Best Picks Mattress Deals Mattress Face-Offs Mattress How-Tos Mattress News Mattress Reviews Mattress Care Mattress Toppers Pillows & Bedding View Fitness Smartwatches Fitness Trackers Smart Rings Apple Watch Home Insights Home Best Picks Home Face-Offs Home How-Tos Home Reviews Home Topics Home Appliances Home Office Home Security View Outdoors Home Brands Popular Brands iPhone Air Review iPhone 17 Pro Max Review iPhone 17 Review Meta Ray-Ban Display Best laptops Best Mattress Don't miss these 'If a pen can fit in the gap, a rat probably can too' — pest expert urges homeowners to take these preventative steps now How to keep flies away from your houseplants for good — try these 7 expert tips Banish mosquitoes from your home with one natural ingredient — and it also smells great You’re handling wasps wrong — here’s what pest experts advise if you find a wasp indoors How to keep bees out of hummingbird feeders — 5 expert methods to help them thrive People are being urged to put this one plant in the bathroom to avoid mold this fall — here's why Pest experts say boiling lemon peel this fall can deter spiders in your home — here's why Gardeners urged to spray patios and paths with vinegar until November — and it’s not as strange as it sounds The secret to a spider-free home is hiding right in your pantry People are being urged to put cotton wool on their windowsills this month — here's why Sales Events Fed up of spiders in your home? Banish them with these 5 Prime Day pest-repellent deals I asked pest experts if it's ever ok to squash spiders in your home — here's what they say Expert reveals the one bathroom item that will quickly drive ants away from your home Experts say you should spray vinegar outside your front door this summer — here's why House flies ruining your summer? Keep them out with these plants 5 spider-repelling hacks that actually work — and you probably have everything you need at home Kaycee Hill 27 September 2025 Stop spiders from crashing your pad this fall When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Close up of a small spider (Image credit: Shutterstock) With fall comes spider season, bringing those unwelcome eight-legged visitors searching for warm indoor hideouts. While most household spiders are harmless, few people want them as roommates during the colder months ahead. Chemical sprays might seem like the obvious solution, but they're often unnecessary and potentially harmful around pets and children. Natural deterrents prove just as effective at keeping spiders away while using ingredients you likely already have at home. The key lies in understanding what spiders hate most. These five methods target spider behavior patterns to create an inhospitable environment that sends them looking elsewhere for shelter. You may like Pest experts say boiling lemon peel this fall can deter spiders in your home — here's why Gardeners urged to spray patios and paths with vinegar until November — and it’s not as strange as it sounds The secret to a spider-free home is hiding right in your pantry 1. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and vents (Image: © Shutterstock) Inspect your home for small openings where spiders can enter and use caulk to seal gaps around window frames, door frames, and baseboards. Even tiny cracks provide easy access for determined arachnids. When it comes to vents and unused fireplaces, consider installing mesh screens to eliminate common entry points. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and attics where moisture levels make attractive spider habitats. Add door sweeps or excluder strips under exterior doors to close the gap between the door and threshold. This simple DIY task creates a permanent barrier that requires no ongoing maintenance or reapplication. 2. Create peppermint oil spray for problem areas (Image: © Getty Images) If you have pets it's really important to avoid this method, as peppermint oil can be toxic to cats and dogs. Mix 20 drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply to corners, windowsills, and other areas where you've spotted spider activity. The strong scent overwhelms spiders' sensitive leg receptors. To maintain the deterrent effect, spray entry points like door frames and window areas weekly tThe oil scent fades over time, so regular reapplication ensures continued protection. Make sure to test the spray on inconspicuous areas first to ensure it won't stain fabrics or surfaces. 3. Use white vinegar as a surface deterrent (Image: © Tom's Guide) Create a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water and spray it on surfaces where spiders commonly travel. The acetic acid in vinegar creates an unpleasant environment that spiders actively avoid. Focus on windows, kitchen counters, and entry areas where spiders are most likely to encounter the treated surfaces. The vinegar smell dissipates quickly for humans but lingers longer for spiders' sensitive detection systems. To maintain effectiveness, reapply weekly or after cleaning White vinegar won't harm pets or children and doubles as a general cleaning solution for these same surfaces. 4. Maintain spotless corners and reduce clutter (Image: © Tom's Guide) Regular cleaning disrupts spider establishment before populations can grow. Vacuum corners, windowsills, and ceiling edges weekly to remove existing webs and eliminate the insects that attract hungry spiders. Remove boxes, papers, and stored items from floors, especially in basements, garages, and closets where spiders prefer to hide. Clutter provides perfect hiding spots and makes detection more difficult. Since food crumbs attract other insects that serve as spider prey, keep kitchen surfaces clean after each use. Eliminating the food chain removes the primary reason spiders enter homes in the first place. 5. Sprinkle ground orange peel (Image: © Shutterstock) This method works particularly well in areas where sprays might damage surfaces or where you prefer a dry application method. The strong citrus scent acts as a natural repellent while being completely safe around children and pets. Save your orange peels and dry them for several days until they become brittle and easily breakable. Then grind the dried peels into fine powder. And simply sprinkle this citrus powder in corners of rooms where you've seen spider activity. Because the scent will fade over time, refresh the powder monthly during spider season. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button! More from Tom's Guide 3 reasons you keep getting spiders, according to pest control experts Forget chemicals — I banished spiders with this simple household ingredient 5 common places spiders love to hide in your home Today's best iRobot Roomba S9+, iLife V3s Pro, Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra andShark IQ Robot XL deals iRobot Roomba S9+ $1,053.35View Deal See all prices iLife V3s Pro $99.95View Deal See all prices Shark IQ Robot XL $319.99View Deal See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. See more Home How-Tos Kaycee Hill Social Links Navigation How-to Editor Kaycee is Tom's Guide's How-To Editor, known for tutorials that skip the fluff and get straight to what works. She writes across AI, homes, phones, and everything in between — because life doesn't stick to categories and neither should good advice. With years of experience in tech and content creation, she's built her reputation on turning complicated subjects into straightforward solutions. Kaycee is also an award-winning poet and co-editor at Fox and Star Books. Her debut collection is published by Bloodaxe, with a second book in the works. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Pest experts say boiling lemon peel this fall can deter spiders in your home — here's why Gardeners urged to spray patios and paths with vinegar until November — and it’s not as strange as it sounds The secret to a spider-free home is hiding right in your pantry People are being urged to put cotton wool on their windowsills this month — here's why Fed up of spiders in your home? Banish them with these 5 Prime Day pest-repellent deals I asked pest experts if it's ever ok to squash spiders in your home — here's what they say Latest in Home Anthropologie’s fall sale is live from $7 — score up to 50% off deals for your home Amazon knocks up to 60% off Blink cameras — here are the home security deals I'd shop ahead of Prime Day Spiders have a sneaky favorite hiding spot in your home — and it's very easy to miss I got rid of limescale in seconds using these two kitchen staples — and it's a game-changer This is the most beautiful air fryer I’ve ever seen — but thankfully it’s not just a pretty face This digital photo frame is so lifelike, you’ll think it’s a real picture Latest in How To 5 spider-repelling hacks that actually work — and you probably have everything you need at home How to watch 'Law & Order' season 25 online from anywhere How to watch 'Law & Order: SVU' season 27 online – stream from anywhere (without missing a case) AirPods Pro 3 troubleshooting — check your fit and ANC settings for better sound Apple Watch finally gets a sleep score — here's how to unlock yours Can I watch the Ryder Cup on TV? Live stream USA vs Europe golf online, TV channels, teams, schedule, Day 1 foursomes pairings LATEST ARTICLES I shot over 200 photos with the iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra — here's the winner A celebrity personal trainer swears by this one move to increase mobility and boost posture I didn’t believe the hype about Google Mixboard — now I’m obsessed 5 best new movies to stream this weekend on Netflix, Peacock, Starz and more (Sept. 27-28) Ohio is the next US state to to receive age verification laws – and almost 12 million people will be affected Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. Terms and conditions Contact Future's experts Privacy policy Cookies policy Accessibility Statement Advertise with us Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Please login or signup to comment Please wait...
