Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys walking downstairs to do laundry only to walk face-first into a sticky web.
While spiders play a helpful role in the ecosystem by eating other bugs, they aren’t exactly welcome houseguests. If your basement has turned into an eight-legged sanctuary, it is time to take action. Here is how to get rid of spiders in the basement effectively and keep them from coming back.
Key Takeaways
- Control moisture: Spiders love damp environments, so use a dehumidifier to make the space less hospitable.
- Seal entry points: Caulk cracks in the foundation and fix gaps around windows to physically block them out.
- Use natural repellents: Peppermint oil and vinegar sprays are effective deterrents that are safer for families.
- Clear the clutter: Remove cardboard boxes and debris where spiders love to hide and spin webs.
Why Do Spiders Like Basements?
Spiders don’t move into your home to annoy you; they move in because your basement offers everything they need to survive.
Generally, arachnids are looking for three main things: shelter, moisture, and food. Basements are typically dark, quiet, and humid, which mimics the natural environments spiders prefer outdoors.
Furthermore, if your basement is cluttered with boxes, old furniture, or piles of clothes, you are providing endless hiding spots. These undisturbed areas allow them to build webs, catch prey, and lay eggs without threat.
If you have other insects in your basement, such as flies, moths, or centipedes, spiders will naturally follow. They are predators, and they go where the food supply is plentiful.
What Kind of Basement Spiders Are in My House?
North America is home to thousands of spider species, but only a handful actually want to live inside your house. Most are accidental intruders that hitched a ride on firewood or clothing.
Remember
Most basement spiders are harmless pest-eaters, but it is important to identify them to rule out dangerous species like the Black Widow or Brown Recluse.
Common House Spiders
If you spot messy, tangled webs in ceiling corners, you are likely dealing with the Common House Spider. They are generally brownish or grayish and are more annoying than dangerous. You can easily remove their cobwebs with a vacuum without fear of a bite.
Jumping Spiders
These are the “cute” ones of the spider world. Jumping spiders are active hunters that don’t build webs to catch prey. Instead, they stalk and pounce on insects. They are harmless to humans and actually help control other pest populations in your home.
Cellar Spiders
Often confused with daddy longlegs, Cellar Spiders have small bodies and incredibly long, thin legs. They love dark, damp corners.
There is a common urban legend that their venom is incredibly deadly but their fangs are too small to bite humans. In reality, their venom is weak, and they pose no threat to you or your pets. They are simply nuisance pests that create wispy webs.
Harvestmen
Harvestmen are the true “daddy longlegs,” but here is the surprise: they aren’t technically spiders. They are arachnids, but they lack venom glands and silk glands, meaning they cannot bite you or make webs.
You can tell them apart from Cellar Spiders by their body shape. Harvestmen have a single, oval body segment, whereas spiders have two distinct segments (head and abdomen). They usually belong outdoors and just wandered in by mistake.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in the Basement
When you are ready to reclaim your space, you have two main routes: chemical treatments or physical removal. Here are the most effective methods to stop an infestation.
Apply Residual Insecticides
For severe infestations, chemical barriers are highly effective. Focus on perimeter sprays that create a “kill zone” around your home’s foundation and basement windows.
Look for products containing bifenthrin or cypermethrin. These chemicals leave a residue that continues to work for weeks or months after application.
Safety First
Always read the label instructions carefully. If you have curious toddlers or pets, opt for pet-safe sprays or natural alternatives.
Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous Earth is a powdery substance made from fossilized aquatic remains. It is microscopic and razor-sharp to insects but feels like soft powder to humans.
Here is how to use it safely and effectively:
- Target entry points: Sprinkle a fine layer along baseboards, window sills, and door thresholds.
- How it works: When a spider walks over the powder, it cuts their exoskeleton and absorbs their oils, causing them to dehydrate and die.
- Reapply often: DE only works when dry, so if your basement is damp, you may need to reapply it frequently.
Try Ultrasonic Repellers
These plug-in devices emit high-frequency sound waves intended to drive pests away. While they are a popular chemical-free option, results can vary. They are best used as a supplementary measure alongside sealing cracks and cleaning, rather than a standalone cure.
Natural Ways to Repel Spiders
If you prefer to avoid harsh chemicals, there are plenty of home remedies that can deter spiders without turning your basement into a toxic zone.
Spray Peppermint Oil
Spiders taste and smell through sensory organs on their legs, and they absolutely hate strong, pungent scents. Peppermint oil is widely considered the best natural spider repellent.
Mix 15 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil with water and a dash of dish soap in a spray bottle. Mist it around corners, windows, and doors. Citrus, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils are also effective alternatives.
Use a Vinegar Solution
White vinegar contains acetic acid, which burns spiders on contact and repels them with its odor.
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. You can spray this directly on spiders to kill them or around entry points as a deterrent. Just be aware that vinegar has a strong smell that might linger for a few hours.
Set Sticky Traps
Glue traps are a non-toxic way to catch wandering spiders. Place them along walls, behind furniture, and near doorways.
These are excellent for monitoring the situation. If you check the trap and see it is full, you know you have a high-traffic area that needs more attention.
Vacuum Them Up
The simplest solution is often the best. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck up spiders, egg sacs, and webs instantly.
This is cleaner than squishing them and prevents stains on your walls. Be sure to empty the vacuum canister into an outdoor trash bin immediately so they don’t crawl back out.
Bonus Tip
Cats are natural predators. While you shouldn’t rely solely on your feline friend for pest control, they are great at spotting and hunting spiders that scurry across the floor.
How to Prevent Future Infestations
Killing the spiders you see is only half the battle. To keep them out for good, you need to make your basement impenetrable and unappealing.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Spiders can squeeze through incredibly small openings. Grab a caulking gun and inspect your basement inside and out.
Seal gaps around:
- Utility pipes: Check where wires and pipes enter the foundation.
- Windows and doors: Replace worn-out weatherstripping and fix holes in window screens.
- Foundation cracks: Fill any visible fissures in the concrete walls.
Reduce Moisture
This is the most overlooked step. Spiders and the insects they eat crave moisture. If your basement is damp, it is a spider paradise.
Run a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels below 50 percent. Fix leaky pipes and ensure your dryer vent is sealed properly. A dry basement effectively kills the food chain.
Change Your Lighting
Insects are attracted to bright white lights, and spiders follow the insects. By changing your exterior lighting, you can cut off the food source.
Swap standard bulbs for yellow “bug lights” or sodium vapor lights near your basement windows and doors. These wavelengths are less visible to insects, reducing the number of moths and flies that gather near your home.
Maintain the Exterior
Your yard creates the first line of defense. If bushes touch your house, they act as a bridge for spiders to walk right onto your siding and find a way in.
Trim vegetation at least 12 inches away from the foundation. Remove piles of wood, leaves, or debris near the house, as these are prime breeding grounds for arachnids.
Best Products for Basement Spiders
If DIY methods aren’t cutting it, these top-rated products can help you get the situation under control quickly.
Best Natural Spray: Mighty Mint Spider Repellent
Mighty Mint Spider Repellent is a powerful, plant-based spray that uses high-concentration peppermint oil to deter arachnids.
Why we like it: It is safe to use around pets and children when used as directed, and it leaves your basement smelling fresh rather than like chemicals. It is perfect for spraying around windows and baseboards as a preventative barrier.
Best Traps: TERRO T3206SR Spider & Insect Traps
TERRO Spider & Insect Traps are the industry standard for glue boards. They fold up to protect the glue surface from dust and pets.
Why we like it: The design attracts spiders looking for dark hiding spots. They are incredibly sticky and catch not just spiders, but also ants, crickets, and cockroaches. Place them in corners and behind boxes for the best results.
Best Ultrasonic Device: Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
The Neatmaster offers a chemical-free way to annoy pests out of your home. It features three different modes depending on the severity of your infestation.
Why we like it: It covers a large area, making it suitable for open basements. It is a “set it and forget it” device that acts as a good supplementary deterrent alongside sealing and cleaning.
How to Clean Spider Webs
Cleaning up old webs prevents new spiders from moving into abandoned homes. A vacuum with a long wand is usually sufficient, but sticky webs on textured surfaces can be tricky.
The Duct Tape Hack:
If you are struggling to get webs off a popcorn ceiling or rough brick wall, wrap duct tape around a paint roller with the sticky side facing out. Roll it over the webs; the adhesive will lift the silk without damaging the surface.
FAQs
I rounded up some common questions to help you manage your basement spider situation effectively.
Does Vinegar Kill Spiders?
Yes, white vinegar contains acetic acid which burns spiders on contact. However, it must touch the spider directly to kill it. When sprayed on surfaces, the strong acidic smell acts as a repellent to keep them away.
Why Am I Suddenly Seeing More Spiders?
A sudden increase in spiders usually indicates a rise in food sources (other insects) or a change in weather. Extreme heat, heavy rain, or a drop in temperature can drive spiders indoors seeking shelter and climate control.
Can I Seal My Basement From Spiders?
Yes, sealing is the most effective long-term solution. Use silicone caulk to seal cracks in the foundation, gaps around plumbing pipes, and spaces around window frames. Ensure door sweeps are tight against the floor.
Do Dehumidifiers Help Get Rid Of Spiders?
Yes, dehumidifiers help significantly. Spiders and the insects they eat thrive in humid environments. By keeping your basement humidity below 50 percent, you make the environment difficult for them to survive in, forcing them to leave.
The Bottom Line
Getting rid of spiders in the basement is all about removing what they love: moisture, clutter, and food. By sealing up entry points and using natural repellents like peppermint oil, you can reclaim your space. However, if you suspect a poisonous infestation or can’t get the numbers down, don’t hesitate to call a professional exterminator.
