We make our houses cosy and warm during the colder months, but consequently, spiders may want to make themselves at home, too — and that's where the best spider repellents come in. Rather than injuring or killing these arachnids, our goal is always to humanely deter them from entering our homes in the first place.
While there are plenty of theories on how to keep spiders out of your house (placing conkers on your windowsills being the most unusual), Reddit users seem to unanimously agree on one product for keeping your home spider-free this autumn. The answer is surprisingly simple: peppermint oil.
What is the best spider repellent for your house?
By far the most successful product to rid arachnids and rodents from your house, without directly harming them, is peppermint oil. The most common answer on the viral Reddit thread "How do I get rid of and stop spiders coming in my home?", one user commented: "Spray peppermint oil along windows and doors, or anywhere they may enter." Another wrote: "Peppermint oil. I mix it with water and wipe it along the skirting boards."
Remember not to use this method if you have any pets, as peppermint oil can be dangerous for them to ingest. For pet-friendly spider repellents, keep reading for more options.
Nikura Peppermint Essential Oil 10ml | £4.99
The most cost-effective way to achieve this is to shop the Nikura Peppermint Pure Essential Oil on Amazon, for under £5. Mix it 5 drops per 30ml warm water, or 15 drops per 300ml. Recycling on old spray bottle is ideal, but you can also shop spray bottles on Amazon for cheap. Simply spray the mixture on any skirting boards, curtains, window ledges and door frames. The smell will deter spiders, due to the hairs on their front two legs containing olfaction receptors.
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More of the best spider repellents to shop online — from sprays to plug-ins
If you're looking for more of the best spider repellents, we have pet-friendly options below, as well as equipment to help transport critters outside if they happen to get in. We have judged the best methods to deter spiders using our own expert knowledge, as well as customer ratings and reviews, to give you the best possible approach.
Ultrasonic Pest Repeller 6 Pack
Best pet-friendly spider repellent
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Pros: Safe for humans and pets, reviews rave about their effectiveness (with over 1,800 five-star ratings).
Cons: You'll have to wait three to four weeks for results, not suitable for those with pet rodents.
For a pet-friendly alternative to peppermint oil, an ultrasonic plug-in device uses dual-frequency ultrasonic and electromagnetic waves to repel spiders, as well as other insects and mice (which is an added bonus!) Amazon has this six-pack for under £20, meaning you can cover your house from top to bottom.
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Zero In Spider Repellent 500 ml
Best ready-made spider repellent spray
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Pros: A non-lethal spider repellent spray, easy application, pleasant smell after use.
Cons: Some reviews state it only deters when sprayed on a weekly basis, advertised as child and pet-friendly but we would err on the side of caution with pet households.
If you don't have the time to make the DIY peppermint spray above, and want something quick to spray at a moment's notice, we suggest opting for the Zero In Spider Repellent. Zero In instead use natural mint oil extract which effectively repels spiders without harm. Additionally, the spray leaves a fresh mint scent after use, which leaves us with no complaints.
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Pest Stop LED Spider and Insect Vacuum
Best spider vacuum
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Pros: A humane way to rid spiders inside your home, LED light allows you to spot them in the dark.
Cons: You will need to release them immediately, there's no way to keep spiders captive inside the tube for an extended period of time.
Even with all precautions, spiders still do have a tendency to turn up in places where you don’t want them to be. If so, an effective spider vacuum will be your new best friend. The best on the market is Pest Stop's LED Spider and Insect Vacuum. The critter simply gets gently hoovered up, wherein you can dispose them outside with no harm, no foul.
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Katcha Spider Catcher
Best spider catcher
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Pros: Suited for those more squeamish, with a longer handle, safely disposes of spiders without injuring them.
Cons: Reviews warn to be careful with very delicate spiders, as the trap doors have hurt their thin legs in the past.
If utilising the classic cup-and-paper method to catch spiders is a little too close for comfort for your liking, the Katcha Spider Catcher has a 40cm handle so you can stay as far away as possible. Rated Amazon's Choice for best spider catcher, reviews love how quick and easy it is to use this device without harming the creature inside.
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Why do spiders come inside houses during the autumn and winter?
As the weather cools, arachnids and other invertebrates seek out the warmth indoors, leaving gardens behind and slipping in through gaps under doors, roof tiles and through window cracks. Once inside, they spin webs in corners, beneath furniture and around window frames and curtains. Thus, they intend to catch insects that are also lured by the cosy indoor temperatures.
Are spiders in the UK dangerous?
Spider bites in the UK are rare and typically occur only when the spider feels cornered or trapped. This can be when they are accidentally stepped on or handled, which is where a spider vacuum or catcher comes in handy. The Natural History Museum notes that there are 12 spider species in the UK capable of biting humans, though only two or three might cause notable discomfort. Fortunately, none of these bites will pose any long-term harm. Fun fact — Britain's biggest spider has legs up to 7cm long.
