The Best Spider Spray For A Spider Infestation

Spiders are a common pest in many American homes and gardens, and while most of us know that spiders play an important role in our ecosystem, some people truly fear coming across these eight-legged arthropods.

However, when left to their own devices, spiders can be a helpful and effective pest control method for homeowners. Spiders feed on a number of pests that invade our homes like roaches, ants, flies, yellow jackets, and more.

Many brave homeowners choose to leave spiders alone when they come across them in their homes , however, sometimes a spider infestation can get out of control and measures must be taken to modify the number of spiders inside of your house.

When this happens, people often turn to spider repellents and insecticides. Today, we are going to talk about spider infestations, how to identify when you have a problem, and go over the best spider spray options available to homeowners.

Let’s begin.

Identifying A Spider Infestation

Spider webs and egg sacks are usually key indicators you have a spider problem..

Spiders may seem like seasonal pests, but they are actually roaming your home all year round whether you see them or not.

While spiders inside of your home are typically not a problem and actually often a benefit, they can become an issue if you develop a spider infestation.

How and why do spider infestations happen?

Although it is true spiders are not seasonal pests, you may notice an influx in spider sightings in your home during colder months, when spiders are actively looking for shelter.

An infestation can also happen when you have an excess of flying insects in your home that attract spiders who go on to mate and lay eggs, essentially deciding your home provides a good source of food and protection from the elements and predators outside.

Most spider infestations occur in dark, cluttered spaces like sheds, barns, basements and attics, but they can occur most anywhere in the home where food sources are rich and hiding spots are readily available.

The most obvious signs of a spider infestation in your home are:

• Spider webs
• Egg sacks
• Finding multiple living spiders
• Finding multiple dead spiders

While most spiders are harmless to humans, it can be alarming for those of us with real arachnophobia to realize we have an infestation. That said, regardless of if you are fine with spiders or you fear them, you should take measures to identify which species of spider you are dealing with in your home to ensure you are safe.

The two most common poisonous spiders in the United States are brown recluse spiders and black widows. Both of these spiders are common home invaders and can cause serious health issues if they bite people or pets.

One of the easiest ways to identify and monitor a spider infestation in your home is to install spider traps in areas you most commonly see signs of spiders.

Spider Traps

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These spider traps work well because they easily fit in small spaces where spiders like brown recluses and black widows like to hide. You can slip them beneath beds, under furniture, behind appliances, in crawl spaces, and other spots you have noticed spider activity.

While these won’t help eliminate a spider infestation, they will help you monitor your treatment and alert you to which types of spiders are infesting your home.

Once you know which species of spider you are dealing with, your next step should be to clean. Spiders like clutter and lots of places to hide. Make sure you declutter (and wear gloves), then sweep and vacuum thoroughly before getting down to treatment.

Now, let’s talk about the best kinds of spider control methods you can use for spider infestations.

The Best Spider Spray For Spiders – Insecticides And Aerosols

Most species of spider can generally be dealt with using common insecticides and aerosols. 

Most spider sprays are made with chemical insecticides that can be harmful to humans and pets if not used properly. That said, not all spider repellents are made with these harsh chemicals and some very effective spider repellents are made with organic essential oils and plant-based ingredients.

However, if you have a very serious spider infestation, you may need to go with a more intense spider spray. On the other hand, if you are only seeing a few spiders here and there, you can always use a natural spider repellent to help control the problem.

Below we have listed some of our favorite spider repellent products for you to choose from.

Harris Spider Killer

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Harris is a popular insecticide brand amongst homeowners to help control spider infestations. This spider spray is specifically designed to target spiders using the active ingredient Deltamethrin, which is an insecticide that is safe to use both indoors and out.

The formula is odorless and will not stain carpets, fabrics or furniture, and is also effective against infestations of roaches, crickets, silverfish, ants, and more.

Hot Shot Roach and Spider Killer

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Hot Shot is another spider repellent we like because it’s effective, works on a number of pests, and can be used both indoors and out. The spray kills on contact, so it’s nice to have on hand if you are seeing a consistent number of spiders in the home.

It also works to rid your home of fleas, crickets, waterbugs, roaches, and more. It is safe to use around furniture and carpeting and won’t stain fabrics or leave an unpleasant odor. Best of all, it continues to repel and kill spiders and pests for up to three months when applied correctly.

Mighty Mint Non-Toxic Spider Repellent

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If you are looking for an all natural way to get rid of spiders in your home, you may like this natural spider spray by Mighty Mint. This is a natural, non-toxic spray solution you can use around children and pets to help repel and eliminate spiders both indoors and outdoors.

The active ingredient is simply peppermint oil, which spiders don’t like and steer clear from. This is also a safe spider repellent to use in gardens and around playsets where children spend their time.

That said, we would not recommend this for those with serious spider infestations or with poisonous spider infestations in their home, as it may not be effective enough.

Mdxconcepts Organic Spider Repellent

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Here is another organic spider repellent we like using peppermint oil to help eliminate spiders and other pests safely and effectively. Like many other natural spider repellent products, this spider spray is safe to use in homes with children and pets and leaves a pleasant, peppermint scent after each application.

It kills on contact and has a long lasting effect after being applied and was even designed by professional exterminators. That said, this may not be the most effective spider spray treatment for homes with major infestations or for homes dealing with black widows or brown recluse spiders.

Let’s learn a bit more about poisonous spiders and what you should know before you buy a spider spray.

Poisonous Spiders – What You Should Know Before You Buy Spider Repellents

All spider bites can cause a number of reactions, but poisonous spiders are especially serious and should be dealt with properly.

All spiders bite and all spiders rely on venom to kill or disarm their prey. That said, not all spider venom is harmful to humans.

However, and as we mentioned briefly above, poisonous spiders like brown recluses and black widows are nothing to mess with. An infestation of poisonous spiders can be dangerous and hazardous to not only your health, but the health of your loved ones and pets.

The video below takes a closer look at the two most poisonous spiders in the United States and tells you how to properly identify them. 

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If you think you have a poisonous spider infestation in your home, you may want to contact a professional pest control expert. We also recommend some heavier duty spider repellent options that are specifically designed to target and kill poisonous spiders.

Best Spider Spray For The Brown Recluse

Brown Recluse spiders are especially problematic and dangerous spiders in the home. 

Brown recluse spiders are most commonly found outside and in garden sheds or wood piles. However, they can also be found in homes. These poisonous spiders can be difficult to locate and treat because of their reclusive nature.

They tend to pick small cracks and crevices to hide in and are not very active. Still, they do come out from time to time and bite when provoked, causing a serious infection and sore that begins within two to eight hours of the bite.

While brown recluse spider bites are not usually fatal, If you think you have been bitten by a brown recluse, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the best spider repellent options for these types of spiders.

Terro Spider Killer Aerosol

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A popular spider spray for brown recluse spiders is an aerosol by Terro. This product helps reach poisonous spiders in difficult places like cracks and crevices, where they like to hide, and even has an “extended killing power” to ensure any stragglers get taken care of.

We also like that this spider spray works to eliminate a number of other pests including cockroaches, crickets, scorpions, and even bedbugs.

The spray works best when sprayed along cracks, crevices, baseboards, entry and exit points, in crawl spaces, attics and more.

Stryker 54 Aerosol Contact Spider Spray

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This spider spray works on a number of insects, but we like it specifically for brown recluse infestations because it includes a contact applicator that helps you reach difficult places and effectively spray into cracks and crevices.

The active ingredients used are pyrethrin, a natural insecticide chemical found in some flowers, and piperonyl Butoxide. This is a strong combination and should be used with caution in homes with children and pets.

Best Spider Spray For The Black Widow

Black Widows are poisonous spiders that are often found in dry, dark spaces. 

The black widow spider is another famous and poisonous spider common in the United States. Black widows prefer to live in dark, dry areas and seek shelter in basements, garages, sheds, barns, out houses, garbage bins, rodent holes, and the likes. Black widows have also been known to hide in closets and even make webs and lay eggs in boots and shoes

They feed on flying insects, but will bite humans when provoked. Their bite is painful and their venom is quick to spread, making their victims very sick. Although black widow bites are not usually fatal, it is best to seek medical treatment if you believe you have been bitten by one.

Some of the best spider spray options to help get rid of a black widow infestation in your home are listed below.

Zenprox Aerosol Spider Spray

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Zenprox spider spray provides a wide range of coverage and protection against a  number of species of insects, including both brown recluses and black widows. It kills spiders on contact and helps eliminate future infestations as well.

We like this for poisonous spiders because it comes with an applicator that is specifically designed to reach difficult places poisonous spiders like to hide like cracks and crevices, and it is also compatible with outdoor use.

The active ingredients include an insect growth regulator known as methoprene, which helps kill eggs and larvae at the source, reducing future infestations.

Cyzmic CS Insecticide

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This insecticide will need to be added to a spray bottle or a spray container may need to be purchased separately. That said, this is a powerful spider spray recommended for infestations of poisonous spiders like black widows and brown recluses, using the active ingredient Lamda Cyhalothrin.

We like that this spider spray is safe to use in the home and around animals, however we do recommend you read the directions carefully to ensure you are applying it safely and effectively.

Along with spiders, this spray also works to eliminate pests like mosquitoes, beetles, ticks, wasps, silverfish, and more.

Make Your Own Spider Spray – Best Home Remedies For Getting Rid of spiders

Most spiders, regardless of species, don’t like overpowering scents like peppermint oil. 

Spiders don’t like overwhelming scents and are repelled by a number of natural herbs and essential oils you may already have lying around your home.

If you would prefer not to use the insecticides or spider sprays above, you can always make your own spider spray by using some of the natural ingredients listed below.

Spiders are naturally repelled by:

• Citronella
• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint Oil
• Tea Tree Oil
• Citrus
• Cinnamon
• Cedar

Some of our favorite homemade spider sprays include simple ingredients like water, vinegar, dish soap, and peppermint oil. Take a look at two of our favorite spider spray recipes below.

Essential Oil Spider Spray

• Five drops peppermint oil
• 16 ounces water
• 1 pump of dish soap

Shake the bottle and spray the concoction generously around entry and exit points including windows, doors, garages, and basements. You can even spray this product around the perimeter of your home to prevent spiders from entering. You should also spray it anywhere in the home you have noticed spider activity or evidence of spider webs. Repeat as needed.

White Vinegar and Dish Soap Spider Spray

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 pump of dish soap

Mix the ingredients together thoroughly in a spray bottle and spray generously throughout your home. You can spray it around entry and exit points including doorways, windows, the garage, attic, and basement. You should also spray anywhere you have noticed evidence of spider activity like webs or spider eggs, and spray it in corners, behind cabinets, appliances, and along baseboards. Repeat as needed.

Fast Facts – Spider Characteristics, Habits, Lifecycle And More

Spiders are active all year but tend to go inside homes for shelter when the weather gets cold. 

Where Do Spiders Live?

Spiders live on every continent except Antarctica, where the climate is too harsh for them to survive.

Are Spiders Good Or Bad?

Spiders may be scary looking to some, but regardless of if they are poisonous or not, spiders are very important to our ecosystem. Not only do spiders help control a number of harmful and annoying pests, they also help to pollinate plants and contribute to healthy gardens and earth.

Along with providing us with natural pest control, spiders also don’t cause any structural damage to our homes.

However, some species of spiders are very dangerous to humans and we should all work to educate ourselves as to the types of poisonous spiders common to our region.

Spider Bites

All spiders bite and all spiders produce venom. That said, most spiders are not harmful to humans and do fine when left alone. If you see a non-poisonous spider in your house, you may want to leave it as a natural and effective form of pest control.

How Many Species of Spiders Are There?

Biologists believe that there are over 35,000 known species of spiders throughout the world and upwards of 3,000 species of spiders in the United States. The only species of poisonous spiders in the US are the brown recluse, the black widow, and the hobo spider.

That said, many biologists also believe that there are more species of spiders out there who have yet to be identified.

When Are Spiders Most Active?

Spiders are most active during warm weather. This means summer, spring and early fall can bring spiders out and about. Still, even if you don’t see spiders, you can rest assured they are there. In fact, it is estimated that 1 million spiders live on every one acre of land.

How To Avoid Future Spider Infestations

Remember that spiders are important to our ecosystem. However, a professional may need to be called when dealing with a severe infestation.  

One of the best ways to deal with a spider infestation is to avoid one in the first place. You can be proactive, especially if you live in areas near fields or in a home prone to seasonal spider infestations.

Some of the best preventative measures to keeping spiders from entering your home or returning to your home are listed below:

• Keep your home decluttered
• Sweep and vacuum often
• Caulk and seal cracks and crevices
• Seal entry and exit points
• Patch up broken screens
• Store food in airtight containers
• Landscape around the perimeter of your home and keep wood piles, storage containers, gardens, and vegetation at least eight feet from your home.

Another way to prevent spiders from entering your home is to spray the perimeter of your home with some of the natural spider repellents listed above. Since spiders are important to our ecosystem, it is best to avoid killing them when possible and instead take measures to prevent them from entering your home.

For this reason, we also recommend repellents like ultrasonic plug-ins that help repel spiders naturally and safely, deterring them from entering your home without killing them.

Electronic Plug In Spider Repellent

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These ultrasonic pest control plugins are also a humane way to repel mice and help eliminate other pests like roaches, fleas, and ants.

What do you think? Do you leave spiders in your home when they aren’t poisonous? Let us know your thoughts about spiders in the comment section below.