Spider on Bed.

How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Bedroom (18 Ways That Work!)

by
Stephanie-Abi-Zeid.

This article has been written, researched, and medically reviewed by Stephanie Abi Zeid (Embryologist, Andrologist, B.S, MSc) for maximum factual accuracy and to ensure unique content.

I cannot stand spiders.

I hate how they look, how fast they move, and if I know that one is in my bedroom there’s no way I’m getting to sleep.

So how can you keep spiders out of your bedroom so that you can relax and get to sleep?

The most effective way to keep spiders out of your bedroom is to make the room an unattractive environment – by removing clutter, dusting the floor, removing food crumbs from the bed that attracts the insects spiders feed on, and spraying essential oils like peppermint, lemon, lavender, or cinnamon.

The rest of this article expands on these strategies to give you 18 effective techniques that I’ve tried myself over the years to keep spiders out of my bedroom and house.

You can combine them to increase their effectiveness.

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18 Ways to Keep Spiders Out of Your Bedroom

How to Spider-Proof Your Home | This Morning

Here are 18 strategies that you can try to keep spiders out of your bedroom and the other rooms in your house:

1: Deep Clean Your Bedroom to Make it Less Hospitable

Spiders generally dwell in dirty, cluttered, or damp areas of the home.

One of the most effective ways to keep spiders out of your bedroom is to deep clean your room so that the environment is less attractive to them and the insects that the spiders feed on.

Here are a few simple housekeeping tasks that can make your bedroom less inviting for spiders: 

Declutter and Get rid of Old Items

Nightstands, dressers, vanities, and desks are all prone to accumulating small everyday objects that can make attractive looking areas for spiders to build webs.

Therefore, consider putting frequently-used items into a system of organization, and dispose of old items such as newspapers and magazines.  

I personally use plastic storage containers rather than cardboard boxes as these are harder for spiders to crawl into.

However, make sure that you properly clean the space surrounding the storage boxes and their contents – as they can gather debris and absorb moisture.

This can attract bugs and insects, which will, in turn, attract spiders.

Dust the Floor and Surfaces

The next step is to wipe down the floor and all surfaces. 

Lightly dust the tops of nightstands, dressers, closets, shelves, and windowsills with a duster or a vacuum on a low setting. 

You will be surprised at the amount of dust that accumulates on top of these. 

I personally spend some time cleaning the bedposts and headboard, as these features are more prone to dust due to their infrequent use. 

If you have rugs or carpets in your bedroom, clear out the dust with a vacuum. 

If you have hardwood floors, sweeping the entire floor, especially under the bed, should get the job done.

Take Out the Trash

If you let waste accumulate around your room, it will attract spiders.

If you don’t have a small wastebasket in your bedroom, I recommend you get one. 

Throw away any trash – from clothing tags to used tissues, and debris from late-night munching – into the wastebasket. 

Also get rid of empty bottles and cans, as these can attract flies, and in turn spiders.   

Because small bins can easily fill up, empty the wastebasket into an airtight rubbish bag and dispose of it via your outside bins. 

Trash bags should not be placed against a wall because the spiders can simply climb back into the house.

Wash the Sheets

Even if you shower every night before bed and keep food out of your room, your dead skin cells, grime, dirt, and sweat still cling to your sheets.

Therefore, your bedding should be washed and changed on a regular basis.

While your original linens are being washed, make your bed with a spare set of sheets.

I personally add tea tree oil to my laundry detergent to work as a natural insect and spider repellent.

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2: Keep Your Furniture Away from Your Bed

Spiders can use your bedroom furniture – such as lamps and bedside tables – to wander into your bed. 

Therefore, you can prevent spiders from entering your bed by keeping your furniture away from your bed frame, mattress, and headboard.

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3: Stop Eating in Bed to Repel the Insects that Spiders Feed On

No matter how cautious you are when you eat in bed, you will always leave food crumbs, which attract insects and the spiders that feed on these insects. 

As a result, I recommended eating in the kitchen and keeping food out of the bed at all times to keep spiders at bay.

However, if you must eat in your bedroom, use a tray and lean forward when eating, and always make sure you clean up the crumbs and remains once you’re done. 

Unavoidable circumstances include being unwell and unable to get out of bed easily.

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4: Seal Up All Cracks and Spaces Where Spiders Can Enter

Spiders can enter your home through tiny crevices and cracks in the walls and around windows and doors. 

That’s why all gaps must be thoroughly sealed, including damaged sealants, gaps in the corners of window screens, and any tears in the screens.

Applying caulk and weatherstripping is a good idea to fill in all the tiny cracks and fissures in your walls.

Also, replace any damaged window screens and use fine mesh to cover vents and chimneys.

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5: Install a Door Sweep to Stop Spiders Entering Via the Gap

Install a solid steel or aluminum threshold under your door to prevent spiders and other insects from creeping in under it. 

Combine this with a door sweep on the inside of your bedroom door for even more protection. 

A sweep is a low-cost device that helps close the space between a threshold and the door bottom. 

It not only keeps spiders and other insects out, but it also keeps the space warm in the winter and cool in the summer [1].

I personally use adhesive silicone door sweeps for my bedroom door because they are simple to install and can be bought from any hardware store.

Click here for 31 ways to cool down a hot bedroom.

6: Purchase a Bed with Legs or Use a Set of Bed Risers

If the distance between your bed and the floor is minimal then there is a greater risk of spiders being able to crawl into your mattress.

If the bedposts don’t lift your bed off the ground, you can use an elegant set of bed risers to lift the entire frame off the floor – making it difficult for spiders to climb up to your bed. 

You must also ensure that the headboard does not directly connect to the wall. 

If your bed is pushed into a corner, pull it forward a little to leave some space in the back.

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7: Get an Electronic Pest-Repelling Device

I find electronic pest repellents very effective because they can cover a big area quickly and are safe to use in the presence of children and pets.

They keep all kinds of pests at bay – not only spiders, but also insects, roaches, rodents, and mice – by using ultrasonic and electromagnetic waves.

They are simple to operate; all you have to do is plug them in.

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8: Diffuse Essential Oils to Repel Spiders

Another cost-effective way to keep spiders out of your bedroom is by diffusing essential oils – specifically peppermint, lemon, lavender, and cinnamon. 

Compounds like d-limonene, a natural molecule that has been shown to repel pests like mosquitoes and spiders, are found in these oils.

You can combine several drops of essential oil with water and spray the mixture all over the room where spiders and other bugs are most likely to be found. 

These oils can also be added to your laundry detergent while washing your bedsheets. 

Some strong scents work well as spider repellants, and many of us already have them in our homes.

The following are some potent and aromatic essential oils that you can use to keep spiders out of your bedroom:

Peppermint

Peppermint is said to be the most effective essential oil for deterring spiders.

It must be diluted with water before you spray the solution around your bedroom.  

Because spiders dislike the odor, they will leave or avoid it. 

There’s another method that involves placing soaked peppermint tea bags in the corners of your bedroom – this one is definitely not suitable for those of you who have carpeted floors.

Lemon

Lemon is another fantastic natural approach to getting rid of spiders. 

Citrus fragrances are said to be repulsive to spiders, so they’re the ideal weapon.

Add a couple of drops of citronella essential oil to your candles or air filters and notice how spiders will avoid areas with this oil. 

Using a lemon-based all-purpose cleaner and furniture polish is also beneficial.

I personally rub citrus peel inside the closet, dresser, windowsills, around furniture, and under appliances.

Alternatively, you can try other citrus fruits like orange and lime peel to repel spiders from your bedroom.

As long as the peels generate an odor, they will be effective at repelling spiders.

Lavender

Lavender, whether as a plant or as an essential oil, is a natural spider repellent that can be used indoors or out. 

Potted lavender plants kept on porches, indoors or near doorways can also help keep spiders away.

You can use it fresh, dry some of the blooms to hang around the house, or tuck it into your clothes in the wardrobe to keep spiders and other bugs away.

Click here to discover 10 ways that lavender can help you sleep better.

Cinnamon

Another smell that spiders hate is cinnamon. 

Cinnamon can be found in a variety of forms, including dried sticks for cooking, cinnamon oil, and cinnamon-scented candles.

While cinnamon oil cannot kill spiders, the potent perfume will make them flee. 

So, clean the house and outdoor areas first, then spray them with diluted cinnamon oil.

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9: Sprinkle Cedarwood in Closets and Drawers

The scent of cedar also keeps away spiders. 

Therefore, sprinkle cedar blocks in drawers, storage bags, closets, shoes, or anywhere in your bedroom to ward off unwanted bugs. 

Spiders are also repelled by a variety of cedar essential oils and treatments, as well as the natural wood.

The scent of cedar is faint yet long-lasting, so you have to try hard to smell it, but don’t worry, it’s still effective. 

If the scent of cedar blocks weakens over time, just lightly sand the blocks to restore the fragrance.

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10: Use Vinegar as Insecticide

Vinegar can be used as a natural insecticide to keep spiders away because the acetic acid that the vinegar contains can kill spiders.

To use this remedy, fill a spray bottle with half white vinegar and half water and spray the mixture around your bedroom in corners, cracks, and crevices to keep spiders at bay.  

This option is also safe to use around children and pets.

However, avoid using vinegar on varnished surfaces since it can cause damage.

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11: Get a Cat to Kill the Spiders

Getting yourself a cat is one of the best ways to get rid of spiders without the use of insecticides and chemicals in the home.

However, due to allergies and lifestyle, cats aren’t suited for every home, but if you are a cat enthusiast, then they are excellent hunters. 

When it comes to cats and other domestic pets, it’s critical to keep their food covered and sealed to prevent flies and insects from attracting spiders.

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12: Get a Dehumidifier for the Bedroom

Spiders like to live in dark and humid environments. 

Install a dehumidifier in your home to remove some of the moisture that may attract spiders.

Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, and dry conditions might prompt insects to seek better accommodation. 

Most insects don’t drink anything, including water.

Instead, they absorb moisture via their bodies, and when there isn’t enough moisture in the air to keep them alive, they either leave or die [2].

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13: Use Sticky Tape and Traps to Catch Spiders

Spiders and their prey can be caught in the bedroom using sticky tape and traps.

Both double-sided tape and trap versions are available at local hardware stores or online. 

You can place the tape along your window and door frames, under your bed, or inside your closet. 

Because spiders can climb walls and furniture, hang upside down, and drop from the ceiling, I wrap the tape around my bedposts and make a perimeter of tape around my bed to catch any crawling spiders.

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14: Grow a Eucalyptus Plant Near Your Window

You can use a variety of plants to keep spiders out of your house, such as eucalyptus.

Although you may enjoy the scent of eucalyptus, spiders are thought to dislike it. 

Therefore, consider growing eucalyptus as a houseplant or in the garden – this is a fantastic, all-natural method for getting rid of house spiders.

If you don’t have space for a eucalyptus tree, try planting mint or lavender beneath or near windows, as the pungent scent will deter spiders.

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15: Tidy the Garden Around Your House

You may believe there isn’t much you can do to keep spiders out of your garden, but you’re mistaken – spiders find it easier to build webs and set up camp in a crowded garden.

Therefore, try removing and pruning if you have a lot of plant pots and greenery around your house where spiders like to hide.

It’s also a good idea to keep plants away from the outside walls of your house. 

Leaves, grass clippings, vegetation, compost, or woodpiles are examples of this.

Move anything that spiders might hide in away from any outside walls to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place.

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16: Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a great choice to repel spiders, especially when you have pets or children.

It is a white powder made up of the fossilized remains of a type of algae called diatoms, which have a silica-based outer shell. 

Combine 1 tablespoon of DE with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. 

Shake well and then spray it around the outside of your home, or where you observe spiders.

The silica in the DE absorbs all of the moisture from the pests, causing them to become dehydrated. 

It can also be used to deter other pests from entering your garden and eventually your house.

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17: Keep Your Outdoor Lights Off

Although spiders are not drawn to light, many of the insects they eat are.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to turn off your exterior lighting to keep spiders away from your home.

I personally use opaque blinds and drapes to keep indoor lights from shining through to the outside. 

You can also use yellow sodium vapor lights if you must keep the lights on, as they are less prone to attracting insects.

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18: Call in an Exterminator

If you see several spiders in your home on a regular basis, you may have an infestation.

That infestation isn’t likely to go away anytime soon.

Professional pest control services are required for genuinely efficient spider management.

Pest control firms have a variety of options for preventing future infestations. 

The workers identify, locate, and eradicate pests. 

At the customer’s request, they can install traps, apply insecticides, and even remodel structures.

Spraying a specialist residual pesticide and insecticide on outdoor-facing components of dwellings, such as door frames and windows, is the most popular method.

Calling in an exterminator can be costly, so it’s best to exhaust all other options before relying on this one.

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Guide to Spiders and Sleep

Below are the answers to some common questions regarding spiders and sleep:

Why Do Spiders Come Into my House?

Spiders typically enter houses in the fall to find a warmer and more suitable environment to mate – with clutter and access to food (insects) making houses an attractive place for spiders to live year-round.

How Can I Get to Sleep if There is a Spider in my Room?

If you can’t sleep at night because a spider is in your room you can vacuum it up or catch it with a glass and piece of paper to keep it alive.

Any vacuum cleaner or hose attachment should do.

Vacuum the web along with the spider and eggs and dispose of them as soon as possible to prevent the eggs from hatching.

However, if you want to keep the spider alive, release it back into the wild. 

You can catch the spider in a glass or container with a piece of paper and release it several feet away from your house.

There are times when I can’t seem to find the spider in my room anymore.

As a result, I protect my bed from spiders with natural repellents like essential oils and vinegar. 

You can also install a mosquito net for your bed to keep away crawling insects like spiders, roaches, water bugs and more.

If I Find Two Spiders in my Room are There More?

If there are two spiders in your room there might be more due to the spiders having mated and laid eggs – which can produce up to 100 spiderlings or more.

Spiders are mostly solitary creatures, unlike ants and bees, which live in colonies.

However, they come indoors in the autumn to look for a mate. 

So if you find two spiders in your room, you should be concerned in case they have laid or hatched eggs – a single hatching can produce up to a hundred spiderlings or so.

How Long will a Spider Stay in my Room For?

Spiders can stay in your room for months or even years if they have enough food and you don’t kill them.

The average lifespan of a common house spider is one year.

However, this varies by species, since some can live to be around 7 years old [3].

Does Vicks Keep Spiders Away?

Vicks vapor rub does help to keep spiders away. 

It’s made from camphor along with menthol, eucalyptus oil, and other ingredients. 

The overwhelming smell of menthol will cause the spiders to flee and avoid coming close. 

Conclusion: Prevention is Better than Cure

Nobody wants to wake up in the middle of the night to find a huge spider crawling all over their bedsheets.

Thankfully, they’re not too difficult to get rid of – it all comes down to keeping your room clean, maintaining it on a regular basis, setting up some traps, and applying spider repellents such as cedarwood, essential oils, or vinegar.

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Sources and References:

[1]. Maxwell, Robert. “What to Know About Adding a Door Sweep.” Family Handyman, 2020, https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/all-about-adding-a-door-sweep/.

[2]. Perrine, Miles. “How Long Do House Spiders Live?” Pest Control Zone, 2021, https://pestcontrolzone.com/how-long-do-house-spiders-live/.

[3]. Breuer, Julie. “How a Dehumidifier Can Prevent Silverfish, Millipedes, Centipedes and Cockroaches.” Batzner, 2019, https://www.batzner.com/resources/blog-posts/how-a-dehumidifier-can-prevent-silverfish-millipedes-centipedes-and-cockroaches/.