How to Get Rid of Spiders in the Basement Naturally – 8 Best Hacks

Spider problem? We’ve got some natural solutions! Find out How to Get Rid of Spiders in the Basement below!

Spiders are fascinating creatures known for their impressive web-building skills. These arthropods play an essential role in controlling insect populations and maintaining ecological balance. While many people appreciate spiders for their beneficial qualities, encountering them in the basement can be unsettling. If you’re wondering How to Get Rid of Spiders in the Basement, read this article to ensure a spider-free environment.

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How to Get Rid of Spiders in the Basement?

1. Peppermint Essential Oil

Scientific research supports the use of peppermint oil as an effective method for repelling spiders. It works because of its strong scent, which spiders hate the most. Here’s the best way to get rid of wolf and black spiders in the basement:

Supplies

• 15-20 Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
• 1-2 Cups of Water
• 3-5 Drops of Liquid Dish Soap
• Empty Spray Bottle

Directions

1. Add peppermint oil, dish soap, and water to the spray bottle using a funnel.
2. Shake the bottle well. Spray the mix around your basement, focusing on the corners, crevices, doors, windows, and any other potential entry points.
3. Alternatively, you can soak cotton balls in the prepared solution and place them in areas where you’ve seen spiders.
4. Reapply the spray or replace the cotton balls every week or whenever you notice the scent is fading.

2. Boric Acid

Boric acid is another great natural solution for managing spiders in the basement. It’s an abrasive substance that not only harms spiders’ exoskeletons but also dehydrates them once consumed. When spiders come into contact with boric acid, the powder sticks to their legs and bodies. As they groom themselves, they ingest the boric acid, which eventually causes death. If you want to use boric acid to get rid of spiders in the basement, here’re the steps:

Supplies

• Boric Acid Powder
• Gloves
• Face Mask
• Goggles

Directions

1. First, wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to prevent exposure.
2. Lightly dust the boric acid on and around the crevices of walls, doors, windows, cupboards, and baseboards.
3. Monitor the area regularly and reapply the boric acid as needed.
4. After the infestation has been dealt with, clean up the boric acid. It can be toxic to pets and children, so be careful during this step.

Note – If you have children and pets, avoid this remedy, as it can cause health issues.

3. Use Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are the best way to catch and monitor spiders in the basement. They are non-toxic; thus good to use around kids and pets.

Supplies

• Store-Bough Sticky Traps

Directions

1. Put traps in areas where spiders are likely to cross, typically along walls or in corners.
2. Keep the traps out of reach of children and pets. While the glue is generally non-toxic, it can stick to skin, fur, and clothing.
3. Check traps weekly and replace them when full or every 2-3 months.

Note – Remember, sticky traps are more of a monitoring and control tool rather than a complete solution.

4. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is made from tiny, fossilized diatoms. Its minuscule and sharp particles abrade the spider’s exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death upon contact.

Supplies

• Diatomaceous Earth
• Face Mask
• Goggles

Directions

1. Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth in areas where you have seen spiders.
2. Leave the diatomaceous earth to do its job.
3. DE only works when it’s dry. Since it’s a slow-acting substance, Reapply it every few days until you no longer see spiders.
4. Once the spiders are gone, clean up the DE using a wet mop or vacuum.

5. Thyme Oil

Thyme oil not only deters spiders thanks to its scent, which spiders find unpleasant, but also kills them on contact. According to this study, thyme oil is an excellent pesticide against spiders.

Supplies

• 10-15 Drops of Thyme essential oil
• 1 Cup of Water
• A Shot of Liquid Dish Soap
• Empty Spray Bottle
• Small Funnel

Directions

1. Fill an empty spray bottle with thyme oil, water, and dish soap using a small funnel.
2. Close the spray bottle tightly and shake it well to ensure the oil mixes thoroughly with the water.
3. Before spraying, ensure that the area is dry and free of any debris or dust.
4. Spray the solution directly onto the spider-prone areas. Focus on corners, windows, door frames, baseboards, crevices, and other spider-hiding spots.
5. Repeat the process regularly, and you will notice positive results within a week.

6. White Vinegar

Vinegar is all you need to keep spiders out of your basement. Its strong scent repels these arthropods quite easily. However, if you manage to spray the solution directly on the arachnids, the acetic acid will kill them.

Supplies

• White Vinegar
• Spray Bottle
• Water

Directions

1. Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Jiggle the bottle to mix the solution. Start spraying the prepared solution onto the areas where spiders are likely to hide or build webs. Make sure to cover the surfaces evenly with a light mist.
3. Spiders can quickly rebuild their webs or return to treated areas. Depending on the severity of the spider infestation, spray the vinegar solution once or twice a week or as needed.

7. Try Lemon

Lemon is believed to be effective against spiders due to its powerful citrus scent, which spiders find unpleasant. Follow these easy steps to get rid of spiders in the basement using lemons:

Supplies

• Fresh Lemons
• 1-2 Cups of Water
• Spray Bottle

Directions

1. Squeeze the juice from the lemons into a spray bottle.
2. Next, fill the spray bottle with water, leaving some space at the top to shake the mixture.
3. Secure the cap tightly and shake the bottle well.
4. Spritz the mix along the baseboards, corners, and any other areas where spiders are likely to enter or hide in the basement. Pay particular attention to cracks, gaps, windows, and doorways.
5. Redo the process every day or as needed to maintain the lemon scent in the basement.

8. Chestnuts

According to this study, the volatile oil released by chestnuts makes it a wonderful spider deterrent.

Supplies

• Fresh or Dried Chestnuts

Directions

1. Take a handful of chestnuts and put them strategically near the baseboards of the basement. Pay special attention to dark corners.
2. Chestnuts lose their aroma over time. To maintain their effectiveness, replace the chestnuts when their scent starts to fade.

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How to Get Rid of Spiders in the Basement: Precautions to Consider

When using the above hacks to get rid of spiders in the basement, follow these safety precautions to protect yourself, others, and the environment.

• Wear protective gear: When handling any pest control products, including essential oils, diatomaceous earth, or boric acid, it’s advisable to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask. This will minimize the risk of skin irritation, eye contact, or inhalation of fine particles.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets: Store all pest control products in a secure location that is inaccessible to children and pets. Even natural remedies can be harmful if ingested or misused. Follow the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Avoid direct contact: Avoid direct skin contact with undiluted essential oils, diatomaceous earth, or boric acid. If contact occurs, wash the affected area with mild soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
• Use in well-ventilated areas: When applying any pest control product, ensure proper ventilation in the area. Open windows or use fans to improve airflow, especially when using sprays or powders.
• Do not apply to food or food surfaces: Avoid applying pest control products directly to food or food preparation surfaces. Keep them away from utensils, dishes, or any other items that come into direct contact with food.
• Avoid over-application: Follow the recommended dosage and application instructions. Applying excessive amounts of products can be wasteful and may increase the risk of unintended exposure.
• Clean up spills and residue: If spills occur during the application process, clean them up promptly. Wipe down surfaces and dispose of any excess material properly.
• Consider professional advice: If you’re dealing with a severe infestation, consult with a professional exterminator.

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How to Prevent Spiders in the Basement?

Here are some measures you can take to prevent the infestation of spiders in the first place:

• Clean and declutter: Spiders are attracted to cluttered and dusty areas. Regularly clean and declutter your basement to remove their hiding spots.
• Seal cracks and gaps: Inspect the walls, floors, windows, and doors for any cracks or gaps that spiders can use to enter. Seal these openings with caulk to prevent their entry.
• Use door sweeps: Install door sweeps on exterior doors to stop spiders from crawling in through the gaps beneath the doors.
• Install Window Screens: Use window screens in the basement and repair the damaged ones.
• Remove outdoor debris: Keep the area around the basement entrance clear of leaves and woodpiles.
• Store firewood properly: If you store firewood in the basement, keep it away from walls to minimize the chance of spiders nesting in it.
• Vacuum daily: Vacuum your basement regularly to remove spider webs, eggs, and prey insects.
• Keep the basement dry: Spiders are attracted to damp environments. Address any moisture issues in the basement by fixing leaks, improving ventilation, and using dehumidifiers if necessary.

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How to Get Rid of Spiders in the Basement: Conclusion

Dealing with spiders is not an easy task. Luckily, there are reliable ways to get rid of spiders in the basement that are mentioned earlier in this article. Additionally, implementing preventive measures like cleaning, sealing cracks, and reducing moisture prevents spiders from entering the basement in the first place.

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