What Kills Spiders Instantly and From a Distance? Experts Weigh In

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Easy, natural pest control tips for any household spider
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When your home is invaded by a creepy spider, you may be desperate to get rid of it without actually having to get too close to it. You can try vacuuming it up from a distance, spraying it with a spider repellent, or catching and releasing it outside if you can work up the nerve to get that close! In this article, we’ll give you every way to instantly (and distantly) get rid of a big spider, plus ways to prevent more spiders from getting into your home once you’ve dealt with the immediate issue—with expert advice from professional pest control specialists.

Quick Ways to Kill a Spider

  1. Vacuum up a spider with a regular vacuum or long-handled attachment.
  2. Squish the spider with a long-handled broom or other solid item.
  3. Spray the spider with an over-the-counter insecticide.
  4. Soak the spider with a natural pesticide like white vinegar.
  5. Set off a pest control bomb while you’re away from your home.
Section 1 of 6:

How to Kill Spiders Instantly

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  1. Get out your vacuum, plug it in if necessary, and set up a long-handled attachment if you’d like to put as much space as possible between you and the spider. Stand as far away from the spider as you can while still managing to reach it with the vacuum. Turn the machine on and place the end of the attachment over the spider. Take a moment to vacuum up any lingering web filaments while you’re at it! [1]
    • The force of the suction should kill any spider you vacuum, as well as its egg sacs. However, you should still immediately empty the vacuum canister in an outside trash bin (just to be safe).

    Vacuuming is one of the best methods to kill spiders from a distance.

  2. If you’d like to instantly kill a spider from a distance, take a long-handled broom and push the bristled end up against the spider while swiping downward. If the spider falls before you manage to smash it, smack it a few times with the broom to kill it. [2]
    • This method might be a little more panic-inducing because there is a chance you’ll simply knock the spider down but not kill it right away.
    • You can also simply squish the spider with a tissue, shoe, or other solid object. However, this method will require you to get within an arm’s length of the spider.

    Using a long-handled broom is one of the best methods to kill spiders from a distance.

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  3. “You can use over-the-counter [products] like Raid ” to kill spiders instantly, instructs pest control professional Hussam Bin Break. [3] There many options for commercial insecticides that are specifically designed to immediately kill spiders on contact. The potent chemicals in these products can quickly get rid of spiders—just spray the product directly on a spider to kill it.
    • Be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions on any insecticide spray that you want to use, especially if you have young kids or pets in the home.
    • The one downside to “these over-the-counter products is that they don’t have any residual effects. So, they kill on contact when you spray it…and [the spiders] die. But after a while, the spray won’t cause that residual effect” to keep more spiders away, says Break. [4]

    Spraying an insecticide is one of the best methods to kill spiders from a distance.

  4. 4
    Spray the spider with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water. Mix 1 cup (240 mL) of water and 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Test how far the spray bottle reaches so you know how close you need to get. Then, spray the spider repeatedly until it stops moving. In theory, the acetic acid in the vinegar can burn and kill the spider if applied in large quantities. [5]
    • Once the spider is dead, use a vacuum or dustpan and brush to sweep it up and throw it out. Wipe down the wall or area with a damp cloth to clean away the vinegar.
    • However, be aware that many sources claim that vinegar is not significantly effective at killing spiders. While the acetic acid content in vinegar can be harmful in spiders, the acidity of household vinegar is not typically high enough to do so unless the arachnids are practically drowned in the liquid.
  5. Purchase a pest control bomb and closely follow its instructions to deploy it in your home. You’ll have to close up your home and stay away for the timeframe specified on the package directions. During this time period, the bomb will fill your home’s air with insecticide and it has the potential to kill several unwanted pests in the area. [6]
    • As well as removing yourself from your home, make sure to keep pets and other inhabitants out of the house until you’re certain that the insecticide is no longer wafting in the air.
  6. Actual house spiders don’t pose a threat to humans and they can help keep your home free of other pests, like flies, moths, and earwigs. Either leave the spider alone, or place a container over it and carry it outside. Gently lower a glass cup or other transparent container over the spider, making sure that it’s trapped inside. [7]
    • Then, slide a piece of paper or cardboard under the mouth of the container. Lift the container and paper together, then move the spider to a safe outdoor location.
    • To release the spider from the cup, place it on the ground and gently tilt the container until the spider crawls out on its own.

    Warning: If you suspect that the spider is a brown recluse or black widow , do not attempt to catch and release it. Kill it with an insecticide made specifically for spiders. If you suspect an infestation, contact a professional exterminator to deal with them.

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Section 2 of 6:

How to Prevent Spiders in the House

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  1. Place sticky glue traps in corners or along any walls of your home where you’ve seen spiders. Check the traps every few days and throw them out once they’ve caught the spider or spiders—keep in mind that glue boards are unlikely to be as effective against larger infestations. Alternatively, regularly spray a residual spider pesticide along doorways, windows, and baseboards, under furniture, and in corners where you’ve seen spiders. [8]
    • Over-the-counter spider traps and spider sprays are low-priced and effective options for keeping spiders away from your home. However, it’s important to take safety precautions when using these methods.
    • Spider poison used in spray repellents is often toxic to humans, children, and pets. Avoid spraying insecticides anywhere where children or pets play or sleep, and follow the package directions for any specific safety steps. [9]
    • Sticky traps are less toxic, but the glue on some of them can still be harmful. If you have children or pets, place the traps somewhere where they won’t come into contact with them.
    • Also, spider traps can be problematic as spiders may release distress signals when stuck. This distress may trigger other creatures to attack them, bringing more dangerous pests into your home.
  2. Web-eliminator sprays make it difficult for spiders to get their webs to stick to different surfaces. Focus the spray on areas where spiders are most likely to hang around, like around windows and in the corners of rooms. [10]
    • Most sprays will also break down any current webs in or outside your home, making them easier to clean up.
  3. Both diatomaceous earth and crushed chestnuts are natural elements that can be fatal or repellent to spiders. Diatomaceous earth (DE) damages the spiders’ exoskeletons and dehydrates them, leading to death. Sprinkle the earth in small, thin layers in hard-to-reach areas that are frequented by spiders (e.g., the backs of cabinets). [11]
    • Alternatively, place freshly crushed chestnuts at spider entry points to repel spiders without actually killing them. [12]
    • Keep in mind that diatomaceous earth is incredibly toxic to pets and small children , as well as spiders. Avoid applying DE to counters, open areas, drafty areas, or anywhere involved in food preparation. Only apply the DE in thin layers and wipe up visible residue immediately.
  4. Some natural and household items are believed to repel spiders and keep them away without actually hurting them. Some of the most popular natural repellents include peppermint oil, saline solution, and vinegar. Apply these natural products “in strategic places,” instructs Bin Break, “like around the window and window train and in your living space, usually in the corner. This is where spiders usually prefer their spaces to be.” [13] Spray the perimeter of your home at least once a week with one of these DIY spider repellents :
    • Peppermint oil: Mix 20 drops of peppermint essential oil into a 32 fluid ounces (950 mL) spray bottle of water. Spray the mixture around your home, or shake it directly onto cotton balls and stuff them into spider holes. Alternatively, swap out peppermint oil with eucalyptus , lavender , citronella , citrus , or cinnamon essential oils . [14]
    • Saline solution: Stir â…› cup salt (19 g) into 1 gallon (3,800 mL) warm water and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray it around your home or directly onto spiders and their nests to deter them.
    • White vinegar: Mix a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray it around areas of your home where you suspect spider activity.
  5. Spiders are repelled by the scent of eucalyptus, but it won’t actually harm them. It also repels cockroaches, mosquitos, fleas, and flies, but it has a pleasing smell to humans—meaning it’s a relatively unobtrusive spider prevention method. Simply buy fresh eucalyptus online or from a local garden center and place it around the outside of your home. Or, grow eucalyptus in a planter outside your home to help repel spiders. [15]
  6. Spiders go where they have food and room to hide. Keeping your home clean of clutter, cobwebs, and other small bugs will provide less incentive for spiders to make their webs inside. Regularly vacuum or dust your baseboards, in the corners of each room, and in the corners of the windows and doors. Keep food in tightly sealed storage containers and put away piles of clutter such as old magazines, dirty clothes, and other large masses of junk. [16]
    • Keep spider-frequented areas like closets, garage corners, basements, attics, and stacks of firewood as clutter-free and tidy as possible to keep spiders from building webs in them.
    EXPERT TIP

    Kevin Carrillo

    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC

    Spiders will stay wherever there’s frequent insect traffic. So the more other types of insects you have, the more likely you are to continue to have larger than normal numbers of spiders.

  7. Spiders are attracted to light, especially at nighttime. They like to spin their webs in front of light sources so it’s easier for them to catch bugs that fly toward the light. Even just remembering to turn off outside lights when the sun starts to go down can help reduce the number of spiders on the outside of your home, making it less likely that they’ll find their way indoors. [17]
    • Using yellow or sodium vapor lights as an alternative to normal light bulbs can also help to attract fewer bugs (and, consequently, spiders).
    • Similarly, it’s important to place curtains or shades on your windows, especially at night. “At night, the light from your house shines out through your windows, which attracts insects,” explains Chris Parker, founder of Parker Eco Pest Control. “Spiders eat insects, so they learn that your windows are a place where they can build webs and hang out and catch food.” [18]
    • “By putting curtains up and blocking light from leaving your home, you’ll actually really reduce the spider activity,” asserts Parker. [19]
  8. Dark, damp places that attract other bugs are ideal homes for spiders, so take some time to clear your gutters of fallen leaves and debris every few months. Similarly, clean up fallen leaves and foliage around the perimeter of your home. [20]
    • Parker recommends “trimming your foliage at least one foot away from your house.” [21]
    • Spiders normally get into the home through cracks and crevices. Keeping the perimeter clean provides less incentive for them to find those cracks.

    Tip: Always wear sturdy work gloves while clearing out leaves and yard waste. If there are any spiders in there, the gloves should protect you from any potential bites.

  9. “Most spiders inside your home start out in your attics, crawl spaces, and other areas where there’s not a lot of human activity,” comments Parker. “If you can hire a pest control company or do it yourself to do air gap sealing in those areas, it can really eliminate a lot of the spiders coming in from those areas.” [22]
  10. If you don’t already have one, you might consider getting a pet that’s known to hunt and kill spiders. Cats, for instance, are natural predators that enjoy playing with and even eating spiders. However, spiders that are harmful to humans (e.g, black widows) are also harmful to cats. [23]
    • Some species of frogs, particularly smaller ones, may also feed on spiders.
    • However, keep in mind that pets are a huge responsibility, so don’t get a pet solely for the purpose of repelling spiders. There are loads of easier options for that issue!
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Section 3 of 6:

When to Call an Exterminator

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  1. In most cases, you can get rid of a spider in your home through basic methods (like taking them outside or squishing them with a solid object). However, there are some cases in which you may need professional help to deal with spiders in the house, including these scenarios: [24]
    • You have a large infestation. If you’re noticing a significant number of spiders (or webs and egg sacs) around your house, it may indicate a larger problem that requires a professional consultation.
    • You have a persistent spider problem. Maybe you know you have a minor infestation but have been managing it with home remedies and over-the-counter insecticides. However, if these solutions begin to lose effectiveness, a professional exterminator may be able to help you find a more permanent and effective solution.
    • You see a venomous spider. If you see a dangerous species of spider in your home (like a black widow or brown recluse), it’s generally not worth the risk to try getting rid of the arachnid yourself. Seek professional help to kill the spider while ensuring your own safety.
Section 4 of 6:

Should I kill spiders in my house?

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  1. Most spiders are harmless and can actually be an asset to have in your home, as they help to control other insect populations that are more harmful and annoying. [25] Pest control specialist Kevin Carrillo affirms this advice, saying that “in low numbers, a spider is your best roommate because it’s going to help keep away other pests that actually do bite and cause damage in your home.” [26]
    • “And most species of spider,” continues Carrillo, “are non-aggressive biters and will only bite defensively if you’re really agitating them. So, for the most part, having a spider in your home is a benefit.” [27]
    • However, there are some cases where you absolutely should exterminate a spider living in your home—specifically, if you see a dangerously venomous spider or have signs of an infestation. If you have reason to believe that a brown recluse, black widow, or other venomous spider is in your home, contact an exterminator immediately to take care of them.
    • If you begin to notice a large amount of spiders in your home, you may also want to get rid of them. Large numbers of spiders can attract more spider-killing pests to your home, including centipedes, scorpions, and larger spiders. In the long run, these new pests can cause more problems, so it may be worth killing or removing the common spiders you see in your home.
    • In other cases, consider letting the spiders in your house live or humanely removing them and placing them outside. If you have arachnophobia or are otherwise extremely uncomfortable sharing your space with spiders, however, killing them may be the only effective option for you.
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Section 5 of 6:

Which spiders are dangerous?

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  1. Among the thousands of spider species across the world, these three are the only ones considered to be dangerous to humans—aka, they’re known to bite and their venom is strong enough to cause a significant reaction. If you are bitten by one of these spiders, seek immediate medical attention. If you think you see one of these spiders in your home, look for these identifying signs: [28]
    • Brown Recluse Spiders : [29]
      • Light brown body
      • Dark brown or black violin-shaped marking on its back (adult recluses only)
      • Six eyes arranged in three pairs with a space between each pair
      • No stripes, bands, or spines
      • About 3 ⁄ 8 inch (9.5 mm) in body length
      • Flat, sheet-like, sticky webs
    • Black Widow Spiders : [30]
      • Shiny black body (young spiders have brownish-orange bodies with white banding)
      • Red hourglass pattern on underside of abdomen (females)
      • White markings with red spots (males)
      • About 25–38 mm (1–1.5 in) in combined body and leg length (females)
      • Irregular, strong, and tangled webs
    • Hobo Spiders: [31]
      • Brown or tan-gray body
      • Robust, slightly-flattened body with long, slender legs
      • Zigzag or herringbone pattern on abdomen
      • Two large palps near mouth that resemble boxing gloves (males)
      • Eight eyes in two rows of four
      • Funnel webs with flat, non-sticky filaments
    EXPERT TIP

    Elmer Bensinger

    Pest Control Specialist
    Elmer Bensinger is a Pest Control Specialist with Eden Advanced Pest Technologies in Spokane, Washington. With over 20 years of experience, Elmer specializes in integrated pest management and products such as insecticides and rodenticides. He studied business at South Puget Sound Community College.
    Elmer Bensinger
    Pest Control Specialist

    The easiest way to identify a black widow is the red hourglass on the underbelly. False widows are the same shape size and color, but they don’t have the hourglass. If there’s no hourglass, it’s not a black widow. With black widows, you’re also not going to see webs hanging up high—they’ll be building webs down low.


Section 6 of 6:

Common Household Spiders in the U.S.

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  1. Cellar spiders are a variety of spiders commonly referred to as “daddy-long-legs.” They have small and short bodies with very long legs that are often extremely thin and spindly. Cellar spiders are not dangerous to humans because their jaws are too weak and their fangs are too short to break through human skin. In the rare occasion that they do bite, the bites will be mild or even indiscernible. [32]
    • These spiders are often found in dark, damp areas that are seldom disturbed by humans and pets. For instance, daddy long legs spiders may populate in basements and attics and around pipe systems.
    • Although cellar spiders aren’t a harmful house spider, they do multiply rapidly and may leave large webs behind. Some homeowners dislike the mess of the webs, but they do effectively catch and feed on other pests that may be more menacing to humans.
  2. The American house spider is the most common spider found in the United States, and this species is usually brown, tan, or grayish in color. They usually have dark brown markings on their bodies and long, thin legs with dark rings at the end. They may also have black triangular markings on the top of their abdomens, and they’re typically about the size of a nickel. [33]
    • American house spiders are generally harmless and are considered to be more of a nuisance than a danger. While they have venom, their venom isn’t potent enough to cause significant harm to humans and pets.
    • At most, the American house spider’s bite would be similar to a bee sting with mild pain, swelling, itching, and redness. Plus, these spiders only bite when threatened or cornered.
  3. Black house spiders are a common variety of household spider in the U.S. These dark-colored spiders have charcoal-gray abdomens and white markings, although they’re primarily recognized by their black color and thick, rectangular bodies. Black house spiders aren’t aggressive but may bite if disturbed—their bites are not considered to be dangerous, but they may cause pain, nausea, vomiting, and sweating in some cases. [34]
    • The webs of a black house spider will typically be funnel-shaped, dense, and messy. They’re often found around window frames, wall crevices, eaves, and tree trunks.
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How Do You Kill a Spider From a Distance?


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  • Question
    What can I do to kill spiders instantly?
    Hussam Bin Break
    Pest Control Professional
    Hussam Bin Break is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Operations Manager. He and his brother Hussam co-founded Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area in 2018, and have since expanded their services to include the New Jersey market. Diagno Pest Control has received Home Advisor's Top Rated and Elite Service Badges for quality of work and customer service.
    Hussam Bin Break
    Pest Control Professional
    Expert Answer
    The best thing you can use are residual pesticides made for spiders since they'll keep working for a short time after using them.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/what-happens-spiders-sucked-into-vacuum-180956331/
      2. ↑ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/if-you-must-kill-that-spider-the-best-way-is-to-freeze-it-88586004/
      3. ↑ Hussam Bin Break. Pest Control Professional. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
      4. ↑ Hussam Bin Break. Pest Control Professional. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
      5. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/natural-pest-repellent-vinegar-257668
      6. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/safety-precautions-total-release-foggers
      7. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/living-rooms/ways-to-keep-spiders-away
      8. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/natural-spider-repellents/
      9. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/poisoning/insecticide-poisoning-dogs
      1. ↑ https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/indoor-outdoor-spider-control-guide/
      2. ↑ https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html
      3. ↑ https://www.scienceworld.ca/stories/do-horse-chestnuts-keep-spiders-away/
      4. ↑ Hussam Bin Break. Pest Control Professional. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
      5. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29309619/
      6. ↑ https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/indoor-outdoor-spider-control-guide/
      7. ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef623
      8. ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef623
      9. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2021.
      10. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2021.
      11. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/natural-ways-to-deal-with-spiders-4868267
      12. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2021.
      13. ↑ Chris Parker. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2021.
      14. ↑ https://www.catster.com/nutrition/can-cats-eat-spiders/
      15. ↑ https://8billiontrees.com/pest-control-exterminators/when-to-call-an-exterminator-for-spiders/
      16. ↑ https://daily.jstor.org/should-i-kill-spiders-my-home/
      17. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
      18. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
      19. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16639-spider-bites
      20. ↑ https://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pcreclusespiders.htm
      21. ↑ https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/spiders/black-widow-spiders/
      22. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/research/hobo-spiders
      23. ↑ https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/spiders/long-bodied-cellar-spiders/
      24. ↑ https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/common-house-spider
      25. ↑ https://australian.museum/learn/animals/spiders/black-house-spider-badumna-insignis/

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