How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Car

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Although usually harmless, spiders are invasive and can cause damage to your car's interior. Whether you're preventing or controlling a spider infestation, you can use one of several techniques to keep spiders away from your car. Cleaning your car, using natural spider repellents, and changing the way you park or use the lights can all help get rid of spiders in your car. With time and diligence, your car will be clean and spider-free again!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Preventing Spider Infestations

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    Spiders hide in any dark, secluded space they can find, so do your best to eliminate hiding spots in your vehicle. Throw away any garbage in your car and place all items you don't need in a plastic or reusable bag. Place the bag in the trunk and, when you have time, take it out of the car and drop it off at your home. [1]
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    Clean and vacuum your car thoroughly. Spiders like to hide in dark, dirty areas. Taking the time to clean out your car can prevent spiders from finding places to live within it. Vacuum your car's floors, paying special attention to corners or any crumbs, and wipe down the interior. [2]
    • Try to clean out your car at least once a week to prevent infestations.
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    Run your fingers along the rubber seals along each door and check for damage. If you notice any cracks or broken areas, hire a mechanic to repair or replace your rubber seals. [3]
    • Because spiders can enter your car through small holes, rubber seals are essential for keeping spiders out.
    • If you notice dirt or debris clogging the rubber seals, clean them with a wet washcloth to improve their efficiency.
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    The vibrations that idling cars make disturb spiders and, while trying to escape the vibrations, may cause them to hide in your car. If possible, avoid turning your car on before you need it, particularly if your car is prone to spider infestations. [4]
    • Spiders move towards, not away from, idling cars because they expect to find a "ground zero" in the car where the vibrations can't hurt them. It's comparable to seeking shelter in the eye of a hurricane.
    • The larger your car is, the more likely that it will attract spiders while idling.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Spider Repellents

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    Because of their strong scent and taste, several essential oils repel spiders and other insects. Mix 5-7 drops of an essential oil with 2 cups (470 mL) of water in a spray bottle and spritz it around your car. The following essential oils work particularly well for repelling spiders: [5]
    • Citrus
    • Rosemary
    • Garlic
    • Peppermint
    • Lavender
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    Eucalyptus leaves are a natural spider repellent with a botanical smell. Place fresh eucalyptus leaves in your car's storage compartments (like the trunk and glove box) to ward off spiders from a specific area.
    • You can buy eucalyptus leaves online or from some plant nurseries.
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    Look for spider repellents at outdoor, garden, or home improvement stores. Choose a spider repellent labeled "non-toxic" to prevent poisoning or skin irritation. Spray it on the vents, door mirrors, tires, and under the hood, as these are the 4 most likely places for spiders to hide out in your car. Reapply the spider repellent once a week to ward off future infestations. [6]
    • Because you and other people will be sitting in your car, don't use toxic spider repellents.
    • If you notice spiders in other areas of your car, feel free to spray the repellant there as well. But, avoid spraying any electronics like the radio or car charging port.
    • Use a cotton bud to apply the repellent around the rubber door seals as well.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Controlling Car Infestations

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    Remove any spiders that you see while cleaning to prevent them from laying eggs in your car. Trap the spider with a cup or with your hands and exterminate it or release it far away from your car. [7]
    • If you can't or would prefer not to touch the spiders, set up spider sticky traps around the car where you've seen spiders before.
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    Using a vacuum with a tube attachment, look for and suck away any spider egg sacks, webs, or additional spiders that you see. Pay special attention to the corners or areas under mats and chairs. Suck up any dirt, crumbs, or other debris you see as well—it could be attracting the spiders. [8]
    • After vacuuming the car, remove the vacuum bag and discard it far away from your car to prevent any spiders from escaping.
    • Spider egg sacks are usually small, oval-shaped grey bundles with a silky consistency.
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    Spiders are attracted to bright lights, so keep your inside car lights turned off at all times if you've noticed an infestation. At night when you need your exterior lights on, turn them off immediately after parking. [9]
    • If someone uses electronics in your car, ask them to turn the screen to a low brightness setting.
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    Spiders are most likely to slip through any cracks, gaps, or holes in your car's exterior. Inspect your car for damage, particularly any holes leading to your car interior, and fix them yourself or take your car to a certified mechanic for repairs. Eliminating open spaces will make it more difficult for spiders to enter your car.
    • This only applies to cracks, gaps, or holes made by damage. Never try to seal your car's doors, vents, windows, or pipes.
    • If you have a broken or cracked windshield, for example, repair it yourself or hire a mechanic to fix it as soon as possible.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why do I keep finding spiders in my car?
    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
    Expert Answer
    It's likely that there are other bugs somewhere in you car that are attracting the spiders. Clean your car out thoroughly and remove any debris that may be attracting other bugs into your vehicle. Once their food is gone, the spiders should leave on their own.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What attracts spiders in your car?
    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
    Expert Answer
    Spiders may come to your car because of food debris and the presence of other bugs. Keeping your car clean may make it less desirable to spiders.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      • Diesel cars are most likely to attract spiders because of their size and tendency to vibrate while idling. Don't use or purchase diesel cars if you're strongly concerned about spider infestations. [10]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-spiders/
      2. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist, MMPC. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
      3. ↑ https://www.driving.co.uk/car-clinic/car-clinic-how-do-i-get-rid-of-spiders-from-my-toyota-prius-and-vw-golf/
      4. ↑ https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/this-is-the-reason-you-could-be-finding-spiders-in-your-car/news-story/1405a1ea40ef766fb3b29851c0c81f02
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-spiders/
      6. ↑ https://www.driving.co.uk/car-clinic/car-clinic-how-do-i-get-rid-of-spiders-from-my-toyota-prius-and-vw-golf/
      7. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/pest-control/how-to-get-rid-of-spiders/
      8. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist, MMPC. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
      9. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-spiders/
      1. ↑ https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/this-is-the-reason-you-could-be-finding-spiders-in-your-car/news-story/1405a1ea40ef766fb3b29851c0c81f02

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To keep spiders out of your car, start by getting rid of existing spiders. Trap any spiders you see and release them far away from your car. Then, vacuum the full interior to remove any eggs, webs or additional spiders. To prevent spiders from getting inside your car, remove any garbage and unnecessary clutter to eliminate hiding spots. Vacuum your car thoroughly once a week to keep it free of crumbs and wipe down the interior. If you want to repel spiders from your car, try using a homemade, essential oil spray. Combine 5 to 7 drops of essential oil such as citrus, rosemary, or peppermint with 2 cups of water and spritz it around your car. For more tips on keeping spiders out of your car, like how to use eucalyptus leaves as a repellent, read on!

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