If you like to spend some time relaxing outdoors, the last thing you want to see is a big spider nearby. Even though spiders are really helpful, we know they’re still pretty frightening when they get too close. While you’ll never be able to completely get rid of spiders outside, there are still so many things you can try to keep them away. Keep reading for a ton of helpful ideas for keeping your patio clean and safe!

1

Spray chestnut or mint essential oils in problem areas.

  1. Strong odors could deter spiders from hiding spots near your patio. Some studies have shown that essential oil works effectively as a natural repellent.[1] Add 5–7 drops of a peppermint or chestnut oil to 2 cups (470 ml) of water in a spray bottle. Spray along the edges of your patio and anywhere else where spiders might like to hide, such as along your home’s foundation or in any dark holes or gaps nearby.[2]
    • Rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus essential oils may also be effective.
    • While there haven't been many scientific studies about vinegar being effective for spiders, it doesn't hurt to try spraying it around your patio's perimeter.
    • Citrus and peppermint oils are poisonous to cats, so avoid using them if you have any pets nearby. If you’re concerned about using other essential oils, ask a vet if they’re safe around your pets.[3]
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2

Spread diatomaceous earth around your patio.

  1. Diatomaceous earth dries spiders out and kills them on contact. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powdery substance that cuts through a spider’s exoskeleton and kills it. Spread some DE around problem areas, like any dark corners or cracks on your patio. Since rain and wind will remove DE, just be sure to reapply it if you have bad weather.[4]
    • You can buy DE from your local garden store.
    • Diatomaceous could be harmful if it gets on your skin or in your lungs. Wear a mask, safety glasses, and long-sleeved clothing when you apply it.[5]
7

Turn off your outdoor lights.

  1. Keep your patio dark to stop attracting other bugs. The main thing drawing spiders toward your patio are other bugs they're trying to hunt.[13] Since exterior lights attract bugs at night, spiders will usually build their webs nearby.[14] Only turn on your outdoor lights when you need to or get motion sensors so they’re not on the entire time.[15]
    • If you can’t turn off your lights, try switching to a yellow or purple bulb instead. Bugs aren’t as attracted to yellow lights, which may mean there won’t be as many spiders.[16]
    • If you can, reposition any exterior lights on a post that’s away from your home and patio so you keep the spiders away.
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11

Seal cracks and gaps on your home.

13

Apply pesticides as a last resort.

  1. Residual pesticides can help, but they’re not as effective outdoors. You only need to use chemical pesticides if you have a large spider infestation.[24] Opt for a pyrethroid pesticide that contains bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, permethrin, or tetramethrin since it’s the most effective for killing spiders. Spray the area around your patio with the pesticide, following the instructions on the packaging and focusing on dark holes or cracks where spiders hide.[25]
    • Chemical pesticides could be harmful to children and pets.[26]
    • Remember, spiders are beneficial since they hunt other pests, like flies and mosquitoes, so you don’t need to get rid of them completely.[27]
    Expert Answer
    Q

    What is the best outdoor spider killer?

    Luke Lewis

    Luke Lewis

    Pest Management Expert
    Luke Lewis is a Pest Management Expert and the Founder and President of Native Pest Management. Luke has led his company for over 7 years and specializes in pet-friendly and eco-friendly pest control, termite control, and lawn care. Native Pest Management was named as one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies in America. Luke holds both BS and MS degrees from the University of Florida and is a graduate of UF's Pest Management University.
    Luke Lewis
    EXPERT ADVICE
    Answer from Luke Lewis:

    Try lightly applying boric acid dust to your Dewebber head and applied to the eaves around the patio. When spiders come in contact with boric acid, they will die.

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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How do I keep spiders away from the outside of my house?
    Luke Lewis
    Luke Lewis
    Pest Management Expert
    Luke Lewis is a Pest Management Expert and the Founder and President of Native Pest Management. Luke has led his company for over 7 years and specializes in pet-friendly and eco-friendly pest control, termite control, and lawn care. Native Pest Management was named as one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies in America. Luke holds both BS and MS degrees from the University of Florida and is a graduate of UF's Pest Management University.
    Luke Lewis
    Pest Management Expert
    Expert Answer
    Installing screening around a patio will also greatly reduce the number of flying insects that act as food sources for the spiders, so you should definitely try that before taking other drastic measures.
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Warnings

  • If you’re bitten by a spider while you're cleaning your patio, try to see what the spider looks like and call a doctor to get advice.[30]
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  1. https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/spiders-brown-recluse-black-widow-and-other-common-spiders.html
  2. https://extension.umn.edu/insect-relatives/spiders
  3. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/spiders-in-the-home-5-512/
  4. Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
  5. Luke Lewis. Pest Management Expert. Expert Interview. 21 June April 2022.
  6. https://extension.umn.edu/insect-relatives/spiders
  7. Luke Lewis. Pest Management Expert. Expert Interview. 21 June April 2022.
  8. https://sunshineandplay.com/how-to-keep-spiders-out-of-patio-furniture/
  9. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7442.html
  10. https://extension.umn.edu/insect-relatives/spiders
  11. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/lawn-care-7-202/
  12. Luke Lewis. Pest Management Expert. Expert Interview. 21 June April 2022.
  13. https://cchp.ucsf.edu/sites/g/files/tkssra181/f/Spiders_FCCH_IPM.pdf
  14. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/pest-free-patio-outdoor-entertaining/2021/04/23/2525e602-a11b-11eb-a774-7b47ceb36ee8_story.html
  15. Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
  16. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/spiders-in-the-home-5-512/
  17. https://cchp.ucsf.edu/sites/g/files/tkssra181/f/Spiders_FCCH_IPM.pdf
  18. Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
  19. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7442.html
  20. https://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/ultrasonicdevices.shtml
  21. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/spiders-in-the-home-5-512/

About This Article

Luke Lewis
Written by:
Pest Management Expert
This article was written by Luke Lewis and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Luke Lewis is a Pest Management Expert and the Founder and President of Native Pest Management. Luke has led his company for over 7 years and specializes in pet-friendly and eco-friendly pest control, termite control, and lawn care. Native Pest Management was named as one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies in America. Luke holds both BS and MS degrees from the University of Florida and is a graduate of UF's Pest Management University. This article has been viewed 19,692 times.
7 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: November 30, 2022
Views: 19,692
Categories: Spider Control
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