Diatomaceous Earth Is the Secret to Getting Rid of Spiders Before You Even See One (2024)

While spiders can certainly be beneficial, by eating flies and other irritating insects, most homeowners prefer they stay outside. Fortunately, diatomaceous earth is a natural insect repellent that can kill spiders and other bugs in your home safely and effectively. Learn exactly how to use diatomaceous earth to get rid of spiders in your home, as well as some alternative forms of pest control you can try.

Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Spiders?

Diatomaceous earth is an effective insect repellent than can eventually kill a variety of bugs. This fine white powder is an abrasive substance that cuts the exoskeleton of spiders, ants, fleas, and other bugs, which dehydrates and kills them over time. Diatomaceous earth is an excellent alternative for those who want to avoid pest control solutions made with harsh chemicals, and as an added bonus, it's also very affordable.

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How to Use Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Spiders

Before you begin using diatomaceous earth, identify what is attracting spiders to your house in the first place. Keeping your home clean and clutter-free, locating and sealing cracks in your siding, replacing worn weatherstripping, and addressing excess moisture in your home are a few steps you can take to keep spiders out and give this natural insect repellent the best shot at solving your spider problem.

• Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around any potential access points where spiders are likely coming inside. This includes doors and windows, as well as any remaining visible cracks in your siding, baseboards, and such. You want to encourage the spiders to walk through the diatomaceous earth, so make sure you don't apply too much in one place. A light dusting should be your goal!
• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in basem*nts, attics, or other storage areas. These are prime hiding spots for spiders, so it's important to place the diatomaceous earth in these areas as well.
• After one week, clean up the diatomaceous earth and reapply if necessary. If you applied any diatomaceous earth outside of the home, you shouldn't need to clean it up, but consider reapplying.

While diatomaceous earth is a safe product, always use safety gear like gloves, a mask, and goggles while cleaning. Vacuum diatomaceous earth with a shop vac instead of your regular vacuum or wipe up the substance with a damp rag.

Other Ways to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Home

While diatomaceous earth is a safe and effective pest repellent, there are some alternatives you can consider to get rid of spiders in your home.

• Make a DIY spider repellent. Certain smells, like peppermint and vinegar, can be used to repel spiders and other insects, so consider making your own pest repellent. You can mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle or add 10 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle filled with water, then spray potential points of entry to deter spiders. Keep in mind, these homemade solutions will only repel spider, but they will not kill them.
• Vacuum spiders, webs, and egg sacs. Vacuuming up spiders, especially their egg sacs if you can locate them, can kill the creature and prevent your spider infestation from getting any larger.
• Apply pesticide to potential access points. Traditional pesticides are not always effective at killing spiders. Most bugs drag their bodies through the chemicals and eventually die, but spiders have long legs that allow them to gently glide over the solution. However, if you want try using a pesticide, target areas where spiders are entering the home, such as windows, doors, and any other cracks and crevices.