Finding spiders in your house or garden can be unsettling, even though the vast majority of native UK spiders are completely harmless – and genuinely useful, since they feed on flies and other insects. For most people the goal isn't really to wipe spiders out, but to keep their numbers down and stop them settling indoors.
You'll notice them most in autumn: September and October are the classic "spider season", when mature males roam indoors looking for a mate, and we see spider-related enquiries climb at exactly that time of year.
The reassuring part is that you can manage spiders yourself, without expensive pest controllers. And here's the key thing: no single method does it on its own. In our experience it's the combination that works – proofing entry points, removing the prey insects that draw spiders in, clearing webs and egg sacs, and, where needed, targeted spraying. Here's how to recognise, prevent and control spiders at home.
📋 Quick answer: how to get rid of spiders
- Remove webs and egg sacs: vacuum corners, behind furniture, and loft/garage edges; empty the vacuum outdoors.
- Cut off their food: reduce flying and crawling insects by clearing crumbs, managing bins and recycling, fitting window screens, and using other insect control where needed.
- Proof entry points: seal gaps around frames, skirting junctions and pipework; fit or repair screens where practical.
- Use targeted controls: place monitoring traps in dark, still areas; use powders in cracks and void edges; keep sprays to cracks and corners only, following the label.
- It's the combination that counts: do these together, then monitor for 1–2 weeks – you should see fewer webs and fewer sightings if it's working.
What Are Spiders?
Spiders are members of the arachnid class, which includes joint-legged invertebrates such as scorpions, ticks and mites. Spiders and other arachnids are distinctly different from insects: they have eight legs instead of six, and two main body segments instead of three. The two body segments of a spider are the cephalothorax and the abdomen.
There are hundreds of species of spider in the UK. They come in various sizes and colours, but the most common UK house spiders are small to medium-sized and typically brown or grey. It's worth remembering that they're on your side: by eating flies and other insects, spiders quietly keep other pest numbers down.
Spider Behaviour
You may be surprised to learn that spiders are primarily nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night and prefer to stay out of sight during the day.
Spiders can be great for controlling the pest population in your home, because they feed on insects such as flies. They're well known for spinning webs to catch prey, though some species actively hunt without webs. Spiders prefer dark, undisturbed places such as basements, attics and storage spaces.
You'll see the biggest increase indoors in autumn (September and October), when mature males leave their webs to search for mates. That's the reason spiders suddenly seem to be everywhere at that time of year – it's not that more have moved in, but that the males are on the move and more visible.
Identifying Signs of a Spider Infestation
Spotting the signs early helps you resolve things in less time and at less cost. Here are the key signs to look out for.
Physical sightings
Spiders are often seen scurrying across floors or walls, especially at night or early morning. You may also find them on walls and ceilings, or in rarely accessed parts of rooms. Common spots include the corners of rooms, cupboards and bathrooms.
Spider webs
Webs are one of the most obvious signs. Different species create different types, ranging from messy cobwebs to intricate orb webs. Look for them in the corners of rooms, behind furniture, in undisturbed areas and in basements or attics.
Spider silk is slow to break down naturally, which is why regular vacuuming and dusting – especially in corners and behind furniture – is one of the quickest ways to reduce cobweb build-up.
Egg sacs
Spider egg sacs are small, white, silk-wrapped balls, usually attached to webs, hidden in dark corners, or under furniture. Each sac can contain up to hundreds of eggs, and as they can hatch in 2–3 weeks, numbers can rise quickly if they're not removed.
A quick note on false widows (Steatoda nobilis): most UK house spiders are harmless. If you suspect a false widow and you're worried (or you have recurring large spiders in one area), focus on vacuuming and removing webs, reducing prey insects, and proofing entry points. Seek medical advice for any worsening bite reaction.
Preventing Spiders
Prevention is the best strategy for managing spider populations, and the thing to focus on first. Here are several effective strategies.
Reduce rubbish and clutter
Spiders thrive in cluttered spaces, which offer food and hiding spots. Keep your home tidy with regular cleaning and decluttering of storage areas, basements and attics. Don't forget out-of-sight spaces such as above cupboards or kitchen units.
Seal spider entry points
Inspect your home regularly for cracks and gaps in doors, windows and walls. When you find them, seal them off quickly with weather stripping and caulk to stop spiders getting in.
Remove other pests
Spiders feed on other insects, so reducing the overall pest population in your home and garden makes it far less attractive to them. Regularly clean surfaces to remove crumbs and other food sources, and deal with any fly or insect problem, as this removes the very thing drawing spiders indoors.
Natural DIY Spider Control
Most people prefer to manage spiders with gentler methods first, keeping stronger chemical solutions as a later step. Because most UK spiders are harmless and useful, removing and releasing them (or simply deterring them) is usually the better first call than killing them. Here are several non-chemical methods we recommend.
Handpicking (catch and release): if you're not squeamish, you can remove spiders by hand. Invert a small carton or tub over the spider, slide a piece of card underneath to trap it, then release it outside – ideally some distance from the house so it doesn't simply return. It's quick, kind, and keeps a useful predator in the ecosystem.
Essential oils: spiders are sometimes put off by strong scents. The most commonly used are peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree oil. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply around entry points and areas where you've seen spiders. Treat this as a supporting deterrent rather than a standalone fix.
Diatomaceous earth: a fine, food-grade natural powder you can apply in dry cracks, along skirting and at entry points as a gentle option. It works by dehydrating small crawling insects – reducing the prey that draws spiders in – and helping deter spiders from settling. It only works while completely dry, so keep it to dry areas and reapply if it's disturbed.
Ultrasonic insect repellers: plug-in repellers can be used as an additional, supplementary measure alongside the basics. Results vary, so don't rely on them in place of proofing, prey reduction and web removal.
Spider traps: sticky spider traps can help capture and monitor spider activity, especially in dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, garages and behind furniture.
Natural predators: encourage natural predators such as birds and bats to visit your garden to help keep spider numbers in check. Some cats are also keen on catching spiders in and around the house.
Chemical Solutions for Spiders
If cleaning, proofing and traps haven't reduced activity, consider a targeted, label-led treatment. Focus on cracks, corners and undisturbed harbourage rather than spraying open floors or whole rooms. Always read and follow the label, ventilate well, and keep children and pets away until treated areas are dry and safe to re-enter.
One thing worth stressing: spraying works best as one part of the combination. On its own it won't keep spiders away if the webs, egg sacs, prey insects and entry gaps are still there – so pair it with web removal, prey reduction and proofing.
Fast knockdown sprays (for visible spiders): these can be useful for dealing with visible spiders and spot-treating localised activity. If you prefer a gentler first step, a pesticide-free insect spray labelled for spiders or crawling insects may suit. These are typically best for quick control of spiders you can see, and don't usually provide long-lasting protection on their own.
Residual sprays or powders (for longer-lasting control): for more persistent problems, residual powders or residual sprays (where labelled for spiders or crawling insects) are often the more effective DIY option. Apply lightly and precisely to cracks, corners, skirting edges and undisturbed spaces. Once dry, they leave an active deposit that keeps working, helping control spiders that move through treated areas later.
If you're unsure which product to use, where to apply it, or whether treatment is safe in your situation, don't proceed until you've checked the label or taken professional advice.
Cleaning and Repairing After Spider Infestations
Remove webs and egg sacs
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove webs and egg sacs, and dispose of the contents outdoors immediately so eggs can't hatch indoors and restart the problem.
Clean and disinfect
Wipe down surfaces and hard-to-reach areas, and vacuum regularly to remove any remaining spiders. Deter future activity by removing hiding spaces and food sources.
When to Use Professional Pest Control Services for Spiders
Spiders rarely need a professional, but if the problem persists despite your best efforts – or you're dealing with something you can't identify and are concerned about – you can call in help. You can find a qualified controller through the BPCA directory. A professional can offer more potent solutions and tailored advice.
Final Thoughts
By combining these strategies, you can manage and prevent spiders in your home. Remember that most UK spiders are harmless and helpful, so the aim is usually to keep numbers down rather than eliminate them entirely – and it's the combination that does it: regular cleaning and web removal, reducing prey insects, proofing entry points, and targeted treatment where needed. Expect to see the most spiders in autumn, so it's worth getting ahead of the season.
At PestBuddy, we're here to empower you with effective, fast, easy-to-use DIY spider control products. Explore our range to take control of your pest problems with confidence.
