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North America is home to 3,000 species of spiders. The vast majority of these arachnids are not dangerous; they’re more a nuisance than reason for concern. However, a few species—among them brown recluse spiders and black widow spiders—can cause real harm, though bites are rarely fatal.
You are watching: The Best Spider Killers of 2023
Whether your goal is to eradicate an infestation, keep dangerous local species at bay, or simply avoid the fear and annoyance spiders can instill, an efficient pest control program may be necessary. The best spider killer may contain either potent chemicals or natural compounds and can work well for repelling or killing spiders for days, weeks, or months after application.
Keep reading to learn about insecticide spray, dust, glue traps, and natural insect repellents. With the shopping considerations below, choose the most suitable product among some of the most effective solutions for insect control below.
- BEST OVERALL: Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth Insect Killer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Safer Brand Home Indoor Pest Control Spray
- UPGRADE PICK: Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Concentrate
- BEST REPELLENT: Wondercide Indoor Pest Control Spray
- BEST SPRAY: Mighty Mint Spider Repellent Peppermint Spray
- BEST TRAP: Brown Recluse Spider Traps by Catchmaster
- BEST FOR LAWNS: Ortho BugClear Insect Killer
Before You Buy a Spider Killer
Killing spiders with insecticides isn’t ideal for every situation or family—especially since spiders are generally considered beneficial. Still, those who’d prefer to keep creepy crawlies at bay may wish to consider an insect repellent. Some repellents may not work by deterring spiders directly, but instead keep their food sources—i.e., prey—away. Without an ample supply of insect snacks, spiders aren’t likely to settle in the home.
However, if the home is kept clean and free from clutter, spiders won’t find the abode as appealing. They’ll likely head outside and look for dustier, disorganized digs to hide in. In this case, DIYers who regularly tidy their homes may be able to avoid spider killers or repellents entirely.
How We Chose the Best Spider Killers
We thoroughly evaluated the key aspects that are included in many of the best spider killers, including versatility, type, quantity, and effectiveness. Our top picks can provide successful removal of many household and outdoor pests.
Many of the options in our lineup offer quick and long-lasting results and can also kill pests such as cockroaches, fleas, crickets, and scorpions. Plus, some of these options are nontoxic or humane, meaning fewer chemicals in a home or outdoor spaces for the safety of pets and children.
Finally, many of the best spider killers listed above also come in budget-friendly, large quantity options or two-packs for long-lasting use in the event of reinfestation. However, since some of our picks are chemical-based solutions, they should always be used and stored only as directed for safety.
Our Top Picks
Given the variety of natural and chemical-based products, there are numerous options available. These insect solutions are among the best in their categories and can help win the war against eight-legged pests.
Or, DIY Your Own Spider Killer
For those who don’t want to spend money on spider killers, they can make their own with a few common ingredients.
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of dish soap
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle for the easiest application method. Spray spiders and the areas they inhabit—around windows, baseboards, and areas where the invaders build spider webs. Vinegar will kill spiders as well as ants, wasps, earwigs, flies, and more.
If a repellent is preferred instead of a killer, mix the following ingredients in a spray bottle and use it around windows, doors, baseboards, and other areas where spiders may frequent or travel.
- 7 drops of either peppermint, tea tree, citrus, lavender, or cedarwood essential oil (it’s okay to use several of these oils as well)
- 1½ cups of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of dish soap
Jump to Our Top Picks
Our Verdict
There are several common spider-killer options on the market, such as Raid and Terro spider killer. However, they do not meet our sustainability guidelines and are not included in our list of recommendations due to the harmful chemicals used, which can cause damage to nearby aquatic ecosystems and friendly insects such as bees. These products are also aerosols, which pose their own risks to the environment if they use any volatile organic compounds as the propellant.
What to Consider When Choosing a Spider Killer
Keeping spiders away from the house and yard provides added peace of mind. However, there are a variety of types and ingredients to consider before choosing the right killer for current or potential spider infestations. Here are a few things to keep in mind while shopping around.
Types of Spider Killers and Repellents
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Pest control companies market a variety of products to control spider and spider mite issues. While many of these products work, some may be better suited for a particular set of needs than others. The best spider sprays, dust, and glue traps work in different ways, but all serve the same purpose—repelling or killing spiders.
Insecticide Dust
Natural spider killers for both indoors and outdoors may be diatomaceous earth. This compound contains fossilized aquatic organisms, available in dust (powder) form. Diatomaceous earth causes insects to dry out and die by absorbing oils and fats from their exoskeleton.
This versatile, nontoxic product exterminates spiders and other insects including bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, and ants. The natural dust starts to work within 48 hours, and since the compound does not break down, it’s effective as long as it stays dry.
Users can spread diatomaceous earth in a thin layer around plants, on the lawn, or anywhere else they want to get rid of spiders. While this product is considered safe, be careful during application, as it can irritate the skin and eyes.
Spider Sprays
Natural pest control concentrates and sprays repel spiders without the use of synthetic chemicals or other potentially harmful ingredients. These products offer a safer option for indoor use, particularly in households with young children or curious pets.
Natural spider killers are also available, and these products contain chemicals that can kill spiders in one spray. They can also treat areas where spiders may frequent or return. Their applications typically last longer than repellents as well.
Popular spider killer spray ingredients include bifenthrin, pyrethrin, and deltamethrin. These chemicals kill spiders by disrupting their central nervous systems until they eventually die, but they are considered generally unsafe if ingested or inhaled by people and pets.
Spider Traps
Traps are another safe means of controlling crawling pests in the home. They have a sticky surface that lures and catches bugs, holding them in place until they die. The best options fold up to keep pets and children from touching the sticky surface.
The added benefit of folding spider killer traps is that users won’t see a pile of dead bugs on the floor—and they’re also less disgusting to pick up and throw away. Place them along walls and baseboards where bugs are likely to travel.
Spider Repellents
Some folks appreciate spiders’ beneficial characteristics and prefer to simply shoo them and their food sources away from their homes rather than kill them. Those who feel that way may want to consider a spider repellent rather than a killer.
Most spider repellents consist of natural essential oils such as peppermint, cedarwood, lavender, sesame, and other bug-repelling oils. The spiders (and the food sources they prey on) find these substances unappealing, causing them to run from the treated area. As a natural product, they may require more frequent reapplication than other spider killers, but they’re generally safe for pets and children.
Ingredients & Scent
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The top spider killers on the market range from synthetic to all-natural formulas for killing, catching, or repelling not only spiders but other crawling insects. Some of the most common ingredients used in spider killers are Diatomaceous earth, synthetic pesticides and adhesives, peppermint, cedarwood, and sesame oil, or molasses. For users that prefer a non-chemical approach to pest control, ensure that the option you choose is made with organic or all-natural ingredients.
Some popular spider killers on the market use a scent to lure spiders and either catch, kill, or repel them. The most popular scents are either synthetic or all-natural and have peppermint, molasses, and/or peanut smells for attracting spiders or powerful floral or lemon scents for repelling.
Ease of Use
Most spider killers on the market are made to be easy to use with their trap, spray, or powder application types. Each of these options is a reliable source, but some options may be easier to use than others. Insecticide dusts and sprays are among the easiest options since they need to be applied as needed and last for long-term effects. But, homes with children and pets may not prefer the insecticide dust route since it can be kicked up and moved with foot traffic or consumed by curious pets.
Alternatively, repellents and traps also have the set-and-forget constructions users love but are less likely to cause any risk or lose their effectiveness if moved or knocked around.
Placement & Safety
Spiders have a pesky way of climbing into the house and then hide and create spider webs in high locations, making it hard to catch or kill them. Plus, keeping spider killers around the house may be a point of concern with children and pets running around.
While some options are all-natural and/or organic and will not cause any harm to humans or pets, many options have a covering or case to keep poison contained.
FAQs
If you’re new to DIY extermination, you may want to consult these answers to commonly asked questions about spider killers. If you have additional questions, contact the manufacturer of the product you purchase.
Q. What is a natural repellent for spiders?
Peppermint essential oil and vinegar are natural, safer alternatives to chemical spider repellents. However, natural repellents do not last as long. Mighty Mint Spider Repellent Peppermint Oil is a potent and pleasant-smelling spray that effectively repels spiders for 2 to 3 days.
Q. Where should I apply spider killer?
You can spot-spray a single spider, or treat your foundation, windows, doors, and other places where arachnids gather, like cracks, crevices, and crawl spaces.
Q. Is spider spray safe to keep in the home?
Natural spider sprays containing peppermint oil or vinegar are very safe. When used and stored correctly, chemical insecticides are safe. Precautions for storing insecticide spray include:
- Store pesticides where children and pets cannot reach them. Ideally, pesticides should be stored in a locked cabinet in a well-ventilated room.
- Never store insecticides near food or medical supplies.
- Store flammable liquids and aerosols away from ignition sources such as cars, grills, and lawn mowers.
Q. How do you dispose of empty insecticide spray cans?
To safely dispose of an empty can of spider spray, rinse the exterior of the container and cap over the sprayer. Dispose of the cap as you would regular household waste and dispose or recycle the container based on its material. All aerosol cans can be recycled once empty.
Q. How do you properly dispose of insecticides?
Unused insecticides should never be poured into sinks, drains, or toilets. This can contaminate local waterways as well as harm wildlife. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, pesticides cannot be eliminated from most municipal drinking water.
To dispose of pesticides, follow the instructions on the product label. These are usually indicated in a “Storage and Disposal” statement on the product label.
Q. How can I prevent a recurrence of spiders?
Treat the exterior of your home according to the manufacturer’s suggestions. The label usually has a treatment interval listed, so adhere to it when you’re putting together your DIY pest control plan.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
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Categories: Outdoor
