How to Keep Spiders Out of Basement: Effective Tips That Actually Work
- Mei-Lin Arora
- Sep 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Basements are dark, damp, and filled with nooks and crannies—basically, spider paradise. If you’re tired of finding webs in corners or spotting eight-legged visitors skittering across the floor, it’s time to learn how to keep spiders out of basement spaces once and for all.
The good news? With a mix of cleaning, sealing, and prevention, you can dramatically reduce the number of spiders in your basement without turning it into a chemical war zone. 🕷️
Why are there spiders in basement spaces?
Basements offer everything spiders love: food (insects), shelter, and moisture. Unlike attics, basements are closer to the ground and often have tiny cracks that make perfect entry points. If you see spiders in basement corners regularly, it’s likely because other bugs are thriving there, giving spiders a reason to settle in.
Spiders aren’t drawn to your basement because they love humans—they’re there for other insects. Cut off their food source, and you cut down their numbers.
Step-by-step: how to keep spiders out of a basement
1. Seal entry points
Caulk cracks in foundation walls, seal gaps around windows, and install door sweeps. According to the University of Kentucky Entomology Department, sealing is the most effective way to keep pests, including spiders, out of structures (UKY Spider Control Guide).
2. Reduce clutter
Spiders love hiding in boxes, old clothes, and piles of junk. Keep storage off the floor, use plastic bins instead of cardboard, and maintain open space.
3. Control moisture
Damp conditions attract insects, which attract spiders. Use a dehumidifier to lower humidity and fix leaks promptly.
4. Keep it clean
Vacuum webs, dust corners, and sweep floors weekly. Regular cleaning disrupts spider nesting and removes the insects they feed on.
5. Use natural deterrents
Some homeowners swear by peppermint oil sprays or cedar blocks. While not foolproof, they can help discourage spiders without harsh chemicals.
6. Install proper lighting outside
Basement windows and doors attract bugs at night if outdoor lights draw them in. Switch to yellow “bug lights” that are less attractive to insects.
A clean, dry, and well-sealed basement is your best long-term solution—repellents are only temporary fixes.
How to rid basement of spiders if you already have them
Vacuum directly: Safest and easiest method. Empty the vacuum afterward.
Glue traps: Place them along walls or near windows to monitor activity.
Professional pest control: If you have a severe infestation, pros can target both spiders and the insects attracting them. The National Pest Management Association highlights that integrated pest management is the most effective long-term approach (PestWorld Spider Prevention).
FAQ
How to keep spiders out of basement?
Seal cracks, reduce clutter, control moisture, and clean regularly to make your basement less inviting to spiders.
How to get rid of basement spiders fast?
Vacuum webs and spiders directly, use traps, and address any insect infestations fueling them.
What does it mean if my basement has lots of spiders?
It usually means there are plenty of insects for them to eat, so focus on eliminating the food source.
Are basement spiders dangerous?
Most basement spiders are harmless, though some (like the brown recluse in certain regions) can pose risks. Identification is key.
How to prevent spiders in basement long-term?
Maintain a dry, clutter-free environment, use sealed storage bins, and fix cracks or gaps around the foundation.
Final verdict: how to keep spiders out of the basement
The key to learning how to keep spiders out of the basement isn’t magic sprays—it’s sealing entry points, removing clutter, and reducing moisture so there’s nothing to attract them. Spiders follow food and shelter; take those away, and they’ll look elsewhere.
Consistent cleaning and prevention go much further than quick fixes. 🧹
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