12 Best Sprays for Spiders: Get Rid of Spiders Fast (Updated August 2023)

We all know that spiders are overwhelmingly beneficial creatures. They eat other pests and keep the air traffic down around the house. However, they’re also freaking unnerving to stumble upon, and not everyone can stand the look of an 8-legged killer bouncing up and down on its nest. And, anyone who’s experienced itchy spider bites probably feels their skin crawl when they see one.

For the folks who’d prefer never to deal with these arachnids again, we put together the following list of the best sprays of spiders in 2023.

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12 Best Sprays for Spiders

1. BEST OVERALL: TERRO T2302-6 Spider Killer Spray for Indoors and Outdoors 2-Pack
2. BEST VALUE: Black Flag Spider and Scorpion Killer 12-pack
3. PREMIUM CHOICE: Natural Armor Spider Killer & Repellent Spray
4. BEST WAND: Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer 
5. BEST PUMP NOZZLE: Wet & Forget 803064 Miss Muffet’s Revenge
6. BEST AEROSOL: Ortho Home Defense Max Ant, Roach and Spider
7. BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Mighty Mint – 16oz Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil
8. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Harris Spider Killer
9. BEST SPIDER REPELLENT: Mighty Mint – 16oz Spider Repellent Peppermint Oil
10. BEST OUTDOOR: Ortho BugClear Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes
11. ALSO CONSIDER: Harris Home Insect Killer
12. ALSO CONSIDER: Raid Essentials Multi-Insect Killer Spray Bottle

Our 12 Best Spider Sprays

BEST OVERALL: TERRO T2302-6 Spider Killer Spray for Indoors and Outdoors 2-Pack

Type: Insecticide
Active ingredient: Pyrethrin, deltamethrin
Kills: Black widows, brown recluses, hobo spiders, carpenter ants, cockroaches, scorpions, Asian lady beetles, and bed bugs

Whether you’re tired of spiders in your house, apartment, or office, Terro Spider Killer can get the job done. This aerosol spray can contains an insecticide formula consisting of pyrethrin and deltamethrin. It’s able to kill on contact but also leaves a residual treatment for lasting treatment for up to 4 weeks. This product is also affordable compared to some other products, so spider control doesn’t have to cost 8 arms and legs.

Terro Spider Killer works great against the “Big 3” spiders, which include black widows, brown recluse (also known as fiddleback spiders), and hobo spiders. It’s also effective against ants, cockroaches, scorpions, Asian lady beetles, and bed bugs (which also have sprays DIYers can use). While it’s great for treating surfaces, spots, cracks, and crevices where spiders can get in, it’s not suitable for food prep areas.

Pro

• An affordable price point means killing spiders doesn’t have to break the bank
• Kills on contact but leaves a residual treatment that lasts up to four weeks. 
• Works on Big Three spiders as well as ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, and more

Cons

• Not safe for food-prep areas

BEST AFFORDABLE: Black Flag Spider and Scorpion Killer

Type: Insecticide 
Active ingredient: Prallethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin
Kills: Black widow, brown recluse, wolf spiders, scorpions, and more

Saving a bit of money while also saving the family from all those spiders is possible with Black Flag’s Spider and Scorpion Killer. This aerosol spray can contains an insecticide formula consisting of permethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin. This allows Black Flag to kill a variety of spiders including black widows, fiddleback, wolf spiders, and scorpions (and many other insects and arachnids) while remaining affordable. 

Black Flag’s Spider and Scorpion spider killer allows for a stealthy, ranged attack, as it can spray up to 5 feet away, allowing users to reach spider webs and egg sacs. It kills on contact but also treats the area for up to 16 weeks after application. It’s safe for indoor and outdoor use, though not for food-prep areas. 

Pros

• Affordable price point allows users to take care of the spider problem for less money
• Works on a variety of spiders, including black widow, fiddleback, wolf spiders, and even scorpions (among many others)
• Shoots up to 5 feet away so users don’t have to get close to their prey

Cons

• Not suitable for food prep areas

PREMIUM CHOICE: Natural Armor Spider Killer & Repellent Spray

Type: Natural repellent and killer
Active ingredient: Sodium lauryl sulfate, clove oil, peppermint oil, sodium chloride, citric acid
Kills: All types of spiders including wolf, American house, brown recluse, cellar, daddy longlegs, hobo, jumping, and sac spiders

For a natural yet effective approach to killing and repelling spiders, check out Natural Armor Spider Killer and Repellent Spray. This natural repellent and killer contains sodium lauryl sulfate, clove oil, peppermint oil, sodium chloride, and citric acid, the combination of which kills spiders on contact. It also provides long-lasting, waterproof protection for up to 90 days.

This product comes in a 1-gallon container with a spray handle and hose, and provides enough cover for up to 1,000 square feet. All the user must do is shake the bottle and start spraying. It’s also worth noting that, when used as directed, Natural Armor Spider Killer and Repellent Spray is kid and pet safe—part of what makes it so expensive. 

Pros

• Kills on contact but remains effective for up to 90 days after application
• Covers up to 1,000 square feet per gallon, both indoors and outdoors
• It’s safe for use around pets and kids when used as directed

Cons

• It’s one of the most expensive products on the market

BEST WAND: Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer 

Type: Insecticide
Active ingredient: Bifenthrin, zeta-cypermethrin
Kills: All common household bugs, including spiders, roaches, ants, fleas, ticks, scorpions, beetles, silverfish, centipedes, and millipedes

Folks looking for the easiest way to apply their spider spray should consider Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer. This 1-gallon bottle features a battery-operated wand that pumps and sprays the insecticide for the user. The wand tip is adjustable to dial in the ideal spray pattern, and since it’s useful for both indoors and perimeters, that can be a big help.

This spider killer insecticide contains bifenthrin and zeta-cypermethrin, and it dries fast without staining or any odor. Each one-gallon bottle can spray up to 5,000 square feet, and it works for up to 12 months. While it’s not a spider-specific formula, it does work on spiders and their food sources, including roaches, ants, fleas, ticks, scorpions, silverfish, centipedes, millipedes, and more. It’s also safe for humans and pets once it dries, and it’s safe for use in kitchens, as long as it’s allowed to dry (don’t get it on food or dishes). 

Pros

• Spray wand is battery-operated to make spraying the insecticide a breeze
• Features an adjustable tip to adjust the spray pattern for different applications
• Provides up to 12 months of coverage against spiders and their food sources

Cons

• Not a spider-specific formula, but it does work against spiders and their favorite foods

BEST PUMP NOZZLE: Wet & Forget 803064 Miss Muffet’s Revenge

Type: Insecticide
Active ingredient: Bifenthrin
Types of Spiders: All spiders

Folks who want to pinpoint their spider spray with an adjustable pump nozzle might find that Ms. Muffet’s Revenge could be the answer to their prayers. The pump sprayer attached to this 1-gallon bottle has an adjustable nozzle and can spray up to 10 feet away, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

This spray contains bifenthrin, an insecticide that works against all spiders (except for black widows and brown recluse). It kills on contact and also kills and repels for up to 12 months after application. It’s suitable for use in kitchens as long as the user washes all dishware with soap and water before use (according to the manufacturer), and it’s safe for pets and children once it dries.

Pros

• Spray bottle allows users to adjust the spray pattern to hit spiders and spider webs up to 10 feet away
• Kills on contact and provides up to 12 months of protection after application
• Safe for kids and pets once it dries, and it’s safe for kitchens as long as food prep surfaces are washed

Cons

• Not effective against black widow or brown recluse spiders

BEST AEROSOL: Ortho Home Defense Max Ant, Roach and Spider

Type: Insecticide
Active ingredient: Bifenthrin
Kills: Spiders (including the big three), roaches, ants, and beetles of all sorts

The problem with aerosol spider sprays is that they can’t always spray effectively in awkward angles, and it’s usually those awkward angles where spiders like to hang out the most. That’s not the case with Ortho Home Defense Max Ant, Roach, and Spider spray. This can is able to spray at any angle, meaning users can spray underneath furniture and other awkward areas without worrying if the can is spraying.

Ortho Home Defense Max contains bifenthrin, making it an effective spider killer against the big three spiders, roaches, ants (including sugar ants), beetles, and more. It provides up to 365 days of protection, but it can also kill on contact. Also, there aren’t any fumes or odors to deal with, making it ideal for indoor applications (it’s safe for humans and pets once dry). However, Ortho makes it clear that this product is for non-porous surfaces, so it may not be effective on carpets and fabrics.

Pros

• Can sprays at any angle to allow users to treat floors, ceilings, and underneath furniture 
• Provides up to 365 delays of treatment against ants, cockroaches, and spiders
• Formula doesn’t produce any fumes or noxious odor

Cons

• Ortho makes it clear that it’s not designed for porous surfaces

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Mighty Mint – 16oz Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil

Type: Natural Repellent
Active ingredient: Peppermint oil
Repels: Spiders, ants, bees, stink bugs, mosquitos, and more

Folks who’d rather repel spiders than outright kill them should consider the Might Mint Insect and Pest Control spray. This spray’s active ingredient is peppermint oil, which is proven to be effective at repelling spiders, ants, bees, mosquitoes, stink bugs (if you’re lucky, you can get them before they poop!), and a range of other insect pests. And, should the user really need to kill an insect, it has the potential to kill on contact.

As a natural product, Mighty Mint spider repellent is safe for use around children and pets (use as directed, however). Just keep in mind that this is a natural product, and as such, it’s pretty expensive. 

Pros

• All-natural product made with peppermint oil for a safer spider control option
• Safe around people and pets, both indoors and outdoors
• Can kill if sprayed directly onto spiders and other insects

Cons

• It’s very expensive compared to other products on the list

BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Harris Spider Killer

Type: Insecticide
Active ingredient: Deltamethrin
Kills: Spiders, ants, roaches, Asian lady beetles, crickets, silverfish, and more

Those looking to upgrade their spider killing game with an effective, heavy-duty treatment should consider Harris Spider Killer. This product contains bifenthrin, and it becomes deadly to spiders and other insect pests once it dries. It’s also approved for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a flexible product.

Harris Spider Killer is a non-staining, odorless formula. It’s safe for children and pets once it’s dry, which is also when it becomes most effective against spiders and insects (it’s not a contact spray.  

Pros

• Heavy-duty formula designed to kill cockroaches, spiders, ants, centipedes, fleas, scorpions, and more insect pests
• Non-staining, odorless formula is approved for both indoor and outdoor use
• Becomes safe for humans and pets when dry, but deadly for spiders

Cons

• Spray has to dry to become effective, so it’s not a contact killer

BEST SPIDER REPELLENT: Mighty Mint – 16oz Spider Repellent Peppermint Oil

Type: Natural Insecticide
Active ingredient: Peppermint Oil
Repels: Spiders and other insects

Admittedly, this is pretty much the same product as the Mighty Mint insect repellent, as it contains the same percentage of peppermint oil and other ingredients. However, it’s slightly cheaper than the insect repellent, so it seemed worth mentioning.

This product contains peppermint oil, which is proven to repel most insects (including spiders). It has an adjustable spray nozzle for dialing in the ideal spray pattern and distance. It’s safe for use around children and pets, as well. Keep in mind, though, despite being slightly cheaper than the other Mighty Mint product, it’s still expensive.

Pros

• Natural spray designed specifically for repelling spiders
• It’s safe for use around pets and children, yet repels spiders and other insects effectively
• Slightly less expensive than Might Mint’s Insect Repellent (despite being essentially the same product)

Cons

• It’s still not inexpensive despite being slightly cheaper than the Insect Repellent

BEST OUTDOOR: Ortho BugClear Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes

Type: Insecticide
Active ingredient: Bifenthrin, cypermethrin
Kills: Spiders, ants, ticks, mosquitos, fleas, and more

Even outdoor spaces can be spider-free, especially with Ortho BugClear Insect Killer for Lawns and Landscape to lean. This Ortho lawn insect killer product attaches to a standard garden hose and allows the user to spray the yard and perimeter of the home, providing protection for up to 6 months.

This insect spray product contains bifenthrin and cypermethrin, making it an effective solution for spiders, ants, ticks, mosquitos, fleas, and more. This means it not only kills spiders but also their favorite foods, making it the best spider barrier spray for yards. Unfortunately, it’s not a spider-specific formula like some of the other products.

Pros

• Designed to be applied to lawns to keep bug populations down
• Effective against spiders and their prey
• Kills immediately and lasts for up to 6 months

Cons

• Not a spider-specific formula

ALSO CONSIDER: Harris Home Insect Killer

Type: Insecticide
Active ingredient: Deltamethrin
Kills: Spiders, roaches, kudzu bugs, stink bugs, and ants

ALSO CONSIDER: Raid Essentials Multi-Insect Killer Spray Bottle

Type: Natural repellent and killer
Active ingredient: Geranoil, lemongrass oil
Kills: Spiders, ants, roaches, and more

Signs of a Spider Infestation

Before choosing the right spray, you need to assess whether you have a few spiders or a whole spider infestation. There are some signs to look out for:

• Webs around the property
• Egg sacs
• Spider poop
• Multiple sightings each day
• Finding molted bodies
• And more.. click here for more signs of a spider infestation

Any of these signs is a bad omen for you, and you may need a heavy-duty spray for spiders. Be sure to check the areas spiders prefer, such as corners, storage areas, baseboards, under furniture, crawl spaces, basements, and other areas that remain largely undisturbed for the majority of the year. Infestations often start in these areas.

Types of spider sprays

The best spider sprays aren’t all the same. There are several types of sprays for spiders, each with a different function, but all with the same goal: getting rid of spiders.

Natural Spider Repellents and Killers

Spider repellents are ideal for folks who don’t want to kill spiders, but would rather not share their home with them. These folks recognize spiders’ benefits (which isn’t always the case with other beneficial species like earwigs), so they opt for products that chase them away with ingredients like peppermint, lavender, orange oil, and other natural oils. Both the spiders and the creepy crawlies spiders eat dislike these smells, so they’re unlikely to inhabit homes that use them.

It’s worth noting that despite being natural oils, some of these products will kill a spider, depending on their concentration and if direct contact is made (ie, you lit ‘em up with the bottle). But repellents are usually kid- and pet-safe, and they can even make the home smell better (but be sure to check your label and do some research first).

Spider Insecticides

Insecticides are designed to kill. These products contain synthetic chemicals that disrupt a bug or arachnid’s central nervous system, paralyzing and killing them. They’re extremely effective at killing the lone spider, but they also have a residual effect that can kill spiders that come in contact with the chemical for weeks after application.

Insecticides aren’t good for humans (children or adults) or pets. However, if they’re used as directed on the label, most homeowners should be able to perform safe insecticide applications while keeping pets and children away from the area for the prescribed amount of time. Many homeowner-marketed insecticides require long-term or heavy exposure to cause serious issues, but it’s still important to minimize contact with these chemicals at all costs.

Spider Dusts

Spider dusts are a great, relatively safe way to get rid of spiders and other crawling insects. Diatomaceous earth, for instance, is a naturally-occurring dust made of microscopic sea organisms. As these organisms die and crystalize, they become sharp and will cut the exoskeleton of crawling insects and bugs that walk across them. This causes the bug to dehydrate and die. These chemicals can also remove oils and fats from the bug’s surface to hasten the dehydration process.

Applying DE is simple: just apply a light film to surfaces spiders are likely to walk across. Baseboards, flooring under furniture, window sills, and the like. The film should be so thin that you cannot see it. Try to keep children and pets away from these areas just to prevent them from disturbing the dust.

Boric acid is another popular spider dust. It’s important to understand that boric acid is considerably less safe than diatomaceous earth, but it serves the same purpose and functions the same way. However, it’s important to keep children and pets away from this powder as it is potentially harmful to them.

Insecticide dusts will typically last indefinitely, as long as they don’t blow away or get wet, making them one the best ways to get rid of spiders indoors.  

Spider Traps

The final option to consider is spider traps. Spider traps are sticky mats that users can lay on horizontal surfaces (or stick to vertical surfaces), and once the spider walks across them, they get stuck on the spider trap, dehydrate, and die. Other bugs will get stuck on these mats too, and the user throws them away when they become full.

Spider traps can control spiders one at a time, catching a random spider or two, but they’re not super effective at controlling populations. However, they’re another helpful tactic in the war against spiders, and they can catch plenty of the pests that spiders feed on.

Common Insecticide Ingredients

Each product features an “active ingredient” or two. These ingredients are the chemicals or natural oils that either kill or repel the spiders.

Common insecticide ingredients include bifenthrin, pyrethrin, deltamethrin, prallethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and zeta-cypermethrin. In popular pest control forums and threads, they refer to these chemicals as “the thrins.” Generally speaking, they’re safe enough for folks to re-enter the home after application, but they must be applied by following the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Other ingredients that get rid of spiders include natural products like essential oils. These oils (usually derived from herbs) are effective at either killing or repelling bugs. They include lavender, peppermint, orange, lemon, chrysanthemum (actually the base plant from which pyrethrin is derived), basil, citronella, and catnip, among many others. 

How to use spider sprays

Spider sprays are the easiest spider control products to use to get rid of spiders. Whether they’re in a pump bottle, aerosol can, or regular spray bottle, they’re quick and easy to apply. Here’s how it’s done:

1. First, read the label. The label on the product will describe the approved application of the product. If there are areas to avoid, the label will tell you.
2. Identify areas where spiders are likely to hang out. This includes corners where walls meet ceilings, windows, under furniture, and other similar places.
3. Spray these areas with the spider spray. Move furniture away from the wall and focus along the floor and baseboards. 
4. Allow the spray to dry before resuming normal activities.

How to create a DIY spray for spiders

Purchasing a spider spray is not your only option. If you have a spray bottle around, as well as some basic household products, you can DIY a spider spray yourself. Mix the following products in a plastic or glass spray bottle:

• One cup of warm water
• One cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• One tablespoon of Dawn or another dish soap

This solution is effective against spiders and a slew of the bugs they eat, including carpenter ants, wasps, earwigs, flies (including fruit flies), and more crawling pests. For a little more strength, decrease the amount of water. Spray this anywhere spiders frequent, but you can also douse any individual spiders you run into one at a time. If you opt for the glass spray bottle, you can shop for a nice one and leave it on the counter so it’s always handy.

Also, you can add an essential oil for to improve the potency and scent. Peppermint essential oil, is a great choice as its an effective spider repellent and smells great. You can also take the leaves from a mint plant, shred them, and place them in the bottle. These all natural ingredients can be effective against most spiders, from a house spider to a brown recluse or black widow.

Essential oils

You can make a similar solution with essential oils to get rid of spiders. Mix warm water, a teaspoon or two of Dawn, and a few drops of lavender, peppermint, cedarwood, tea tree, lemon, or orange oil in a bottle. You can mix and match these oils to find the perfect scent.

Spraying these solutions where spiders linger will chase them away and prevent them from coming back. Just note that this natural approach may require more frequent application.

How to keep spiders away naturally

There are options for simply keeping spiders away naturally,  but it takes a bit of time and planning. However, the following tips will help:

1. Landscape around the home with plants that spiders do not like. This includes peppermint (careful, it runs rampant), marigolds, eucalyptus, lavender, basil, chrysanthemums, citronella grass, and other spider chasers.
2. Seal any cracks and gaps around the home’s foundations, as well as window and door frames to keep spider food sources (all those bugs in your home) from getting in. Minimizing the food they eat is the most effective way to keep spiders out of the home.
3. Keep the home clean, dust-free, and clutter-free. Dust creates the perfect environment for many insects (such as dust mites), and spiders will move in to chase them. Plus, spiders simply like dusty areas because these areas are undisturbed. They can lay eggs and build nests in these areas, so they seek them out. 

When to call a pro

If you’ve tried every one of the best spider killers and every spray, trap, and home remedy possible, but still can’t seem to get rid of spiders, it may be worth calling a professional pest control service. These pest control companies know what to look for when searching for potential spider entry points, and they have the products to effectively kill and get rid of spiders. 

Note that the pest control company’s first plan of attack is likely to minimize the other bugs inside the home. They’ll provide tips and tricks based on your lifestyle, as well as use products and methods that are effective on spiders and their food sources, such as termite treatments, fly traps, or these methods for controlling clover mites. 

While the products that professional services use are typically far from environmentally safe, it’s often better for a professional to apply these chemicals than a DIYer. They know how much of each product to use and how to apply it safely. 

FAQs

Feeling like a spider spray expert after all that information? Maybe. But if you still have questions about how to get rid of spiders, we’ll try to answer them below.

What spray is best to kill spiders?

The fastest way to get rid of spiders (or simply kill spiders without a slipper or rolled-up newspaper) is to shoot them with a spider spray. These pest control treatment insecticides disrupt their central nervous systems and kill them quickly.

What do professionals use to spray for spiders?

Professionals typically use insecticides like cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin. These are the chemical names, but the product names may vary.

What is the best way to keep spiders out of your house?

The best way to keep spiders out of your house is to seal the cracks and gaps around the foundation, windows, and doors to keep their food sources out of the home. Spiders will come inside for shelter during winter months, but their real draw is the insects they feed on. If you want to get rid of spiders, get rid of the insect pests they feed on.

What smell do spiders hate?

Spiders hate a wide variety of smells, including:

• Lavender
• Mint
• Orange
• Lemon
• Citronella
• Basil
• Catnip
• And more

These smells are proven to deter spiders, and some may even be able to kill them if sprayed directly. They’re also proven forms of insect control for other species, as well. 

Do spiders like dirty or clean rooms?

Spiders tend to prefer dirty, dusty spaces. To them, dusty spaces appear undisturbed, which makes them the perfect spaces for building a web (which takes time and energy) and laying eggs.