How to Get Rid of Spiders in the House (UK) — Humanely & Sustainably

Spider season again? One minute it’s tea time, the next there’s an eight-legged sprinter in the hallway. If you’re eco-conscious, house-proud and a tiny bit squeamish, this guide is your calm, kind plan. We’ll keep spiders out of sight, protect wildlife, and keep your home cleaner the better way—no glue traps, no harsh sprays.

Quick Answer: Your kind, planet-first plan

• Seal the gaps. Fit brush or rubber door sweeps; seal cracks around pipes, vents and frames with silicone or filler. (Covers: how do house spiders get in)
• Cut the food source. Fewer crumbs and flying insects = fewer spiders. Wipe counters daily and vacuum corners/webs weekly. (Covers: what attracts house spiders)
• Manage light & moisture. Close curtains at dusk, use warmer-tone bulbs outdoors, ventilate steamy rooms, fix drips.
• Use gentle scent boundaries. A light peppermint-in-water spritz on entry points may discourage lingering—keep away from pets and never spray spiders directly.
• Relocate kindly. Glass + postcard: cover, slide, release into a sheltered spot outside. For ceilings, use a humane spider catcher.
• Stay calm. UK house spiders are mostly harmless; bites are rare (do house spiders bite uk).

Why you’re seeing more now (house spider season, UK)

Late summer into autumn, mature males wander indoors looking for a mate—hence the sudden hallway dashes (house spider season uk). They’re not chasing you; your route just crossed theirs. A tidy, well-sealed home gives them no reason to linger.

Prevention that actually works

1) Close the doors on them (literally)

• Install brush or rubber door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Seal gaps around pipes, wiring, extractor fans and loft hatches.
• Repair torn insect screens and fit fine-mesh vents where possible.

2) Make the house less tasty for spiders

• Keep a crumb-free kitchen: wipe tables and counters with a plastic-free Composty sponge after meals. Less prey = fewer spiders.
• Declutter dark corners and under-sofa zones where flies/moths hide.
• Empty bins frequently and clean stickiness before it attracts insects.

3) Tackle light and moisture

• Use warmer-tone bulbs outside and avoid leaving bright lights by open windows at night.
• Ventilate bathrooms and kitchens; run extractor fans; fix drips.
• In lofts/garages, store off the floor and keep dry where possible.

Deterrents: science vs. myths

• Essential oils: Peppermint at entry points can be a light, short-term boundary. Avoid high concentrations; keep away from pets, babies and fish tanks. Never spray spiders directly.
• Vinegar, salt, citrus peels: Helpful for cleaning/odour control, but not reliable spider repellents.
• Conkers: Great for crafts, weak for spiders. There’s no strong evidence they repel house spiders—treat them as décor.
• Commercial killer sprays & foggers: Skip them. They harm beneficial insects, add indoor toxins, and don’t fix the root cause (entry points and prey).
• Glue traps: Avoid. They’re indiscriminate and inhumane.

How to relocate a spider—calmly and kindly

1. Tools: Clear glass/tumbler + stiff card or postcard.
2. Cover & slide: Place the glass over the spider, slide the card under until sealed.
3. Walk outside: Release into a sheltered spot near a hedge, log pile or shed—ideally dry and undisturbed.
4. Ceilings/corners? Use a humane spider catcher with long reach to avoid climbing and stress.

Your eco-cleaning routine (Composty moments)

Less prey = fewer spiders. Here’s the weekly rhythm that quietly wins:

• Daily: Wipe counters, table tops and high-touch spots with a Composty sponge—plastic-free and home-compostable after a long life. It’s the better clean for your home and the planet.
• Weekly: Vacuum skirting boards and ceiling corners; remove old webs gently; mop sticky patches in the kitchen.
• After dusk: Close curtains or windows near bright lights; shake out door mats.

Safety notes for families & pets

• Teach kids the glass-and-card method. Brave points guaranteed.
• Keep essential oils away from pets and baby zones; always dilute and test on a small patch of surface first.
• If you suspect a false widow or have an unusual reaction to a bite, seek medical advice. Serious incidents are rare.

FAQs (based on what people actually search)

Are house spiders dangerous in the UK?

Generally, no. Most UK house spiders are harmless. Bites are rare and typically mild. Keeping bedding off the floor and doing gentle relocations removes most risk.

Do house spiders bite in the UK?

They can, but it’s uncommon. Spiders prefer to flee, not fight. If worried, relocate kindly and keep rooms clutter-free.

When do house spiders come out?

Mostly late summer and early autumn (the mating wander). You may also see them after heavy rain or during warm spells.

Where do house spiders hide?

Behind furniture, under stairs, in lofts, and in warm, cluttered corners—anywhere quiet with access to insects.

Can house spiders survive outside?

Yes—release them to a sheltered, dry spot such as a hedge base or shed corner rather than the middle of the lawn.

How long do big house spiders live in the UK?

Often one to a few years depending on species and conditions. They grow quickly in warm, food-rich spaces—which is why cleaning helps.

Printable checklist

• Seal: doors, pipes, vents, frames
• Clean: daily wipe-downs with Composty; weekly corner vacuum
• Declutter: lift boxes, tidy under sofas, store off the floor
• Ventilate: run fans, fix leaks, dry bathrooms
• Lights: go warmer outdoors; close curtains at dusk
• Relocate: glass + card, shelter release

The calmer home, the better way

You don’t need to wage war on wildlife to feel comfortable at home. A sealed, tidy, well-ventilated house plus kind relocations will do the quiet heavy lifting—and a plastic-free Composty sponge keeps it all beautifully simple. Better for your family. Better for the planet. Better full stop.