How to Keep False Widow Spiders Out of Your House

Written by Kevin Carrillo | Edited by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: December 13, 2021 References

It's always a little freaky stumbling across a spider, especially a large one like the false widow. Despite their name, false widows aren't dangerous like a black widow, but they may still bite when they're provoked. Luckily, there are a ton of things you can do to make those spiders go away. We’ll walk you through the best ways to deter false widows from your home and give you a few pointers on how to get rid of any spiders that manage to find a way in.

This article is based off an interview with our MMPC-certified pest control specialist, Kevin Carrillo. Check out the full interview here.

Method 1

Method 1 of 15:
Recognize false widows by their tan bodies.

1
Look for them and their webs in dark quiet areas of your home. False widows are usually about ³⁄₈ inch (0.95 cm) long and have tan or dark brown bodies. Their webs are usually messy without any patterns, and you can find them inside cabinets, underneath appliances and furniture, and in washrooms.^{[1]
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- Brown widows are typically found in Europe, but they're also found in the United States along the Pacific coast.
- Some false widows may have black bodies with lighter brown legs, however they won't have a red hourglass marking like black widows.^{[2]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Penn State Extension
  Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities
  Go to source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 15:
Keep your yard clean.

1
Tidy up around the outside of your home to get rid of hiding spots. If you have plants that butt up against your home, trim or move them away so false widows are less likely to get in. Clean up any wood piles or debris that’s in your yard, and mow your lawn so there aren’t as many places for spiders to hide.^{[3]
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- Wear gloves while you’re cleaning up your yard to protect yourself from any potential spider bites.

Method 3

Method 3 of 15:
Turn off your outdoor lights.

1
Lights attract insects that spiders like to hunt. Since false widows mainly eat insects and hunt at night, spiders usually build their webs near outdoor lights.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.} Keep your outdoor lights off as much as you can or switch to motion sensors so the lights turn off automatically.^{[5]
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- If you need to leave your lights on, try switching to yellow bulbs since they’re less likely to attract insects.
- If you can, put exterior lights on a pole away from your door so insects and spiders don’t come as close to your home.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 15:
Attract birds to your yard.

1
Birds hunt the spiders and offer a natural solution. Studies have found when there are more birds in an area, there are fewer spiders.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Make your yard more bird-friendly by providing birdhouses, drinking water, and native plants that they can feed on.^{[7]
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State of Massachusetts
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Go to source} The birds will pick off the spiders before you even see them.
- Replace water weekly to keep it fresh and prevent mosquitoes.

Method 5

Method 5 of 15:
Block off cracks and entry points.

1
False widow spiders can get inside through gaps along your home’s exterior. Walk around your home and check for any damaged areas where a spider could get inside. Seal cracks and holes in your walls with caulk, replace any broken screens on windows, and install weatherstripping on your doors and windows to block off the entrances.^{[8]
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Method 6

Method 6 of 15:
Apply insecticide around doors and windows.

1
A preventative insecticide stops spiders before they can get inside. Insecticides containing pyrethroids, like bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, permethrin, and tetramethrin, are the most effective against false widow spiders. Spray the insecticides around your home’s foundation and windows outside before temperatures get cold outside. You can also use the spray in areas where spiders hide, such as dark undisturbed corners.^{[9]
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- Pyrethroid insecticides stay effective for several weeks but you’ll need to reapply them.
- Pyrethroids can be toxic to humans and pets, so let the insecticides dry completely before letting animals or children in the area.^{[10]
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  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}

Method 7

Method 7 of 15:
Clean up clutter in your home.

1
Get rid of messes so spiders don’t have anywhere to build webs. False widow spiders tend to build their webs in areas without a lot of airflow where they won’t be disturbed.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.} If you have things lying around your home, spend some time deep cleaning and organizing. Try to remove items from dark corners or closet floors so spiders are less likely to build webs there.^{[12]
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Research source}

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Method 8

Method 8 of 15:
Seal storage bins and boxes.

1
Spiders won’t be able to get in or hide in tightly sealed containers. Spiders like to hide in boxes or dark containers since they’re less likely to get disturbed. If you have some things in cardboard boxes, tape all the edges closed so false widow spiders can’t get inside. Otherwise, move your items into a resealable plastic container or bag.^{[13]
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- If you’re cleaning out old boxes, be sure to wear a pair of gloves in case you disturb any spiders inside.

Method 9

Method 9 of 15:
Spray a homemade essential oil repellent.

1
The strong odors may keep spiders away from the area. Put 2 cups (470 ml) of water into a spray bottle along with a drop of dish soap. Add 5–7 drops of essential oil, such as rosemary, lavender, citrus, or peppermint, and mix the solution together. Spritz any areas around your home where you’ve seen spiders or where you think they’ll build webs, such as around window frames, in corners, or near exterior doors.^{[14]
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- Test the solution on an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn’t damage or leave marks on the surface.
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Method 10

Method 10 of 15:
Wipe surfaces with a citrus spray.

1
Spiders hate citrus, so they’ll avoid any areas you treat. Mix equal parts of water and lemon juice in a spray bottle to make your homemade spray. Spritz the spray on window sills, countertops, or doorways, and rub it in with a towel. The strong odors might be enough to deter the false widows.^{[15]
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- You can also use fresh citrus peels if you want to.

Method 11

Method 11 of 15:
Lay out sticky traps along walls.

1
These traps attract spiders and stop them in their tracks. Sticky traps have an adhesive on them that spiders can step onto but can’t get off. Set the sticky traps next to your walls near doors and windows where spiders usually travel. Check your sticky traps every few days to see if there are any spiders on them. If there are multiple spiders on the trap, then replace it with a fresh one.^{[16]
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- Sticky traps may also work to catch cockroaches and other insects that spiders prey on.
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Method 12

Method 12 of 15:
Vacuum nooks and crannies.

1
Vacuums destroy webs and kill any spiders they suck up. Make it a habit to vacuum at least once a week so you can keep your home clean. Use a wand or brush attachment to help you reach any webs on the ceiling or places you can’t easily get to. Pay some extra attention to the corners of the room and areas underneath and behind furniture where false widow spiders are more likely to hide.^{[17]
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- Vacuums have enough force to kill spiders as soon as they’re sucked up, but empty the filter outside just in case.

Method 13

Method 13 of 15:
Sweep away webs when you see them.

1
Destroy the webs to deter spiders from coming back. False widow spiders tend to make erratic webs in dark corners in areas where they won’t be disturbed.^{[18]
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Research source} Whenever you stumble on a web, use your broom or vacuum to knock it down. That way, the spider will leave and find a new place to build one.^{[19]
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Method 14

Method 14 of 15:
Capture or crush spiders you find.

1
Take care of single spiders as you find them. Put on some gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself. If you want to keep your distance, sweep the spider out the door with a broom.^{[20]
X
Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.} If you’re comfortable getting a little closer, trap the spider under a jar and slide a piece of paper over the opening so you can take it outside. If you’d rather kill the spider, use a newspaper, flyswatter, or shoe to crush it.^{[21]
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- Remember, false widow spiders only bite if they’re provoked, so they won’t cause you any harm if you leave them alone.^{[22]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kevin Carrillo
  Pest Control Specialist
  Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.}

Method 15

Method 15 of 15:
Call an exterminator for serious infestations.

1
A professional can help you manage spiders if they’re out of control. While it’s completely normal to see a few spiders here and there, dealing with hundreds means there’s a serious problem. Call an exterminator to find the source of the spiders and get rid of them with commercial chemicals that are more effective.^{[23]
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Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.}

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Warnings

Foggers are not effective at getting rid of spiders.^{[25]
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False widow spiders only bite when they’re disturbed. They usually cause pain similar to a bee sting, but they’re not dangerous.^{[26]
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Research source} If you have any other reactions, seek medical attention.^{[27]
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