Overview

• Late September through mid‑October is the busiest period for house spider activity, with some outdoor hotspots lingering into early November.
• Guides promote low‑cost deterrents such as 50:50 white vinegar and water sprays, peppermint oil mixes with 15–20 drops, citrus peels or lemon‑water solutions, cinnamon, and even dried orange‑peel powder for corners.
• Pest specialists emphasize prevention over sprays by sealing gaps, adding door sweeps or mesh on vents, reducing clutter, vacuuming webs, limiting damp and food sources for insects, and storing firewood away from the house.
• Delivery tips include spritzing entry points weekly and using essential‑oil‑soaked cotton balls in hidden areas to maintain scent, with warnings to keep them away from children and pets.
• Safety and efficacy caveats persist: peppermint and some essential oils can be toxic to cats and dogs, vinegar may dull polished finishes, and many remedies deter rather than eradicate spiders, with claims like saltwater lethality remaining anecdotal.