The thought of spiders crawling on the skin in the middle of the night may trigger insomnia in even the heaviest sleepers. Not only does physical contact with these creatures feel gross but popular breeds such as the Black Widow and Brown Recluse Spiders can release venom that may be harmful to the body.

Spider bites are usually characterized by red, itchy, and swollen bumps that may hurt considerably. This is why doing everything to keep them away from your bed can be so important. Keep in mind that these little insects can be extremely sneaky by hiding in areas where they cannot be easily found.

No wonder most homeowners never even realize the presence of these pesky insects in their homes until some form of damage has already been done.

How do you Keep Spiders Away While Sleeping?

While bedbugs get all the rap for invading bedrooms, spiders can be a formidable opponent that may cause significant sleep disturbances. Taking a passive approach to these insects usually never works which is why lots of techniques have to be followed.

Here are the most tried and tested ways to keep spiders away from the bedroom.

1. Clean Bed

Like other insects, spiders are attracted to dirty bed surfaces with stinky bedding and other signs of neglect. This is why keeping your bed clean at all times can be such an important part of repelling insects.

It is imperative that all sheets and bedding are changed every 2-3 days to eliminate body odors, dead skin cells, and dirt. Additionally, vacuuming the mattress periodically can be a smart idea especially if you sweat a lot in bed.

The good news is that a thoroughly clean bed may not only keep spiders away but can also transform the quality of your sleep. This means killing two birds with one stone.

Looking for detailed step by step instructions to clean your mattress? Click to read the article we wrote on How To Clean A Memory Foam Mattress.

2. Keep The Under-bed Space Clear and Clean

The temptation to neglect the space under your bed can be high even if you generally sleep in a clean bedroom. Many of us use the under-bed area as storage space for keeping dirty shoes, dirty clothes, and other unsavory personal effects.

Even if the other areas of the bedroom are generally clean, failure to pay attention to space under the bed can backfire spectacularly. Spiders love to hide under dirty beds which gives them proximity to climb onto your mattress in the middle of the night.

You wouldn’t want to wake up to a scary 8-legged insect crawling on your bed, would you?

3. Avoid Sleeping On The Floor 

Sleeping on the floor may offer lots of benefits to the body including pressure point relief and cooler air in the summer. However, it can be counterproductive for residents of spider-prone homes and apartments.

Lying down on a futon or regular mattress means proximity to spiders as they love crawling on the floor. This is why experts recommend sleeping on a raised foundation of some sort at all times if these insects are a problem.

Sure, a traditional bed or raised foundation may not necessarily keep spiders away completely. But it can make your sleeping surface difficult to climb into.

Have you read the article we wrote on Sleeping On The Floor? Click the link to check out some of the dangers ditching your mattress for the floor can expose you to.

4. No Eating in Bed

Eating in bed is the stuff of romantic movies. The practice may sound like a good way to unwind after a hard day’s work but the drawbacks can be counterproductive in many ways. 

Unless you’re willing to overturn the mattress to clear and replace all the bedding, they’ll always be leftover food crumbs on the bed regardless of how careful you may be. This can attract insects such as carpet weevils and spiders.

While spiders feed on smaller insects such as fruitflies and midges, they can be easily attracted to the scents of human food as well.

5. Seal Gaps Under Windows and Doors 

The gaps under doors and windows may provide easy access to the bedroom for spiders and other insects. This is due to the small size of these bugs which makes entry through even the smallest spaces possible.

Sure, the gaps under windows and doors can provide some cool air during the summer but residents of spider-prone homes may be better served by sealing them. You can then turn on the fan or air conditioner for sufficient cool air to go through the night.

Door and window seals come in various types so it is up to you to choose the option that works best.

The Suptikes Door Draft Stopper Under Door Seal from Amazon has been a game-changer since I ordered it last month. It blocks spiders and other bugs and insects from my home by sealing the gaps under both interior and exterior doors.

6. Get Some Dryer Sheets 

The use of dryer sheets may not only eliminate static cling and make your clothes soft but they can also keep spiders at bay. The trick is to leave dryer sheets in the laundry basket and other areas in your kitchen or laundry room.

These sheets contain chemicals that repel several insects including spiders and bed bugs. Additionally, they can offer easy removal of cobwebs by attaching the sheets to the end of a broom handle. You can then wave the broom across the ceiling to sweep off any spiders that may be present in a particular environment.

The Bounce Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets from Amazon is an integral part of my household. It does not only eliminate wrinkles from my clothes but also controls static cling and lint to keep spiders at bay.

7. Turn Off All Exterior Lights 

As stated previously, spiders feed on other smaller insects such as fruitflies and idiotic moths to survive. These insects are typically attracted to lights which makes it easy for spiders to follow them to your home.

Switching off the exterior lights may provide little incentive for idiotic moths to be attracted to your home, keeping the spiders away as a result. Even if there are considerable populations of spiders already in the home, the absence of these insects can limit the number of available food sources which can lower their numbers over time.

8. Clean The External Areas Of Your Home

Do you live in the suburbs with a bunch of potted plants situated near the windows and overgrown flowers all over the house? It is time to do some deep cleaning if you’re serious about keeping spiders away from your home.

Potted plants and flowers should always be trimmed and kept tidy to prevent overgrowing which can serve as a refuge for spiders. Any trees or flowers climbing up the walls of the home should also be trimmed immediately.

Additionally, backyard gardens should be kept free from weeds to prevent various insects from invading your home.

9. Get A Cat

Looking for a pet that can keep you and other members of the household company while alienating spiders from the home? Why not just get a cat?

Felines can be the perfect remedy to keep spiders away due to their sharp instincts. They can spot these insects from a mile away and will not hesitate to track, chase, and kill them.

No wonder the majority of homes with cats are typically spider-free. Additionally, cats can also keep an eye on other insects as well as rodents such as mice. 

Have you read the article we wrote on Can Cats Have Sleep Apnea? Click the link to find out signs and symptoms of the condition in your feline and what to do next.

10. Plug-in A Pest Repeller

If you’re looking for the most convenient way to keep spiders away while sleeping, why not just get an electronic pest repeller. These appliances only require plugging into a power source for effective operation.

Fortunately, these repellers are not only designed to keep spiders away but they can also repel other insects such as mosquitoes, roaches, and flies. Additionally, electronic pest repellers integrate ultrasonic and electromagnetic waves that can keep rodents such as rats and mice away from the bedroom.

They’re easy to use with minimal safety concerns for pets and other members of the household. If you’re looking for a one-stop solution for pests, these gadgets may be all you need.

I love plugging in the Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller from Amazon. It kicks out all pests and bugs from the home thanks to the built-in electromagnetic waves and ultrasonic waves. It is non-toxic and completely risk-free for use in homes with pets and children.

11. Bed Bug Spray 

Most people rely on bed bug sprays to keep out those pesky insects that may interfere with sleep. But, did you know that these sprays often contain chemicals that can keep spiders out of the bedroom as well?

Just close all windows and doors before spraying across every inch of the bedroom, paying particular attention to areas such as the under-bed space as well as on the headboards and footboards if any.

Leave the room for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow the spray to settle while making sure to close the bedroom door. The bed bug killer will annihilate any spiders in the bedroom so you can have restful sleep all night long.

My home has become spider and bedbug free ever since I started spraying the HARRIS Black Label Bed Bug Killer from Amazon. It is odorless, non-staining, and kills even the most resistant bugs and their larvae. It is EPA-approved for use in homes with pets and children.

12. Peppermint Oil

Many of us love the sweet aroma of peppermint oil but did you know that spiders find it repelling? Yeah, that’s right, spraying the popular essential oil in the bedroom cannot only enhance the ability to sleep but may also keep spiders at bay.

Fortunately, peppermint oil is natural with zero chemicals that can cause potential harm when inhaled. The majority of people mix the oil with water, put in a plastic spray, and try to spray all areas in the bedroom where spiders may be hiding.

Even drops of peppermint oil across the length and breadth of the bed can keep spiders away all night long.

13. Other Essential Oils

In the absence of peppermint oils, other essential oils can be equally effective in keeping spiders at bay. These oils can be poured into an electronic diffuser which automatically circulates the scent throughout the bedroom day and night.

Besides, essential oils can also be mixed with water and sprayed across the bedroom just like peppermint oil. Alternatively, cotton balls can be dipped into your preferred oil and positioned in strategic areas in the bedroom, especially around exit and entry points such as the doors and windows.

This should keep spiders and other bugs away while sleeping. A few of the most popular essential oils available today include:

• Jasmine 
• Lavender
• Rose
• Chamomile
• Bergamot 
• Eucalyptus 
• Lemon
• Tea Tree
• Frankincense 
• Lemongrass

The Ultimate Aromatherapy Diffuser and Essential Oil Set from Amazon offer me the ultimate degree of relaxation to fall asleep. The sweet-scented aromas reduce anxiety and stimulate the brain to reduce sleep-boosting melatonin. It is highly recommended for everyone with sleep troubles.

14. Citrus Peels and Candles 

Have you noticed the strong scent that emanates from oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruit peels? It can be a potent solution to keep spiders away from the bedroom. 

We recommend peeling a couple of oranges or lemons and putting the peels on a small plate. Then place the plate at different corners in the bedroom such as on a nightstand or close to the bedroom door.

Citrus-scented candles can be a smart alternative for those who do not want to go through the stress of fruit peeling. Just light a few of these candles across the bedroom and other parts of the home and you can be sure that no spiders will be in sight.

The Wax Oils Scented Candles from Amazon comes in Orange and Lemon flavors that repel spiders and other insects from the home. It has transformed the aroma in my home since ordering it a month ago. And oh, it is affordable too.

15. Spray White Vinegar In The Bedroom

White vinegar can be another effective way to control spiders. While vinegar may not have the sweet-scented smells of essential oils, it contains high quantities of acetic acids that kill spiders upon contact.

To get the best results, mix equal quantities of white vinegar with water, and pour the solution into a plastic spray bottle. Then spray the vinegar solution across the entire bedroom area to kill any spiders around.

Unlike chemical insecticides, this solution is completely safe for pets and young children. You can sleep in the bedroom 5 minutes after spraying without any breathing problems and other side effects.

16. Tobacco + Dishwashing Soap

Do you frequently chew tobacco or use it in other ways? If yes, you’ve got a natural spider repellent on your hands. Studies have proven that mixing tobacco with hot water and adding adequate quantities of dish-washing soap results in a solution that eliminates spiders rapidly.

Make sure the solution is allowed to cool down completely before spraying in corners, ceilings, and under-bed areas where spiders may be hiding. Even if you’re yet to spot any adult spiders, spraying the solution in areas where they’re more likely to weave cobwebs can be a good idea.

17. Cinnamon 

Like other bugs, spiders stay away from areas with traces of cinnamon aromas. This is because they find the distinct scents repulsive and try to hide from it. This is why cinnamon is one of the most popular natural remedies for keeping insects away from the home.

A few sticks of cinnamon wrapped up and placed in different containers around the bedroom can keep even the most vicious spiders away. Alternatively, cinnamon powder or even cinnamon oil can also be sprayed across different areas of the bedroom.

This herb comes with the additional benefit of improving the smell of the bedroom and making it easier to sleep.

The Rodelle Cinnamon Sticks from Amazon is the highest-rated natural brand online today. With hundreds of 5-star reviews, you can not go wrong by ordering it. The good news is that it is affordable too.

18. Mothballs

Are you saddled with a serious spider infestation at home? Mothballs can be a great way to bring the problem under control. These balls typically contain naphthalene, a chemical that kills moths rapidly.

The good news is that the same chemical is effective for keeping spiders at bay. Leaving a couple of these balls around several areas in the bedroom could be all you need to do for spiders to keep their distance.

Alternatively, you can make sure to leave a few in the laundry basket or closet so that each fresh bed sheet and clothes carry the mothball scent to actively repel spiders. Note that mothballs may not be exactly environmentally-friendly. Besides, they can cause serious problems when ingested by children or pets.

19. Rosemary 

Rosemary is a popular herb in the kitchen thanks to its sweet aroma used for transforming the taste of meals. Many consumers have reported amazing results in spider and bug control by spraying the herb in their rooms.

Rosemary is easy to use and can be mixed with water for spraying across various vantage points in the bedroom. Alternatively, putting a tablespoon of the herb on a small plate and leaving it on the nightstand can keep spiders away while you’re sleeping.

The good news is that the strong, sweet smell of Rosemary can mask any odors in the bedroom.

20. Hedge Apples 

Hedge apples are another fruit spiders cannot stand. If you have a backyard garden, planting one of these may not be a bad idea as they can effectively repel other insects as well. When they’re in season, these fruits can be easily picked up in supermarkets and farmer’s markets.

Just make sure to place them outside the home to keep spiders from coming close in the first place.

The Napa Home & Garden Hedge Apple is available for sale on Amazon. Getting a few of these at home may be all you need to keep spiders away permanently.

21. Vick’s VapoRub

Vick’s VapoRub may not only provide relief for symptoms of cold, joint pain, and minor muscle aches for children but can also keep spiders and other insects away.

It gives off a strong scent thanks to the presence of medicated vapors. The good news is that the majority of spiders try to stay away from these scents as much as possible.

Just rub it in different parts of the body and retire peacefully to bed with the confidence that insects will stay away.

22. Walnuts

Spiders hate the smell of walnuts which is why it remains a popular way of keeping them at bay. These nuts can be placed near windows and doorways as well as other areas of the home where these 8-legged insects usually hide.

It is no secret that spiders love crawling in the corners of bedroom walls so putting a few of these nuts in those areas can be an effective way to keep them away from the home.

23. Exterminator 

If you’re not interested in any of the above remedies or simply do not have the time to follow through with them, outsourcing will always remain an option. Professional exterminators can provide an effective solution for every kind of insect problem you may have.

These Pros typically spray powerful chemicals across different areas of the home to eliminate adult spiders as well as bed bugs, carpet beetles, and roaches. The only downside is that the cost of hiring an exterminator may run into several hundred dollars or more.

Sometimes, you may need a repeat session to completely clear any insect populations from the home and that can translate to additional costs. Another downside is that exterminators may use chemicals that might not be environmentally-friendly.

Exposure to those harsh chemicals can lead to side effects ranging from respiratory problems to skin infections.

Where Do Bedroom Spiders Come From?

The presence of spiders in the bedroom can be a nightmare for everyone. For most people, the first instinct is to worry about how these insects entered their bedroom when the focus should be on how they breached their homes in the first place.

Knowing the origin of the spiders crawling around the home alone can mean half of the battle is already won because it may help formulate the necessary measures to keep them out in the future. Anyone who’s yet to suffer a home spider invasion can also use this information to shore up their household defenses to keep the insects away permanently.

Here are a few ways spiders get into homes and apartments:

• Undisposed garbage 
• Entry and exit cracks in doors, windows, walls, and gaps around pipes 
• Hoarded clothes and personal effects 
• Stagnant water 
• Fruits left out in the open instead of the refrigerator 
• Leaking bathroom and kitchen sinks 
• Potted plants 
• Unattended gardens 
• Dirty storage boxes 
• Piled up books and old newspapers 

Remember, if there are areas in the home where you seldom go to, chances are spiders are already hiding out and breeding there. No wonder cobwebs are common in basements, spare rooms, and other ignored areas of our homes.

FAQS

What attracts spiders to your house?

Depending on the breed, moisture can be a big attraction for some spiders. The insects are typically found in basements, crawl spaces, and other parts of the home which may be damp. Other breeds prefer dryer areas such as air vents, attics, and the corners of rooms close to the ceiling.

Can spiders live in pillows?

Yes, there have been many instances of spiders nesting in pillows. However, this is typically more likely in pillows that have been abandoned under the bed or another area. Spiders may weave their webs and nest young ones to maturity in those pillows.

Better still, a spider can lurk inside a pillowcase even if it is fresh. This is why checking for these 8-legged insects at bedtime can be a good habit if you live in a spider-prone home.

Do spiders come near you when you sleep?

There’s always the possibility of spiders coming near you while sleeping. Sure, these insects may shy away from humans and larger animals but if there’s something they find attractive in your bed, they’ll not hesitate to come near it.

Even though the chances of finding spiders in a bed may be remote why would you even take the risk?

Conclusion

Finding spiders in your bed could be a scary time for anyone but the good news is that these insects can be completely controlled. Generally, spiders stay away from clean homes that are aerated and dry.

We’ve revealed 23 ways to keep spiders away while sleeping and as long as you’re willing to follow those recommendations, going to bed peacefully should not be a problem. If none of the natural remedies work, you can always call in professional exterminators to get the job done.