Does Bleach Kill Spiders?

Updated: 11/10/2021

When it comes to getting spiders out of your home, many people will try just about anything to get their home back from this eight-legged pests. A quick search online will tell you that there are hundreds of quick tricks to take care of your spider problem. Some people swear by essential oils. Others prefer the vinegar method. What about bleach? Bleach consists of a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and other secondary ingredients and can be used in many areas of your home. Can you use it to kill spiders?

How to Use Bleach to Kill and Prevent Spiders

Bleach is considered a pesticide and fungicide because it kills bacterial cells, which makes it an option for spider control in your house.

1. Mix one part bleach with three parts water in a spray bottle
2. Spray the mixture directly on spiders from 6″ to 10″ away
3. Dispose of the dead spider and clean the bleach from the surface where you sprayed
4. Once a week, spray the mixture on areas where spiders have been known to nest or enter your home

A few things to consider:

• Bleach can be dangerous, so be mindful where and when you’re spraying
• This mixture will stain, so be diligent in your clean up methods
• Store the bottle away from areas young kids can access

Other Ways to Get Rid of Spiders

• Kick out Other Pests. Spiders come into your house to eat the other pests that make your home their own. By diligently getting rid of other insects, the spiders will have less access to food, and you’ll eventually see less of them around.
• Keep your home tidy. Pests need places to hide, and a messy space leaves plenty of spots to hang out.
• De-Web. Spiders will happily make their nearly invisible homes within your home, which have the additional function of sustaining spiders by catching food for them. You can encourage your spiders to build their webs outside your home rather than inside by running your vacuum along the places where the walls meet the ceiling and floor, which are the dark and inaccessible corners where spiders prefer to reside.
• Use Smell. Spiders are averse to the scent of eucalyptus. Sprinkling eucalyptus oil or spreading eucalyptus leaves on your furniture, in corners and in your closet will discourage spiders from building their homes there. White vinegar contains acetic acid that harms spiders, so by using a diluted vinegar solution you can safely and successfully repel these unwelcome guests.
• Seal Cracks. They need to get in somehow, so don’t make it easy for them! Go around the outside of your home and see if there are cracks or other tiny spaces where spiders might be able to get through.
• Leave firewood outside. According to PennState Extension, firewood is a frequent mode of transportation for spiders to get inside. Only take in what you need to make your fire for the day, or spiders might decide to explore other areas of your home.

Spider Infestation? Call Green Pest Solutions for Help.

Did you know that every home has spiders? It’s perfectly normal for you to share your space with this eight-legged pest. What’s not normal is for there to be a sudden surge in their presence. This could actually be a sign of an infestation from another pest because spiders go where there is food. So, call us at 855-312-7157 if you’re seeing more spiders than normal.