| Author | Dr. Alex Thorne |
| Credentials | Board-Certified Entomologist and Clinical Toxicologist |
| Author Bio | Dr. Thorne specializes in venom research and emergency first aid. |
| Medically Reviewed By | Dr. Elara Vance, M.D., F.A.C.E.P. (Board Certified Emergency Medicine) on October 25, 2025. |
| 🔑 Key Takeaways |
| Spiders typically enter a bed because they were walking across the floor or wall and climbed up the bedding or frame, often searching for prey (other insects). To keep spiders out of your bed at night, the most effective strategy is to create a physical barrier and remove their access points. This involves moving the bed away from the wall, ensuring the bed skirt doesn’t touch the floor, and eliminating all clutter under the bed. Furthermore, controlling the overall insect population in your bedroom (their food source) is the best long-term prevention. |
Creating a Physical Barrier (Exclusion)
Spiders rarely seek out beds; they usually end up there accidentally. These physical barriers are the best immediate defense.
Move the Bed: Pull the bed frame at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from the wall, nightstands, and other furniture. This eliminates the easiest path for spiders to climb onto the bed from above or the side.
Elevate and Clear: Ensure the bed frame is elevated, and remove all items and clutter (shoes, boxes, laundry) stored underneath. This eliminates prime hiding spots and climbing routes.
Inspect Linens: Make sure your bed skirt, blankets, or sheets do not touch the floor at any point. The floor is the spider’s highway, and bedding acts as a bridge.
Clean Bed Legs: Regularly wipe down the bed legs to remove webs, dust, or any residual climbing materials.
2. Controlling the Food Source
Spiders will not remain in an area without food. Controlling the population of insects that spiders eat is the best way to encourage them to leave the bedroom entirely.
Vacuum Regularly: Vacuum the bedroom frequently, paying close attention to corners, baseboards, and behind the headboard to remove webs, spiders, and their prey (gnats, flies, small beetles).
Seal Entry Points: Check windows, window frames, and doors for cracks or gaps and seal them using caulk or weatherstripping. This prevents both spiders and their food source from entering.
Reduce Clutter: Limit clutter in the room, especially stored boxes, stacks of books, or piles of clothes, as these are ideal nesting and hunting habitats for spiders.
3. Natural Deterrents (Use with Caution)
While many essential oils are cited as spider repellents, their effectiveness is often short-lived and varies widely.
Peppermint Oil: Spiders are believed to dislike the strong scent of peppermint. Mix 10–15 drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray lightly along baseboards, under the bed, and around window frames.
Caution: Essential oils can be irritating to pets (especially cats) and should be used sparingly and safely diluted.
Chestnuts/Cedar: Traditional remedies suggest placing chestnuts or cedar wood blocks in corners, although scientific evidence supporting this is lacking.
If you find a spider in your bed, use a gentle paper cup-and-card method to relocate it outside. Remember that most common house spiders are harmless and beneficial insect predators.
For general guidance on integrated pest management and exclusion tips, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) resources on pest control.
FAQs
1. Why do spiders come into bedrooms at night?
Spiders enter bedrooms looking for insects, warmth, and quiet hiding spots. They are not attracted to humans, but clutter and dim corners make ideal shelters.
2. What smell keeps spiders away from the bed?
Peppermint oil, lavender, eucalyptus, vinegar, and cedarwood are well-known natural scents that spiders dislike.
3. Can keeping lights on reduce spiders at night?
Lights attract insects, which can attract spiders. It’s better to keep lights low and use repellents instead.
4. How often should I wash bedding to prevent spiders?
Washing sheets weekly and shaking blankets before sleeping helps remove any insects or dust that may attract spiders.
5. Does clutter increase spider activity in bedrooms?
Yes. Spiders love hiding in piles of clothes, boxes, corners, and under furniture. A tidy room has fewer hiding spaces.
6. What is the safest natural way to keep spiders away at night?
Spraying diluted peppermint oil around bed legs, windowsills, and corners is one of the safest and most effective natural methods.
7. Should I worry about spiders crawling into my bed?
It’s rare, but possible. Maintaining cleanliness and sealing gaps greatly reduces the chances.
Final Thoughts
Keeping spiders out of your bed at night is completely achievable with a combination of good hygiene, smart room organization, and safe repellents. Spiders typically enter bedrooms because they find dark hiding spots, warmth, or other insects to feed on. By reducing clutter, sealing entry points, washing bedding regularly, and using natural repellents like peppermint or lavender, you can create an environment spiders avoid. Ultimately, consistent prevention is the key—small daily habits can ensure peaceful, spider-free sleep every night.
