How To Keep Spiders Out Of Shed

If you’re wondering how to keep spiders out of shed, you’re not alone. It’s a common challenge for any gardener or homeowner who uses that outdoor space for storage or projects. Spiders often move in because sheds offer shelter, darkness, and plenty of insects for them to eat. The good news is that with a few simple and effective methods, you can reclaim your space without resorting to harsh chemicals.

This guide will walk you through practical steps, from quick clean-ups to natural repellents. We’ll focus on strategies that work long-term, so you can spend less time worrying about webs and more time enjoying your garden shed.

This main approach combines prevention, exclusion, and gentle removal. It’s about making your shed a less inviting place for spiders to settle down and start a family. Consistency is key—doing a few of these tasks regularly makes a huge difference.

Start With a Deep Clean and Declutter

Spiders love clutter. It gives them hiding spots and anchor points for webs. Your first task is to remove their real estate.

Remove everything from the shed. Yes, everything. Do this on a dry day so you can place items outside safely.
Sweep down all walls, corners, and the ceiling. Use a broom with extendable handle to get into the rafters. Pay special attention to corners and window frames.
Vacuum thoroughly. A shop vac is perfect for sucking up webs, egg sacs, and any lurking insects that spiders feed on. This is a critical step many people forget.
Wipe down surfaces. A simple mix of water and vinegar or a mild detergent removes pheromone trails and dust that attract pests.
Declutter before putting things back. Ask yourself if you really need each item. Store what you keep in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, which spiders can easily nest in.

Seal Up Entry Points

Spiders are masters at squeezing through tiny gaps. Your job is to find and seal those gaps to deny them access.

Inspect the exterior. Look for cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, and holes where pipes or wires enter.
Use a quality silicone or acrylic latex caulk to seal small cracks and gaps. For larger holes, use expandable spray foam or stuff them with steel wool first, then seal over it.
Check the door. Ensure it closes tightly. Install a door sweep on the bottom if there’s a gap. Weatherstripping around the door frame can also help a lot.
Repair window screens. Any small tear is an open invitation. Patch or replace damaged screens immediatly.
Don’t forget vents. Cover vents with fine mesh screening to allow air flow but block pests.

Use Natural Spider Repellents

Certain natural scents are highly effective at deterring spiders. They’re safe to use around gardening tools, pets, and children.

Essential oils are your best friend. Spiders dislike peppermint, tea tree, citrus, and lavender oil. Mix about 15-20 drops of oil with water in a spray bottle and mist around entry points, corners, and windowsills. Reapply every week or after it rains.
Place cedar blocks or chips in corners and on shelves. The aroma repels many insects and spiders.
Diatomaceous earth is a fine, powdery substance made from fossilized algae. Sprinkle a light layer along the base of walls and in corners. It’s harmless to humans but dehydrates insects and spiders that crawl through it. Just be sure to use food-grade DE and reapply if it gets wet.
Chestrnuts have an old-fashioned reputation for repelling spiders. Some people swear by placing fresh conkers in corners, though the science is anecdotal. It’s a harmless method to try!

Control the Lighting and Environment

Spiders go where their food is. Insects are attracted to light and moisture, so managing these factors indirectly keeps spiders away.

Switch bulb types. Standard outdoor lights attract flying insects. Consider switching to yellow sodium vapor bulbs or LED bug lights, which are less attractive to bugs.
Position lights away from the shed door. If you have security lighting, place it so it illuminates the area near the shed, not the shed itself. This draws insects away from the structure.
Reduce moisture. Spiders and their prey thrive in damp environments. Ensure your shed has good ventilation. A small, battery-powered dehumidifier can work wonders in a tightly sealed shed.
Keep the perimeter clear. Trim back plants, ivy, and grass from the sides of your shed. This removes bridges for spiders and reduces habitat for other insects right next to your walls.

Establish Ongoing Maintenance Habits

Keeping spiders out isn’t a one-time job. It’s about building simple habits that maintain a spider-resistant environment.

Schedule a monthly 5-minute sweep. Quickly go in with a broom or long-handled duster and knock down any new webs. This disrupts their habitat and tells them it’s not a secure home.
Refresh your natural sprays. Set a reminder to reapply your essential oil spray every couple of weeks, or after you notice the scent has faded.
Keep clutter in check. Every time you put something new in the shed, make sure it goes into a sealed container. Avoid just piling things on the floor.
Inspect your seals. Once or twice a year, do a quick check of your caulking and weatherstripping to ensure it’s still intact.

What About Spider Traps and Pesticides?

Glue traps can catch spiders, but they are more of a monitoring tool and can be cruel. They also don’t address the root cause. Broad-spectrum pesticides are generally not recommended for a shed. They can be harmful to you, your pets, and beneficial garden insects. The methods outlined above—exclusion and natural repellents—are safer and more effective for long-term control.

FAQ: Common Questions About Shed Spiders

Are spiders in my shed actually harmful?
Most spiders found in sheds in temperate climates are harmless and actually beneficial, as they eat other pests. However, some people prefer to avoid them due to fear or to keep the space clean.

What is the fastest way to get rid of spiders in a shed?
The fastest combination is to do a thorough vacuuming to remove existing spiders and webs, followed immediately by sealing visible cracks and spraying a peppermint oil solution around the perimeter.

Will keeping the light on in my shed deter spiders?
No, it often does the opposite. Lights attract the insects that spiders eat, which can actually draw more spiders to the area. It’s better to keep the shed dark when not in use.

Do those ultrasonic spider repellent plugs work?
There is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of ultrasonic devices against spiders or most pests. The methods of sealing, cleaning, and using natural repellents are proven to be more reliable.

Can I just remove webs and leave the spiders?
You can. Regularly distroying webs is a form of passive control. If a spider’s web is constantly removed, it may decide to relocate to a more productive area. This is a good low-impact strategy if you don’t mind the occasional spider passing through.

Embracing a Balanced Approach

Remember, the goal isn’t necessarily to create a completely sterile, spider-free zone—that’s nearly impossible outdoors. Instead, the aim is to manage their population and prevent them from taking over your valuable storage space. A few spiders in the garden are great for pest control; a hundred in your shed is a problem.

By implementing these steps—cleaning, sealing, using natural scents, and maintaining the space—you’ll find a significant reduction in spider activity. Your shed will become a more pleasant place to work, and you’ll protect your tools and belongings from other pests too. Start with the deep clean this weekend, and you’ll be well on your way to a spider-managed shed.