Why Are There Spiders in Your Bathroom?

Sharing your home with spiders is actually a good thing, believe it or not. They help out by eating insects such as bed bugs, cockroaches, flies, and mosquitos that may be present inside the house.

However, some people simply can’t stand the sight of spiders in the bathroom.

In this blog post, we will reveal why spiders are attracted to bathrooms. You will also learn some tips to get rid of the eight-legged creatures from your bathroom.

Table of Contents

Why are Spiders Attracted to Bathrooms?

Spiders are attracted to bathrooms due to the moist environment that they provide. They prefer a place where there is a source of water. That’s why kitchens and bathrooms are two places where spiders are likely to congregate.

Shelter and Security

Spiders also prefer dark places where they can hide. Since lights in the bathroom remain closed most of the day, it creates the perfect place for these arachnids.

Humidity and Moisture

In addition, spiders prefer a moist place as it facilitates the shedding of their skin. Spiders naturally shed their skin in order to grow. Humidity is required for the shedding of the skin, which is why they are attracted to moist places such as the bathroom.

Food Source

Another reason why spiders might be residing in your bathroom is the food source it offers. Spiders primarily feed on insects and other small pests that are also attracted to moisture.

These insects are often found in bathrooms, giving spiders a readily available food source. Furthermore, an unclean or cluttered bathroom can attract more insects, which in turn lures spiders into the space.

The most common type of spider found in bathrooms is the common house spider, which is harmless and spins its webs in undisturbed areas of the bathroom.

However, some species such as the wolf spider, brown recluse, and black widow spiders have a deadly bite.

How to Get Rid of Spiders in the Bathroom?

Here are some tips you can use to get rid of spiders from your bathroom.

1. Removing Webs

First, it’s essential to remove any spider webs in your bathroom. Use a broom, vacuum cleaner, or a duster to reach corners and high places where webs might be hiding.

By regularly cleaning and removing webs, you’re discouraging spiders from staying in your bathroom.

2. Use Insecticide Powder to Kill Spiders

You can get rid of spiders in the bathroom by using insecticide powder. The powder in most packages is enough to last for a long time.

You will have to spread the powder on the corners of the bathroom. In addition, you should sprinkle the dust near the faucet where spiders tend to come at night looking to replenish themselves.

Make sure that you wear a protective glove when applying the powder. You must apply the powder in noticeable areas where spiders tend to lurk in the bathroom. Refrain from using the powder if you have children or pets inside the house.

3. Apply a DIY Natural Spider Spray

A natural spider spray is recommended if there are pets and children around the house.

You should use a spider spray made using only natural ingredients which spiders are aversive to.

3.1. Essential Oil

Natural spider sprays made of essential oils are non-toxic and can be safely used inside the house. You will require the following ingredients to make a natural spider repellent spray.

Peppermint oil (10 drops)
White vinegar (1/2 cup)
Water (1 ½ cups)

Combine water, peppermint oil, and white vinegar in a bottle. Shake the bottle well before use.

Apply the spray near the entrances of the bathroom such as around the windows and doors. Moreover, you must apply the spray on the doormats.

3.2. Liquid Soap

Liquid soap spray is yet another simple yet effective way to avoid spider infestations in the house. The soap will repel the spiders, forcing them out of the home.

To prepare the liquid soap, you will need:

Liquid soap (10 drops)
Water (2 cups)

Add some drops of the liquid soap to water. Mix the solution well and fill it in a spray bottle.

Apply the spray generously around the windows and doors. You should also apply the spray indoors in areas where the spiders will hide, such as beneath the sink, near the baseboards, and in closets.

Moreover, you can also use the DIY spray on plants infested with crawling creatures. The spray will affect the egg cycle of the spiders, thereby eliminating them from the garden.

Consider applying the spray every week to get rid of spider infestations in the bathroom.

You must store the spray in a cool place. Make sure that it is kept in a dark place to ensure that the solution remains effective.

3.3. Black Pepper

Spiders also don’t like the smell of black pepper.

They will crawl away from the area if they smell the pepper. Here are the ingredients to prepare a black pepper spray to get rid of spiders:

Black pepper (2 tsp.)
Water (3 cups)

Mix black pepper with water and fill the solution in a spray bottle. Shake the solution well before use. You should apply the mixture in every corner of the bathroom.

The mixture is also effective in repelling lizards and other pets inside the house. But make sure that you cover your nose and eyes when applying the spray.

3.4. Cinnamon

Spiders, ants, and other similar insects can easily detect the smell of cinnamon. The smell will irate the pests due to which they will leave the room.

Here are the ingredients to prepare a mixture of the cinnamon spray:

Cinnamon powder (3 tsp.)
Water (3 cups)

Mix cinnamon powder and water. Fill the spray bottle with the solution and shake the bottle before use. Spray the solution to affected areas in the bathroom to get rid of spiders.

4. Citrus and Lemon Peel

Citrus fruits, such as lemon and orange peels, can help repel spiders from your bathroom.

Spiders dislike the smell of citrus fruits, and using them in your bathroom can create an unwelcoming environment for these unwanted guests.

You can either mix lemon juice with water to create a citrus-scented spray or place lemon peels directly in areas where spiders tend to appear.

5. Baking Soda

Spiders and other bugs hate the smell of baking soda. You can use the non-toxic powder to get rid of pests from the bathroom. Sprinkle the white powder around the bathroom to keep spiders away.

Due to the fact that baking soda is harmless, you can sprinkle the powder near the stove, food areas, and cabinets inside the house.

These are the most common places where spiders tend to hide inside the house.

6. Cloves

Spiders are also irritated by the smell of eugenol, which is present in cloves.

This will make an effective natural repellent for several different pests along with spiders. Place some cloves around the bathroom. This will keep the bathroom free of spiders and other pests.

7. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a white powder that is non-toxic and safe to use when there are pets or children inside the house. The powder will abrade the skin of the spider that walks over the powder.

The fluid inside the spider will leak out due to which it will die due to dehydration.

To get rid of the spider in the bathroom, you should sprinkle the powder around all corners, crevices, and cracks.

Remember that DE works only when it is dry. If the powder gets wet, you should reapply it to get rid of the spider in the bathroom.

8. Using Spider Traps

To deal with spider infestations, consider using spider traps. These traps are usually adhesive-backed and can be placed in strategic locations around your bathroom, like near drains, windows, and other places where spiders are likely to appear.

Spider traps can be an effective method of capturing and removing spiders without resorting to harmful chemicals or killing them.

9. Getting Professional Help

If you’re unable to manage the spider infestation on your own, it might be time to seek professional help. A pest control expert can effectively assess and address your spider infestation problem.

They can eliminate not only the spiders but also their eggs and potential hiding spots. Professionals have the knowledge, tools, and expertise to ensure your bathroom remains spider-free in the long run.

How to Keep Spiders Away from Your Bathroom?

Killing spiders is not enough. You should also take measures to prevent spiders from entering the house in the first place.

Here are some tips for keeping the spiders away from the bathroom.

1. Block Access Points

Contrary to popular belief, spiders don’t enter the bathroom through the drain pipe. They come to the house through the gaps around the windows, exhaust fans, pipes, and cables.

To keep spiders away from the bathroom, you should seal the doors and windows. Moreover, you should caulk the gaps and cracks from where spiders could enter the house.

You must also close the chimney flue when the fireplace is not in use. This will prevent spiders from crawling inside the house from the chimney. It will also prevent pests such as bats, birds, and mice from entering your home.

2. Keep the Bathroom Dry

Regular cleaning is recommended to keep the spiders out of the bathroom. You should keep the bathroom dry at all times or as much as possible.

Spiders are attracted to moist places. They are less likely to make a home in the bathroom if it there is no moisture.

3. Regular Lawn Care

Regular lawn care is also recommended to keep spiders away from the house. You should tidy up the lawn using the lawnmower. This will not just deter spiders but also avoid attracting other pests such as any mice that may be present in your home.

Keep the trees and shrubs trimmed.

Moreover, you should ensure that they are at least about one foot away from the house. You should also avoid stacking firewood on the lawn to keep spiders away.

4. Turn on the Lights

Spiders prefer a dark environment. You should keep the curtains open during the day to make the place unattractive for spiders.

If your bathroom does not have any windows, you should keep the bulb turned on. Consider installing LED lights to save on electricity expenses.

Use yellow LED lights for lighting the bathroom. White light attracts insects and spiders will follow them to the bathroom. Yellow lights won’t attract insects, which will result in a reduction of spiders inside the bathroom.

5. Using Natural Repellents

You can also use natural repellents to keep spiders at bay. Some of these repellents include:

Peppermint oil: Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water, and spray it around your bathroom.
White vinegar: Wipe your bathroom surfaces using a mixture of white vinegar and water to deter spiders.
Eucalyptus oil: Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your cleaning solution or diffuser for a natural spider repellent.

Common Types of Bathroom Spiders

Common House Spider

The Common House Spider is a frequent visitor to your bathroom. These spiders are harmless and help keep other insects at bay.

They typically build their webs in corners or near windows and can be easily identified by their brownish color and small size.

Wolf Spider

Wolf Spiders are another type you might find in your bathroom. These larger spiders are also harmless but may look intimidating due to their size and appearance.

They don’t spin webs, but instead, they hunt for their prey on the ground. This means you might find them scurrying across your bathroom floor.

Brown Recluse

The Brown Recluse is a spider you should be cautious about. While these spiders are venomous, their bites are rarely fatal. However, their bites can cause pain and serious skin irritations, so it’s best to steer clear of them.

They prefer dark, secluded places like behind furniture or cluttered areas. Ensuring your bathroom is clean and tidy can help to minimize the chances of encountering them.

Giant House Spider

The Giant House Spider is another large spider that can take up residence in your bathroom. While they might appear scary, these spiders are not venomous, and in fact, they help eliminate other pests.

They are particularly active during autumn months as males seek females to mate with. Keeping an eye out for them while you shower can save you from any unexpected surprises.

In conclusion, while spiders like the Common House Spider, Wolf Spider, and Giant House Spider are harmless and can even be helpful predators, it’s essential to be cautious around venomous species like the Brown Recluse.

Keeping your bathroom clean and free of clutter can help minimize any unwanted encounters with these arachnid guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What attracts spiders to bathrooms?

Spiders are attracted to bathrooms because they provide a dark and damp environment that is ideal for them to live in.

These conditions are perfect for spiders as it helps them stay hidden from predators, catch their prey, and spin their webs more effectively.

How can I prevent spiders in my bathroom?

To keep spiders out of your bathroom, take the following steps:

Close any pipes and openings in walls
Replace window and door seals
Caulk baseboards and other cracks
Keep the bathroom dry and well-ventilated
Clean regularly with white vinegar
Use spider repellents, such as essential oils or even some commercial products

Are bathroom spiders harmful?

Most spiders found in bathrooms are harmless to humans, however, they can still be a nuisance. Some species, like the common house spider, are beneficial as they help control other insect populations.

It’s important to identify the type of spider before attempting to handle it, as some can be venomous.

Can spiders enter through drains?

Yes, spiders can enter your bathroom through drains, but it’s not very common. To keep spiders out of your shower drains, try closing windows, sealing any gaps in the walls, replacing window/door seals, and re-caulking your bathroom.

You can also install drain covers or mesh guards to prevent spiders from entering through the drain.

What is the best way to remove a spider from the bathroom?

If you spot a spider in your bathroom, you can gently catch it using a cup and a piece of paper, then release it outside.

Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove the spider and its web. Make sure to empty the vacuum bag afterward to prevent the spider from re-entering your home.

Do spiders serve any purpose in the bathroom?

Spiders in the bathroom can help control other insect populations, as they feed on various insects. However, most people prefer to keep their bathroom spider-free due to the unpleasant feeling of encountering them.

If you want a clean and spider-free bathroom, it’s best to follow the preventive measures mentioned above.

Final Remarks

Spiders enter the bathroom to eat insects like mosquitos or flies. The moist environment creates the perfect breeding spot for spiders. You should aim to not just get rid of spiders but take measures to keep them away from the house.

If you don’t want to kill the spiders, you can catch and release them outside the house. Consider using a paper sheet that is rolled in the shape of a funnel for catching spiders. You can scoop the spiders carefully on the paper funnel and carry them outside.

In case of a large spider infestation, you should call a professional exterminator. An experienced exterminator will use safe and effective solutions to get rid of spiders. Calling a professional exterminator is especially recommended if you find a poisonous spider inside the house.

Other articles you may also like: