How to Keep Spiders Out of the Car

Regular cleaning is required to keep spiders out of a car.

Finding spiders in your vehicle can be an unwelcome experience. Spiders thrive in nearly any place that is suitable for building a nest. Trash and organic materials found in your car make for the perfect environment for spiders and other insects. Insecticides alone are not enough to keep spiders out of the car and can be dangerous to use on the inside of the vehicle. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the car must be performed to prevent spiders from entering.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Cleaning supplies
• Peppermint oil
• Q-tip
• Insecticide
• Car cover or tarp

Instructions

1. Clean the inside of the car thoroughly on a regular basis. Discard any trash, especially cardboard and paper products in which spiders tend to reside. Vacuum the upholstery, floor, compartments and trunk of the vehicle.

2. Keep the doors and windows closed whenever possible. Avoid leaving the vehicle's sunroof or convertible top down if it's not needed.

3. Inspect the rubber and weather stripping that frames the doors and windows. Ensure that there are no spaces in which spiders can gain entry.

4. Apply peppermint oil around the seals of the doors and windows. Peppermint oil is non-toxic and keeps pests from entering your vehicle. Put the oil on a Q-tip and apply to the vents.

5. Spray insecticide around the outside of the doors and windows. Do not spray insecticide or any other chemicals on the inside of the vehicle.

6. Park your vehicle away from trees, shrubs or other greenery in which spiders like to reside. Cover the vehicle with a car cover or large tarp if needed to hinder the entrance of spiders into the car.

References

• NC State University; Spiders In and Around Homes
• Pest Exterminator; Effective Home Remedies for Killing Spiders
• Berkeley Parents Network; Advice about Spiders