Does Vinegar Really Kill Spiders Instantly? Experts Share 5 Hacks to Kill Them ASAP (2024)

Dealing with spiders in your home can be a daunting task, especially if you’re looking for a quick solution to get rid of them. While some people turn to various home remedies, the effectiveness of these solutions can vary significantly.

Learn some of the most effective methods to kill spiders instantly, and when it might be time to call in professional help.

The Vinegar Myth

Vinegar is often touted as a natural remedy for repelling or killing spiders, but does it really work? According to experts, the answer is no. Vinegar is not particularly effective at killing or repelling spiders.

"Vinegar certainly does not kill spiders on contact, as some internet sources suggest," says Timothy Wong, technical director of M&M Environmental. "You’d have to practically drown them in it."

Former professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky, Michael Potter, agrees that vinegar is not an effective method for getting rid of spiders. He suggests using other methods, such as physical methods, like brooms or shoes, or insecticides to get rid of spiders on contact.

The belief that vinegar can kill spiders instantly likely stems from its acetic acid content, which can be harmful to spiders if applied in large quantities. However, the concentration in household vinegar is usually too low to be effective. Vinegar’s strong smell might deter spiders temporarily, but it won’t solve a spider infestation.

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5 Solutions for Killing Spiders Instantly

Experts agree that the most effective solutions to get rid of spiders in the home and around buildings quickly are to get rid of their food source and places where they call home. This might mean dealing with an underlying ant or fly problem and keeping clutter to a minimum.

“Routine, thorough house cleaning is the best way to eliminate spiders and discourage their return,” Potter says. “A vacuum cleaner or broom effectively removes spiders, webs, and egg sacs. Destruction of egg sacs is crucial since each can contain hundreds of young spiders.”

Other methods for getting rid of spiders and keeping them out of your home include:

1. Physical methods:Wong says the most surefire way to kill a spider instantly is to squish it with a shoe, swatter, or rolled up newspaper. “If you’re afraid to get close, then vacuuming it up is a good option," he says. "For the majority of small, household species of spiders, the pressure from being sucked up kills them immediately.”
2. Commercial insecticides: There are numerous commercial sprays specifically designed to kill spiders on contact. These sprays contain potent chemicals that can quickly eliminate spiders.
3. Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder can be sprinkled in areas where spiders frequent. It works by damaging their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
4. Remove clutter: Closets, garage corners, basem*nts, attics and firewood stacks are popular areas for spiders. Keeping these areas tidy and free from clutter will deter spiders from building webs.
5. Keep bugs put: Spiders go where the food is. Getting rid of ant infestations or flies can get rid of spiders. No spider food, no spiders.

"Consider this: most spiders are harmless to humans and oftentimes help get rid of other insects in your home,” Wong says. “If you’re bothered by their presence, a more humane approach is to trap them between a cup and a piece of paper and relocate them outside.”

When to Call an Exterminator

Sometimes, home remedies and DIY methods aren’t enough. If you’re dealing with a large number of spiders or a particularly stubborn infestation, it might be time to call a professional exterminator. Here are some scenarios where professional help is needed:

• Large infestations: A significant number of spiders in your home can indicate a more serious problem that requires professional intervention.
• Venomous spiders: If you encounter dangerous species like black widows, brown recluses, or yellow sac spiders, it’s best to seek professional help to ensure your safety.
• Persistent problems: If home remedies and over-the-counter solutions aren’t working, an exterminator can help identify the root cause of the infestation and provide a more effective solution.

While there are several ways to kill spiders instantly, it’s essential to consider the most effective and humane methods. Vinegar, despite its popularity as a home remedy, is not a reliable solution for killing spiders.

Instead, physical methods, commercial insecticides, and even calling an exterminator when necessary can provide more effective results. Remember, most spiders are harmless and play a beneficial role in controlling other pests, so consider humane approaches whenever possible.