It can be a bit scary to find a spider in your car while driving. You might be cruising down the road, listening to music, when suddenly you see a spider crawling on your dashboard! Yikes!
Spiders like to find their way into cars because they offer shelter and a chance to catch tasty insects. But nobody wants to share their ride with eight-legged passengers.
This article will show you how to get rid of spiders in your car and prevent them from coming back. We’ll look at different ways to remove spiders, from simple cleaning to using spider repellents.
Let’s get started and make your car a spider-free zone!
Simple Ways to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Car
Before you bring out the big guns, sometimes all you need are a few simple cleaning techniques to send those spiders packing.
Clean Out Your Car
- Vacuum: Grab your vacuum cleaner and use the hose attachment to reach all the nooks and crannies in your car. Pay close attention to the areas under the seats, in the glove compartment, and around the dashboard.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a damp cloth or cleaning wipes to wipe down all the surfaces in your car. This will remove any spider webs and egg sacs.
- Don’t Forget the Trunk: Spiders can also hide in your trunk, so make sure to clean it out too! Remove any items you don’t need and vacuum thoroughly.
Remove Hiding Places
Spiders love to hide in dark, undisturbed places. To make your car less appealing to them:
- Clear Clutter: Get rid of any unnecessary items in your car, like old papers, boxes, and clothes. These things provide perfect hiding spots for spiders.
- Park Smart: If possible, park your car in a garage or carport. This will reduce the chances of spiders getting inside.
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Car
Once you’ve evicted those unwanted guests, you’ll want to keep them from returning. Here’s how:
Natural Spider Repellents
Many natural scents are unpleasant to spiders and can help keep them away. Try these ideas:
- Essential Oils: Spiders dislike the strong smell of certain essential oils. Mix a few drops of peppermint, tea tree, citrus, or lavender oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture in your car, focusing on areas where spiders might enter, like around windows and doors.
- Vinegar: White vinegar is another natural spider repellent. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it like the essential oil spray.
- Chestnuts: Some people believe that placing chestnuts in your car can deter spiders. While there’s no scientific evidence to support this, it’s a harmless and easy method to try.
| Natural Spider Repellent | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| Peppermint, tea tree, citrus, or lavender essential oil | Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spray around your car. |
| White vinegar | Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray around your car. |
| Chestnuts | Place a few chestnuts in your car, particularly in areas where spiders might enter. |
Commercial Spider Repellents
If natural methods aren’t doing the trick, you can find commercial spider repellents at most stores.
- Sprays: Look for sprays specifically designed for spiders. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
- Ultrasonic Repellents: These devices plug into your car’s cigarette lighter and emit high-frequency sounds that are supposed to deter spiders. While their effectiveness is debated, some people find them helpful.
Important Note: Always test any spray in an inconspicuous area of your car first to make sure it doesn’t damage the interior.
Regular Car Washes
Keeping your car clean is one of the best ways to prevent spiders.
- Wash Regularly: Wash your car regularly, both inside and out. This will remove any spider webs and discourage spiders from making your car their home.
- Detailing: Occasionally, give your car a thorough detailing. This includes cleaning and vacuuming all the hard-to-reach areas where spiders like to hide.
Understanding Why Spiders Like Your Car
To effectively combat spiders, it helps to understand why they find your car so attractive in the first place.
Shelter and Protection
Your car provides a safe haven from the elements and predators. Spiders can find cozy spots to build their webs and lay eggs.
Food Source
Cars often attract insects, which are a spider’s favorite food. Parking near lights or leaving food crumbs in your car can increase the number of insects, which in turn attracts more spiders.
Entry Points
Spiders can enter your car through open windows, doors, and even small cracks and gaps in the bodywork.
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Shelter | Keep your car clean and clutter-free. Park in a garage or carport when possible. |
| Food Source | Avoid parking near lights. Clean up food crumbs and spills immediately. |
| Entry Points | Keep windows and doors closed when possible. Inspect your car for any cracks or gaps and seal them if necessary. |
Types of Spiders Found in Cars
While most spiders you find in your car are harmless, it’s good to know which ones to watch out for.
- Common House Spider: This is the most common type of spider found in homes and cars. They are generally harmless and build messy webs in corners and crevices.
- Jumping Spider: These small spiders are known for their jumping ability. They are not aggressive and rarely bite.
- Black Widow Spider: While less common, black widows can sometimes be found in cars, especially in warmer climates. They are venomous and their bite can be dangerous. If you see a black widow, do not attempt to handle it. Contact a pest control professional.
Tips for Dealing with Spider Bites
Most spider bites are harmless and cause only minor irritation. However, if you are bitten by a venomous spider like a black widow, it’s important to seek medical attention.
- Clean the bite: Wash the bite area with soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress: This will help reduce swelling and pain.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: You can take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Seek medical attention if necessary: If you have any concerns or if the bite becomes infected, see a doctor.
Conclusion
Finding spiders in your car can be an unwelcome surprise. By following the tips in this article, you can effectively get rid of spiders and prevent them from returning.
Remember to keep your car clean and clutter-free, use natural or commercial spider repellents, and seal any entry points. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a spider-free driving experience.
FAQs
How do I get rid of spiders in my car naturally?
You can use natural spider repellents like essential oils (peppermint, tea tree, citrus, or lavender), white vinegar, or chestnuts to deter spiders from your car. Mix a few drops of essential oil or equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray around your car. Chestnuts can be placed in areas where spiders might enter.
What causes spiders to come in my car?
Spiders are attracted to cars for shelter, food (insects), and easy access through open windows, doors, or cracks.
How do I keep spiders from coming back to my car?
Regularly clean your car, remove clutter, and use natural or commercial spider repellents to discourage spiders. Park in a garage or carport if possible.
Can I use bug spray for spiders in my car?
While some bug sprays may kill spiders, it’s best to use a product specifically designed for spiders. Always test any spray in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage your car’s interior.
Are spiders in cars dangerous?
Most spiders found in cars are harmless. However, if you encounter a venomous spider like a black widow, do not attempt to handle it and contact a pest control professional.