Best Spider Sprays (and the Honest Limits)

Spider sprays come in two types that work very differently: contact sprays that kill a spider you hit directly, and residual perimeter sprays meant to kill spiders that walk across treated surfaces. The honest catch is that residual sprays are only modestly effective on spiders, which walk on the tips of their legs and pick up little of the residue. They help most as one layer on top of sealing and prey reduction.

Our Top Pick

TERRO Spider Killer is our top choice due to its powerful dual-action formula that offers both immediate knockdown and 12-week control. This exceptional product effectively eradicates a wide range of pests, including black widow, hobo, and brown recluse spiders, ants, cockroaches, scorpions, ticks, silverfish, Asian lady beetles, and bed bugs. Its active ingredients, Pyrethrins (0.05%) and Deltamethrin (0.02%), disrupt insects’ nervous systems, rendering them paralyzed and causing their demise. When it comes to pest control, this solution proves to be highly effective and reliable.

1. TERRO Spider Killer Spray

TERRO Spider Killer is renowned for its potent dual-action — immediate knockdown and sustained control for up to 12 weeks. Not only is it effective against significant spider species like black widow, hobo, and brown recluse spiders, but it also works against a variety of insects such as ants, cockroaches, scorpions, ticks, silverfish, Asian lady beetles, and bed bugs.

The TERRO spider killer spray’s formulation is inclusive of active ingredients like Pyrethrins (0.05%) and Deltamethrin (0.02%), along with other components. Pyrethrins, a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers, disrupt the insects’ nervous system leading to paralysis and death. On the other hand, Deltamethrin, a member of the pyrethroid family, exterminates insects by impairing their nervous system functionality.

This ready-to-use product comes in a 1 lb aerosol spray can and is efficient for both indoor and outdoor use. However, it is not waterproof, so its effectiveness might be reduced during heavy rain. As a precaution, the manufacturers advise keeping adults, children, and pets away from treated areas until the spray dries and avoiding direct contact with the product.

Our take

Only about 10 verified reviews so far (3.7★), so treat the rating as preliminary.

Get the TERRO Spider Killer Spray on Amazon or Home Depot or Walmart or countrymax.com or Ace or shelllumber.com or dkhardware.com or webstaurantstore.com or parisfarmersunion.com or toolboxsupply.com

2. Harris Spider Killer, Liquid Spray

Harris Spider Killer is a top-quality product that effectively handles spider and crawling insect problems. It offers an easy and economical solution to your pest issues. The spray is guaranteed to kill spiders and other crawling pests quickly. It is also effective against ants, roaches, Asian lady beetles, crickets, silverfish, and bugs.

This versatile product can be used both indoors and outdoors, in commercial establishments, residences, and during travel, picnics, and camping trips. Its active ingredient, Deltamethrin, disrupts the nervous system of insects, causing rapid elimination upon contact.

However, it’s important to note that Harris Spider Killer is a chemical pesticide that should be used cautiously. It can be harmful to fish, aquatic invertebrates, bees, and butterflies. Keep it out of reach of children and pets to ensure their safety.

Our take

Across 151 verified reviews (3.69★, 64% rated 4★+), buyers most often praise kills spiders faster than other insecticides and thicker and less watery. The recurring complaint: spray bottle alone is terrible and does not shoot out properly, and does not always work as some spiders seem to like it.

Get the Harris Spider Killer, Liquid Spray on Amazon or upco.com or Walmart or Lowe's or Home Depot or Tractor Supply or thelumberyard.com

3. Wondercide Natural Indoor Pest Control Spray

Wondercide is an American company specializing in a wide range of natural pest control products for pets, homes, yards, and the entire family.

Their highly effective natural insect control spray is specifically designed to kill spiders and repel other common household insects.

It effectively eliminates a variety of flying, crawling, biting, and stinging pests such as spiders, ants, roaches, flies, fleas, ticks, wasps, scorpions, mosquitoes, fruit flies, silverfish, moths, gnats, carpet beetles, earwigs, palmetto bugs, and water bugs.

The spray contains plant-based natural oils like Cedarwood oil (4.2%), Peppermint oil (1.5%), Sesame oil (0.1%), and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (2.2%), along with other ingredients.

Similar to other essential oils, cedar oil targets the octopamine receptors in insects, affecting their heart rate, movement, and behavior. This repellent action causes the pests to suffocate and die while humans, mammals, birds, fish, and amphibians remain unaffected due to the absence of octopamine neurotransmitters.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, found in the spray, is a surfactant used in various personal care and hygiene products, such as soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Wondercide Natural Indoor Pest Control spray offers a safe alternative to electronic bug zappers, lights, and traps. It can be confidently used indoors multiple times a week around children and pets, as it is free from harmful chemicals.

Despite its natural composition, this spray is potent enough to completely eliminate bothersome spiders and other common pests, providing long-lasting repellency. It is available in four fragrances: rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, and peppermint.

Our take

There isn’t much verified review data for this exact product yet, so weigh the specs and notes above.

Get the Wondercide Natural Indoor Pest Control Spray on Amazon or Walmart or gosupps.com or sfbhawaii.com or sears.com

4. Mighty Mint - Peppermint Oil

Introducing a potent essential oil spray that provides powerful and long-lasting protection against spiders. This highly concentrated formula is specifically designed to repel spiders without the use of harmful chemicals.

It harnesses the natural power of peppermint essential oil, which has been extensively studied and proven to be highly effective in deterring spiders and other insects. Perfect for both homes and businesses, whether used indoors or outdoors.

Our unique blend of natural scented oils, including eucalyptus, peppermint, and rose, effectively kills spiders and bugs but also acts as a preventive measure to keep them from returning.

Enjoy the added bonus of a pleasant and aromatic environment in your home. This essential oil spray is a convenient and safe solution to combat spiders and bugs while ensuring a fresh and delightful scent throughout your space.

Our take

There isn’t much verified review data for this exact product yet, so weigh the specs and notes above.

Get the Mighty Mint - Peppermint Oil on Amazon or Walmart or Home Depot or Target or gosupps.com or Lowe's

5. Hot Shot Spider and Scorpion Killer

The Hot Shot Spider and Scorpion Killer are made by Spectrum Brands, an American company specializing in pest control products.

This spray effectively kills and controls common household pests like the Black Widow, Brown recluse, wolf spiders, scorpions, ants, cockroaches, silverfish, crickets, sowbugs, firebrats, and more. It does not work on harvesters, pharaohs, and fire ants.

The active ingredients in this spray are Prallethrin (0.025%), Lambda Cyhalothrin (0.030%), and other compounds. These chemicals disrupt the nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and death.

It comes in an 11 oz aerosol spray bottle and provides effective control for up to 16 weeks.

Our take

Only about 17 verified reviews so far (4.82★), so treat the rating as preliminary; early buyers note kills spiders quickly.

Get the Hot Shot Spider and Scorpion Killer on Amazon or Walmart or Home Depot or shelllumber.com or supplyhog.com or thelumberyard.com or dkhardware.com or parisfarmersunion.com or hardwareworld.com or heb.com or toolboxsupply.com

6. Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer Spray

Ortho Home Defense Max Insect Killer Spray is a product from the American multinational Scotts Miracle-Gro, renowned for creating various pest control solutions. The company boasts over 10 notable brands, including Scotts, Ortho, and Miracle-Grow.

The spray’s primary active ingredients are Bifenthrin and Zeta-Cypermethrin, potent insecticides approved by the EPA. These substances interfere with an insect’s nervous system upon contact or ingestion, proving more toxic to insects due to their smaller size and lower body temperatures. While minimal skin irritation may occur in humans, they pose no significant harm.

These chemicals firmly bind to soil, limiting their leaching into groundwater, primarily contaminating surface waters only through runoff. Though non-toxic to birds, they can affect wildlife that consumes aquatic organisms due to their high toxicity towards fish and small water dwellers. They’re also toxic to bees and can persist in the environment for an extended period.

The spray is safe for both indoor and outdoor use. While it doesn’t eliminate insects immediately, users report its effectiveness over time. It’s advised to keep children and pets away during application and until the treated area has dried.

Our take

Across 92 verified reviews (4.14★, 76% rated 4★+), buyers most often praise easy to use and no scent. The recurring complaint: may not work on all insects, and may need to be reapplied every couple of days to be effective.

Get the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer Spray on Amazon or Walmart or Home Depot or DoMyOwn or supplyhog.com or gosupps.com or countrymax.com

7. Black Flag Spider and Scorpion Killer Spray

Black Flag, a globally recognized brand for quality insect control products, is owned by the esteemed Spectrum Brands. Its spider-killing spray is particularly noteworthy, containing active ingredients like Prallethrin (0.025%) and Lambda-Cyhalothrin (0.030%). These potent insecticides disrupt the insect nervous system, leading to paralysis or death.

The spray effectively kills spiders (including black widow, brown recluse, and wolf spiders), scorpions, and other insects upon contact, additionally destroying their webs and egg sacs. It’s also successful against cockroaches, ants (excluding harvester, pharaoh, and fire ants), crickets, silverfish, fleas, brown dog ticks, and other common insects.

This spray is easy to apply and targets key areas such as crevices, wall cracks, holes, and gardens. It possesses strong residual power, remaining effective for up to 16 weeks. It comes in a 16 oz aerosol bottle, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Keeping children and pets away from treated areas is essential until the spray has dried completely.

Our take

Only about 42 verified reviews so far (4.52★), so treat the rating as preliminary; early buyers note kills on contact.

Get the Black Flag Spider and Scorpion Killer Spray on Amazon or Walmart or Home Depot or supplyhog.com or heb.com or toolboxsupply.com or Tractor Supply or tri-countyfeed.com or ramseyhardware.com or Ace or menards.com

8. Raid Spider and Scorpion Killer

Raid Max Spider and Scorpion Killer is a product manufactured by SC Johnson & Son, an American company specializing in household cleaning supplies and chemicals. Other brands owned by the company include Glade, Mr. Muscle, and Pledge.

The spray contains Imiprothrin (0.1%) and Deltamethrin (0.03%) as active ingredients and other additives. Imiprothrin is a potent insecticide used indoors to kill pests by overstimulating their nervous system. Deltamethrin is a synthetic insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers disrupting the nervous system of insects.

This spray effectively kills spiders, scorpions, roaches, ants, and other common household insects on contact. However, it is highly toxic to fish, so it should not be applied to water. Avoid watering the treated area to prevent water contamination, and do not use the spray outdoors in the rain.

During treatment, it is important to keep children and pets away from the treated area until it has dried completely.

Our take

Only about 56 verified reviews so far (4.55★), so treat the rating as preliminary; early buyers note works great.

Get the Raid Spider and Scorpion Killer on Amazon or Walmart or gibsonshardwarelumber.com or toolboxsupply.com or gilfordhardware.com or parisfarmersunion.com

Final Thoughts

Spider killing aerosol sprays are available in the market to eliminate spiders from homes. When choosing a spray, consider factors like active ingredients, target pests, residual effect, application area, price, and safety. It’s important to select a product that doesn’t pose health risks. Not all natural products are effective, so research before purchasing any pest-killing product. Know the specifications and target spider species of the spray, as some spiders may not be affected. Opt for a targeted spray for the desired pest elimination.

The honest truth about spider control

Most spiders are harmless and genuinely helpful — they eat the insects you actually want gone, so you rarely need to kill them. The most effective control isn’t a chemical at all: it’s exclusion and prey reduction. Seal cracks and gaps, fix screens, swap bright outdoor bulbs for yellow “bug” lights that draw fewer insects, knock down webs, and declutter the garage and basement. Sprays are among the least effective tools here — spiders walk on the tips of their legs and pick up little surface residue (University of California IPM: Spiders). The full, chemical-free approach is in how to get rid of spiders without pesticides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spider-killing sprays effective?

Chemical sprays effectively kill spiders, but indoor use requires caution to avoid harm to children and pets.

What methods can be used to manage spider infestations in homes?

To prevent spider infestations, maintain a clean home, address access points, and use effective pesticides.

Is it safe to use around pets?

It is best to be careful when using it around pets.

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