If you see a spider in your bedroom, the best thing to do is leave it alone. That may sound crazy for those with arachnophobia, but it makes sense. Most spiders are harmless to humans and spider bites are rare.
That said, if you are still terrified or just uncomfortable with the idea of sharing space with a spider, here are some tips on how to sleep with a spider in your room plus how to get rid of it.
Are Spiders In the House Dangerous?
The spider you find crawling on the wall or dangling from the ceiling is almost certainly harmless to you.
It’s true that most spiders are venomous. But that simply means they have glands that carry venom. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the venom is dangerous to humans.
Most spiders are completely harmless and even if one bites you, you’ll experience mild or no symptoms.
In fact, of the 650 species of spiders in the UK, zero are considered dangerous to humans. There’s no reason to be scared of a spider in the house.
Unlike what your imagination would like you to think, spiders will not intentionally seek you out. There isn’t a spider waiting for you to turn out the light and sleep so that it can get under the sheets.
Spiders avoid people, which is why you often find them in less visited rooms and nooks like the garage or attic.
Even if you kill that one spider you’ve spotted, there’s probably many more hiding in your home minding their business.
The best thing about spiders is that, unlike many household pests, they don’t damage anything important.
If anything, they are beneficial for you. Spiders feed on insects and pests, including dangerous ones like mosquitoes.
How to Sleep With A Spider In Your Room
Here are some tips for how to sleep without letting your arachnid roommate fill your nightmares.
- Try to relax and forget about the spider. The spider means you no harm and will likely not cause any harm. Spider bites are incredibly rare and you are safe with a spider in the room. Knowing that, try to calm down and go to sleep.
- Don’t touch or bother the spider. Spiders only bite if they feel threatened. Unless you plan to carefully catch the spider and release it outside, just let it be.
- Use a bug trap or spider repellent. A sticky trap will catch any spider or bug that gets close to your bed. Another option is an ultrasonic pest repeller that keeps spiders out of the room.
- You can also try filling the room with the scent of peppermint essential oil. Mix a few drops with water and spray it around the room or add a few drops to an essential oil diffuser. Peppermint oil repels spiders.
How to Get Rid Of Spiders In Your Room
If you really cannot sleep with a spider in your room, try to get rid of it. Don’t kill it; just catch it and release it outside.
Be careful when catching the spider, as it can bite you. A spider bite, while not particularly dangerous, can be painful.
The safest way to catch a spider without killing it is using a jar, cup or any small container. Quickly place an inverted jar or glass over the spider, then slide a thin piece of paper or card under the cup to secure the spider inside.
Now you can safely carry the spider outside and release it.
Another option is using a spider catcher like this one on Amazon. Look for one with a long handle that lets you safely catch a spider or any other bug and release it outside.
If the spider is on the ground, gently sweep it into a dustpan, using the broom to keep it from escaping. You can then take it outside.
You can also vacuum it up and then open the vacuum’s trash receptacle outside to release the spider.
Here’s a video showing some of these tips in action.
How To Keep Spiders From Coming Into Your Room
The main reason spiders get into the house is because there are other insects and bugs there. Spiders mostly eat insects, so they’ll go where there is plenty of food.
Don’t try to keep spiders from getting into the house; instead, keep other insects from getting inside.
Here are some tips.
- Do not eat in the bedroom. Crumb on the floor and on bedding will attract bugs, which in turn attracts spiders. If you have to eat in the bedroom, clean up afterwards.
- Check for moisture. Many bugs and insects are attracted to wet areas. Check for leaks from plumbing or the roof. If you have a particularly humid room, consider getting a dehumidifier.
- Turn off any external light too close to the room. Light attracts insects, which brings spiders closer to your room. As some insects find their way inside, so will spiders.
- Keep the area around your home clear of bushes. These are great hiding spots for insects and spiders.
- Clean the room often. This will get rid of any spiders that have already established a home in the corners and under furniture.
- Get rid of clutter in the room. Clutter creates perfect hiding and breeding places for spiders.
- Look and seal gaps around windows and doors. Insects and spiders could be getting in through these gaps.
How Do I Kill A Spider In the Room?
If you really have to kill the spider, the safest method is a sticky bug trap. It ensures you don’t get into contact with the spider, risking a painful bite, and it can kill multiple spiders and pests.
Other options include spraying it with an insecticide or smashing/squishing it with a solid object like a book or a shoe.
If you think you have a serious spider infestation in your home, contact an exterminator. And if you need some more tips with regards to your sleep, here is our guide to bed socks!
