How to Get Rid of Spiders in a Car
Saw a scary spider inside your car? Here’s how to get rid of spiders in car and what to put in your car to keep them from coming back!
Written by:
Parham Koukia
Reviewed By:
Editorial Team
Published: September 16, 2025
Updated: November 04, 2025
Use AI to summarize this article:
Spiders in a car can easily turn a normal drive into a nightmare and a cause for distracted driving.
One drops from the visor, you flinch, and suddenly the road feels narrower!
If you’ve dealt with this issue and are asking, “What can I put in my car to get rid of spiders?” we are here to answer the question you’ve always been looking for.
Simple steps to get rid of spiders, solid results, and less drama on your next drive!
What You’ll Need
| Item | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Shop vac with crevice tool | Eggs, webs, debris in tight areas | $40-$120 |
| Interior cleaner + microfiber towels | Safe wipe-down of panels and trim | $10-$25 |
| Soft detailing brushes + compressed air | Vents, switchgear, seat rails | $10-$20 |
| Glue traps (low-profile) | Passive capture under seats and in trunk | $5-$12 per 4-pack |
| Food-grade diatomaceous earth (optional) | Dry, passive barrier in hidden corners | $10-$20 |
| Essential oil spray, diluted (peppermint or chestnut) | Low-toxicity deterrent in non-contact areas | $8-$15 |
| Weatherstrip conditioner or replacement seals | Close entry gaps around doors and hatch | $10-$60 |
| Cabin air filter (new) | Remove webs, improve airflow | $10-$30 |
| Silica gel packs | Reduce moisture that attracts insects | $6-$15 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Spiders from Car
1. Do Not get Distracted(if driving)
If a spider appears while driving, stay calm, keep both hands on the wheel, and pull over when safe before removing it. Careless driving can lead to fines up to $2000, demerit points on your license, and increased insurance rates, so treat distractions seriously.
Once parked, open doors and let the cabin ventilate. Gently remove any visible spider with a cup and a card or use a handheld vacuum.
2. Deep clean and de-web the cabin
This breaks the food chain and knocks out egg sacs.
- Remove all trash and clutter from door pockets, cupholders, and the trunk.
- Vacuum seats, seat rails, under-seat carpet, the spare-tire well, and the headliner edges.
- Agitate vents, seams, and controls with a soft brush while the vac nozzle captures debris.
- Wipe hard surfaces with interior cleaner. Pay attention to the driver-side lower dash, pedal box, and the gasket area along the door sills.
3. Clear spider hotspots
- Mirror housings and door seals: blow out webs, then wipe the rubber weatherstrips.
- Cowl area at the base of the windshield: remove leaf litter and clean the water drains.
- Cabin air filter: replace it and vacuum the filter box. If your car has a persistent musty odor, clean the HVAC intake screen.
- Trunk lid channel and taillamp pockets: dry and de-web.
- Spare-tire well: often damp, so dry it and leave a few silica gel packs.
4. Deploy passive controls
- Slide low-profile glue traps under seats and in the trunk’s corners. Check weekly and replace as needed.
- Lightly dust food-grade diatomaceous earth in hidden and non-contact areas like under the trunk carpet edges or beneath rear seats.
Vacuum and refresh after a few days!
5. Set your repellents and seal entries
Here are some popular smells that are known to keep spiders away:
- Essential oils: Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint or chestnut oil in 1 cup of water with a small drop of dish soap. Mist door seals, under-seat carpet edges, and footwells lightly. Avoid leather, painted touchscreens, and sensors. Evidence is mixed, but these two oils show some repellent effect in lab tests, while lemon oil does not. Treat scents as deterrents, not cures.
- Cinnamon scent option: A few people also suggest cinnamon as a deterrent scent. It is low risk and can be used like an air freshener, but treat it as anecdotal.
- Seal gaps: Inspect door and hatch weatherstrips, missing cowl clips, and torn grommets. Replace perished seals.
- Moisture control: Leave silica gel packs in the glovebox and trunk to keep humidity down.
Avoid total-release foggers, aka bug bombs. Labels and public-health guidance say they are not for vehicles and can cause hazards in small enclosed spaces. If you use any pesticide, follow the exact label and only use products explicitly allowed for indoor crevice treatment, never as a whole-car fumigant. (US EPA)
Quick tips and mistakes to avoid
Quick tips
- Keep windows and the sunroof fully shut when parked.
- Park away from hedges, stacked leaves, woodpiles, and tall grass.
- Empty floor mats and door pockets every week.
- Replace the cabin air filter every 12 months or sooner if you see webbing
Mistakes to avoid
- Spraying strong chemicals into sensors, steering-wheel controls, seatbelts, or airbag covers.
- Soaking leather or Alcantara with vinegar or oils.
- Leaving food or drink containers in the cabin.
- Using a fogger or “chlorine bomb” as a pesticide. Chlorine dioxide products are sold for odor removal, not registered as spider killers. Treat them as deodorizers only.
Spider hotspots in cars and what to do
| Hotspot | What we do |
|---|---|
| Door mirror housings | Blow out webs, wipe, light essential oil mist on the seam |
| Cowl intake at the windshield base | Remove debris, clear drains, and inspect the cabin filter hatch |
| Door and hatch weatherstrips | Clean and condition, replace if cracked |
| Seat rails and under-seat carpet | Brush, vacuum, and set a low-profile glue trap |
| Spare-tire well and trunk pockets | Dry completely, silica gel, trap if needed |
| A-pillar trims and headliner edges | Brush out gently, vacuum, and avoid soaking fabric |
Seasonal prevention plan
- Monthly: quick vacuum, wipe door seals, check glue traps, refresh silica gel, and any scent deterrent.
- Start of autumn and spring: deep clean, replace cabin filter, inspect cowl drains, and check weatherstrips.
- After washing the car, dry door jambs, mirror seams, and the cowl so you do not create a damp habitat that draws insects.
Also Read: How to Clean Car Interior: Expert Tips
FAQs
How Long Can a Spider Live inside a Car?
A spider can live inside a car for several months to over a year, and possibly even longer, depending on the presence of food (food crumbs and other insects) and water inside the car. Spiders are known to have low metabolisms, which allow them to survive without food for extended periods.
Why Does My Car Keep Having Spiders?
Your car keeps having spiders because it offers an ideal habitat with dark, hidden spaces and shelter, and a potential food source from other insects that are attracted to crumbs and debris.
What Smell Repels Spiders?
Peppermint and chestnut oils show some repellent effect in controlled tests on certain spider species. However, results vary by species and setting, so use them as part of a wider plan that includes cleaning and sealing.
Can I bug-bomb the interior?
No. Authorities advise against using total-release foggers in small enclosed spaces, which includes cars. Stick to targeted crevice treatments that are label-approved for indoor use, or consult a licensed pro.
Final Thoughts
To completely get rid of spiders in a car, remove the reason they are there, not just the spiders. Clean thoroughly, treat hotspots, set passive traps, seal entries, then maintain a simple monthly routine. If you ever see signs of venomous species or a heavy infestation, call a licensed pest professional.
Parham Koukia
Lead Car Detailer / Operations Manager
With nearly 15 years of hands-on detailing experience, Parham has become a trusted authority in the auto care world. His work is regularly spotlighted in leading outlets like CNN, GoBankingRates, and Family Handyman. Parham likes to share his knowledge to offer in-depth tips on equipment selections, seasonal car care, and some secret car cleaning tips used by detailers in the real world!
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