The Table Ingredient That Can Help You Get Rid Of Spiders (But There's A Catch)

Spiders are not the houseguests most people welcome. They crawl into corners, set up sticky traps of webbing, and have a way of appearing at the exact moment you don't want them to. While some will argue they help by catching other insects, the reality is few homeowners want them lurking around. The go-to response often involves chemical sprays, but those come with health concerns for pets and children. Surprisingly, one of the most effective tools to get rid of spiders isn't sitting on a hardware shelf at all, but on your dining table. Ordinary salt has the potential to keep spiders at bay, as it wears away the exoskeleton, dehydrating and ultimately killing the spider. However, to truly make it work, you need to turn it into a solution with warm water; only then does salt become a practical spider deterrent.

The idea of using something as simple as salt to handle spiders highlights a larger shift toward low-cost, low-impact fixes. It shows how everyday household items can double as problem-solvers when used correctly. There's also a certain reassurance in knowing you don't have to look far for answers. Sometimes, the remedy is as close as the table in front of you.

Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Warm water matters here. It helps the salt dissolve fully and leaves you with a clear solution instead of gritty crystals at the bottom. Once mixed, transfer it to a clean spray bottle, and you've got a natural spider repellent ready to use. From there, you can spray directly on spiders when you see them or treat common trouble spots, including baseboards, corners, windowsills, and door frames, where spiders usually creep in. The solution works best when applied regularly, ideally once a week, to keep them from settling back in.

One thing to keep in mind: Once the spray dries, it can leave a fine layer of salt behind. You'll want to wipe it up to avoid a chalky residue on surfaces, especially in visible areas. It's a small trade-off for a method that's inexpensive and free from chemical concerns. This makes it a reliable option if you want a cleaner way to keep spiders away from your home.

Sprinkling salt around your home may sound like a quick fix, but it won't stop spiders. At best, they'll crawl right over it and continue on their way. Salt becomes effective when mixed with water, because the solution can be sprayed directly onto spiders or into the areas they frequent.

The water is what allows the salt to reach their bodies in a concentrated form. The science behind it comes down to dehydration. Spiders have an exoskeleton that helps them retain moisture, which is essential for survival. When exposed to high concentrations of saltwater, the salt begins to draw moisture out of their bodies. This process gradually dehydrates the spider, leading to its death. It's the reason a direct spray of saltwater works while dry crystals don't do much. In simple terms, the water acts as the carrier, delivering salt where it can do the damage and keep spiders from invading your home.