8 Ways to Prevent Spiders in Your Shed

Having a shed in your garden can invite many unwelcome visitors. Insects such as spiders seek warm and sheltered areas to hide and mate. Unfortunately for us, this means that we need to find ways to keep them out. 

At Atlas Sheds, we have compiled a list of 8 ways to prevent spiders from making a home out of your shed. You deserve to enjoy your new garden shed without the stress of encountering pests. 

It’s time to say goodbye to unwanted spiders and hello to a clean and relaxing space. 

Reasons for Spider Infestation in Sheds

Garden sheds are often dark, quiet, and cluttered spaces where spiders can hide and breed undisturbed. 

With a variety of insects in your garden, they have an unlimited food supply and a warm place to stay. Sheds with poor ventilation may invite more spiders due to the accumulation of moisture.

They crawl their way in through small holes, cracks, and crevices, often going unnoticed until they come out of hiding. However, there are various things you can do to prevent them from entering your shed. 

8 Ways to Prevent Spiders in Your Shed

When you build a shed in your garden, it's expected that you’re going to face a few bugs or pests from time to time. However, you can deter spiders away by following these simple steps:

1. Keep Your Shed Clean and Clutter-Free

It’s important to keep your shed clean and clutter-free, not just to deter pests but also for your own comfort. 

Sweep and vacuum your shed weekly to get rid of dirt and debris. You can use window cleaner and a cloth to wipe down any windows and sides to clear old spider webs and dust. 

Dispose of unnecessary items or rusty objects to create less space for spiders to nest. A clean space will discourage them from staying. 

2. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Since spiders need a way to get in, this is one of the most effective methods for keeping them out. 

Inspect your shed for any visible cracks in the walls, floor, ceiling, doors, and windows. It’s also useful to check areas where utility pipes or wires enter the shed. 

Once you have identified the entry points, there are a few ways you can seal them:

• Caulk: Ideal for sealing small to medium-sized cracks, especially around windows and door frames.
• Expanding foam: Best for larger gaps or holes, particularly in areas that are out of sight.
• Weatherstripping: Use for sealing gaps around doors and windows to prevent spider entry and improve insulation.
• Wire mesh: For larger openings or vents, this can be used to prevent spiders while still allowing airflow.

3. Use Natural Spider Repellents

Natural repellent is a cheap alternative to shop-bought solutions. 

There are various natural repellents you can use to deter spiders from your shed. This includes:

• Essential oils: This includes peppermint, lavender, tea tree and citrus. Mix one or more of these into a spray bottle and apply it around windows, doorways, and other entry points.

• Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution in corners, cracks, and crevices where spiders might enter or hide.

• Diatomaceous earth: This is lethal to spiders and small insects. Sprinkle this around the perimeter of your shed and near entryways where spiders are frequently seen.

• Herbs and Plants: Add plants and herbs which repel spiders around and inside your shed. This includes eucalyptus, lavender, lemon balm, and mint.

• Citrus peel: Spiders are known to dislike the scent of citrus. Rub citrus peels on the areas where spiders are commonly seen or leave them near entry points.

4. Maintain the Area Around the Shed

Not only is it important to keep the inside of your shed clean, but you need to regularly maintain your garden to prevent spiders. 

Overgrown grass and weeds can provide spaces for spiders to hide and breed. To avoid this, cut your grass regularly and clean any debris, wood and leaf piles. Throw away old garden equipment before it starts to rust.

If any branches or bushes are touching your shed, prune them as they can act as a bridge for spiders to walk across and access the structure. 

5. Use Spider-Proof Containers for Storage

If you use your shed for storage, organising your belongings into containers will not only prevent spiders from getting to them but will also create a tidy environment. 

Purchase airtight sealable containers as these are harder for spiders to access than cardboard boxes. Separate your items into categories and label each box for easy accessibility. 

Avoid placing them against walls, as this can create a hiding spot for spiders. We suggest placing them on shelves or pallets instead. 

6. Install Door Sweeps and Window Screens

Door sweeps block the small gap that is left underneath a door, preventing access for spiders.

Materials like rubber allow the door to open and close smoothly. You can use screws or adhesive to secure them in place. 

Similarly, window screens act as a shield that prevents spiders from entering your shed. Fiberglass and aluminium screens are especially efficient at keeping spiders out. 

7. Use Lighting to Deter Spiders

Whilst spiders aren’t necessarily drawn to light, they prey on insects which are attracted to certain types of light. 

To avoid inviting spiders into your shed, opt for LED bulbs, which emit less heat and are less attractive to insects. Yellow or sodium vapour lights also attract fewer insects, reducing the number of spiders in your garden. 

8. Encourage Natural Predators

Natural predators like birds, wasps, and ladybugs prey on spiders. Inviting these predators to your garden will help reduce the number of spiders in your shed. 

To do this, install birdfeeders, plant a diverse range of flowers, and create a bug hotel to house these habitats. With this, you can leave it up to nature to keep spiders at bay.

Precautionary Measures

With the number of poisonous spiders rising in the UK, it’s important to be able to safely identify each species. 

If you spot a spider in your shed, it’s important not to panic. Use a glass and a piece of card to safely trap the spider and release it outside. 

Check any furniture or tools left in your shed before using them, and ensure your body is fully covered when clearing out your shed to prevent spider bites.