“How do I keep spiders out of my basement?” If that’s the question on your mind—you’re not the only one.

Every summer, Des Moines homeowners find themselves face-to-face with more leggy, eight-eyed visitors than they’d like. And no, they’re not showing up by accident.

Your basement? It’s spider heaven. It’s dark, damp, and full of quiet corners—especially if you’ve got a few cardboard boxes or other bugs hanging around. That’s all it takes for spiders to settle in and start calling it home.

Close-up of a spider indoors—Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management explains how to keep spiders out of the basement in Des Moines, IA during summer months

But here’s the good news: this guide will walk you through exactly how to keep spiders out of the basement—starting with quick fixes and ending with long-term prevention that actually works.

Fast Ways to Get Spiders Out of Your Basement—Starting Today

Now that you know why spiders love your basement, let’s talk about how to get spiders out of your basement without wasting time—or calling in the pros just yet.

Here’s what you can do right now to send them packing:

🧹 Vacuum webs, corners, and clutter

Clear out webs, egg sacs, and debris from quiet basement areas. Pay special attention to upper corners, beneath shelving, and along hidden edges.

🪤 Place sticky traps where spiders roam

Slide a few traps along baseboards, near windows, or behind boxes. They help catch spiders and show you where the real activity is happening.

🌿Try peppermint or citrus-based repellents

Lightly spray baseboards and corners. While these natural scents don’t kill spiders, they make the environment less inviting.

⚠️ Use insecticide spray cautiously

If spiders keep showing up, a targeted home-safe spray can help—but follow directions carefully, especially around kids or pets.

These quick wins will give you some breathing room—and more importantly, they’ll prep your space for the next step: keeping spiders out for good.

🔒 How to Keep Spiders Out of the Basement for Good

Short-term fixes are great—but if you really want peace of mind, it’s time to shift from removal to prevention.

And the good news? Keeping spiders out of the basement for good isn’t complicated. A few smart changes can make your space a whole lot less inviting to those uninvited guests.

Here’s how to keep spiders out of your basement—and make sure they don’t come crawling back:

  • 1

    Seal up entry points:

    Walk around your basement and check for gaps around pipes, vents, windows, or foundation cracks. Seal up small openings using caulk or foam to block any gaps spiders might crawl through.

  • 2

    Control the moisture:

    Spiders—and the bugs they feed on—love damp spaces. Running a dehumidifier helps dry things out and makes your basement far less attractive to them.

  • 3

    Raise your storage:

    Keep bins and boxes off the floor and away from walls. The less clutter you have down there, the fewer hiding spots spiders will find.

  • 4

    Switch to yellow exterior lights:

    Regular bulbs attract insects—which, in turn, attract spiders. Yellow-toned lights reduce that bug magnet effect and help stop spiders from coming in the house in the first place.

If you’ve been wondering how to keep spiders out of my basement, this is your long-term game plan.

Combine these simple steps with the earlier cleanup tips, and your basement will stay spider-free all season long.

📞 When DIY Isn’t Enough: Call a Spider Pest Control Expert in Des Moines

Sometimes, even after doing everything right—sealing cracks, drying out the basement, and decluttering—spiders still manage to creep their way back in.

If you’ve already tried all the tips and still can’t figure out how to stop spiders from coming in the house, it might be time to bring in the pros.

Here are a few signs it’s time to call Bobcat Pest Control:

  • You’re seeing spider webs reappear just days after cleaning

  • Egg sacs keep popping up in the same spots

  • You’ve had multiple spider sightings even after sealing entry points

  • You or someone in your home has a strong fear of spiders or allergies to bites

The good news? We’re not just a pest control company—we’re your neighbors. Based right here in Iowa, Bobcat Pest offers targeted spider control services tailored specifically to Des Moines homes.

Whether you’re dealing with a single species or a recurring infestation, our team knows how to handle it safely and effectively.

We don’t just spray and go—we focus on long-term prevention, using proven strategies to block entry points, reduce attractants, and keep your basement spider-free with lasting results.

📋 Quick Recap: Your Spider-Free Basement Checklist

Want a fast refresher on how to keep spiders out of the basement this summer? Here’s your no-fuss checklist to stay ahead of any unwanted crawlies:

  • Clear out clutter and vacuum web zones weekly
    Stay consistent—less mess means fewer hiding spots.

  • Set sticky traps in dark corners
    Great for catching spiders and monitoring problem areas.

  • Use natural repellents as a first line of defense
    Peppermint or citrus sprays are simple and safe to use around the home.

  • Seal gaps and dry out damp areas
    Dehumidifiers and caulk go a long way in making your basement less spider-friendly.

  • Call Bobcat Pest if spiders keep coming back
    We’ll help you stop the cycle and get your basement under control—for good.

Want long-term protection without the guesswork? Our Des Moines spider control services are just a call away.

Gene Spaulding Des Moines, IA Branch Operator
About the Author

Gene Spaulding, Owner and Founder of Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, has been at the forefront of pest and wildlife control since 2008. With over 17 years of hands-on experience, Gene combines his expertise and passion to deliver effective and humane pest management solutions to homeowners and businesses across the Des Moines Metro area. Guided by the motto “Your Property, Our Priority,” Gene ensures that Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management remains a trusted partner for comprehensive pest and wildlife services.