Top 5 ways to remove a spider from your house
Last updated: 31/07/24
We've all been there, where we unexpectedly see a spider in the corner of our eye whilst sitting in the living room.
We all react to it in different ways. Some are cool and calm about it and will choose to ignore the spider. Others can't look away and might give out a scream Some people have family members who will run into a different room scared. We all react in different ways.
Up to 75% in a sample survey reported to being scared or uncomfortable around spiders. This ranges from low levels of fear to severe panic.
It is thought 3-5% of people truly experience arachnophobia. Many people do not seek a diagnosis, so this number can be higher. Source: CPD Mental Health: Arachnophobia
Source: CPD Mental Health: Arachnophobia
There are many ways to remove a spider from your home. Some methods are easier than others but may not be suitable based on how comfortable you are around spiders and your ethics around killing them.
Top 5 ways to remove a spider from your home:
- Catch it with a tissue. Our score: 1/5
- Veffo Spider Catcher Tool. Our score: 5/5
- Cup and paper method. Our score: 3/5
- Squashing spider with object. Our score: 2/5
- Vacuum cleaner. Our score: 3/5
Important note: For removal of any dangerous venomous spiders we recommend you call a professional spider remover.
1. Catch it with a tissue
This simple method simply involves catching the spider with a tissue and discarding it. It can be useful for tiny spiders in particular. However, it is one to avoid for those who are scared or uncomfortable around spiders. It is worth remembering some can bite.
Also, this method is difficult when trying to catch a spider on the ceiling or higher up on the wall.
Ease: ⭐⭐
Comfort and calmness:⭐
Ethicalness: ⭐
Overall score: 1
2. Veffo Spider Catcher Tool
This Veffo Spider Catcher Tool is specifically designed to catch and remove spiders with ease.
It works by squeezing the trigger which in turn open the bristles. The open bristles go around the spider and upon letting go of the trigger; the bristles close which catch the spider.
The spider can then be easily removed from a distance allowing for a calm and comfortable experience. It is unharmed throughout the process.
The tool works on uneven surfaces. It's lightweight and long length allows you to reach awkward high points on the wall or ceiling where the spider may be.
With this method, you will need to have purchased the Veffo Spider Catcher Tool beforehand so it is available when needed. It can be purchased here.
Ease: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort and calmness:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ethicalness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall score: 5
3. Cup and paper Method
The cup and paper method involves capturing the spider with a cup and then slipping a paper underneath the cup and spider. This will result in trapping the spider which can then be removed outside.
This method is ethical as the spider is unharmed and relatively easy to use.
Some people find this method too close for comfort as you are in close proximity to the spider. Also when holding the spider with the paper underneath, some people can feel the sensation of the it crawling on them. Which isn't a great feeling!
The cup and paper method cannot be used on uneven surfaces or high areas. It can also be a bit faffy to wash the cup after use.
Ease: ⭐⭐
Comfort and calmness:⭐⭐
Ethicalness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall score: 3
4. Squashing spider with object
A bit of a gory but very effective method! This involves finding the nearest suitable object and squashing the spider. E.g a slipper or newspaper.
This method is not great from an ethical perspective. Also, for some people the method can be quite panicky as they are close to the spider and are unsure if it's dead. The clean up of the object is not a pretty sight afterwards!
Ease: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort and calmness:⭐⭐
Ethicalness: 0
Overall score: 2
5. Vacuum Cleaner
This method involves using the hose to suck up the spider. The hose can reach high points on the wall and ceiling making it an effective method. The length of the hose also keeps you at a distance from the spider.
The vacuum cleaners can be particularly useful in sucking up multiple spiders and cobwebs.
The method is not great from an ethical perspective as it results in killing spiders. It can also be difficult to move the vacuum cleaner upstairs or downstairs depending on its weight and where it is.
Ease: ⭐⭐⭐
Comfort and calmness:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ethicalness: 0
Overall score: 3
Overall Scores
Here is a summary of the methods of how to remove spiders in your home and our scores based on ease, comfort/ calmness and ethicalness.
| Method | Ease |
Comfort & Calmness |
Ethicalness | Overall Score |
| 1. Catch it with a tissue | ⭐⭐ |
⭐ |
⭐⭐ | 1/5 |
| 2. Veffo Spider Catcher Tool | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5/5 |
| 3. Cup and paper method | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 3/5 |
| 4. Squashing spider with object | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | 0 | 2/5 |
| 5. Vacuum cleaner | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 0 | 3/5 |
Based on on the scores the Veffo Spider Catcher scores best in terms of ease, comfort/ calmness and ethicalness. The vacuum cleaner and glass and paper method are decent options, however they may not be suitable for the reasons above.
You can find more information about purchasing the Veffo Spider Catcher here. Or to learn how to use the Veffo Catcher in more detail please see here.
Article by Yousuf Ismail - Spider catcher tool user for 10 years