Do Spiders Die in the Hoover?

If you're someone who panics the second you spot a creepy crawly, a spider in your home might have you reaching straight for the Hoover.

But should you vacuum spiders? What happens to them if you do? And are there any better alternatives?

Here, we'll answer all the common questions about vacuuming up spiders and advise on the best ways to remove a spider from your home.

What happens when you vacuum a spider?

While they can be scary for some people, there are many benefits to having spiders in the home and garden – mainly, they get rid of other, more irritating and damaging pests, like ants and flies.

However, we understand that not everyone is comfortable with spiders and may not want them in the home. For many people, the Hoover may be the first port of call when they spot an eight-legged creature in the home. But, if possible, it’s recommended to opt for an alternative, more humane removal method.

Sucking up a spider with a vacuum can kill it instantly due to the pressure and force of being vacuumed. If they don’t die instantly, they can also be severely wounded and will remain this way until they next shed their exoskeleton and regrow limbs.

It’s good to remember that a spider in your home isn’t there to frighten you and is probably just lost. If possible, capturing it and putting it outside is the most humane way to deal with spiders – and means you don’t have to worry about whether they’re now crawling around inside your Hoover instead!

Do spiders die in the vacuum cleaner?

One of the most common questions around vacuuming spiders is whether there’s any chance they can survive being vacuumed. So, does vacuuming kill a spider?

Most of the time, yes. The pressure, speed and trauma of being sucked into the vacuum will kill most spiders. If they don’t die instantly, they will usually die of thirst or suffocate after being left in the vacuum bag or dust collector for a while.

However, in some rare instances, a spider may survive the ordeal and escape the vacuum. Leading us to…

[H2] Can spiders get out of vacuums?

Occasionally, a spider could get out of a vacuum. If it doesn’t die from the initial trauma, a spider can escape the vacuum – but only if there are gaps big enough for them to get through and a surface they can climb. Of course, this depends on your model and vacuum type, as some have internal doors that only open one way.

If you empty the vacuum quite quickly after sucking up a spider – and if they survive the ordeal – they may also be able to escape from the bin you've emptied them into.

Basically, if you want to be 100% sure you’re rid of the pesky critter, catching it and putting it outside yourself is the best method.

Can spiders lay eggs in a vacuum cleaner?

Spiders can lay eggs anywhere, so theoretically, yes, they could lay eggs in the Hoover. However, this is unlikely.

Spiders like warm, safe, undisturbed areas, so assuming your vacuum is used regularly, this environment is less than ideal for laying eggs.

If you do vacuum up a spider, spider eggs or spiderlings, we’d recommend emptying your vacuum immediately into an outdoor bin to avoid any nasty surprises. 

What are better ways to remove a spider from the home?

So, you’ve spotted a spider. You want to get rid of it but want to avoid the Hoover. What now?

Here are some spider-friendly ways to rid the critters from your house.

 Capture it with your hands

The bravest among us may simply be able to catch a spider with their hands and remove it.

In the UK, there are around 650 species of spiders, and only around 12 have been recorded as able to bite, and these are always larger spiders.

For regular house spiders and smaller spiders, catching them with your hands is perfectly safe – though it may be scary for some!

The glass method

The classic glass and card method is usually a failsafe option if you're a little more anxious around spiders. Simply find a jar or large glass (like a pint glass), place it over the spider, then slot some cardboard or paper underneath to stop it from climbing out.

You can then take the spider outside to release it.

A spider grabber

If you encounter a lot of spiders or are particularly scared of them, you can buy specialist spider-grabbing tools.

These usually come with extra-long handles that mean you don’t have to get too close to the spider yourself. The spider stays safely trapped in a compartment and can then be released outside.

How do I stop spiders from coming into my house?

The best way to deal with spiders is to stop them from entering the home completely. Here are three quick and easy ways you can keep spiders from your home.

1. Vacuum regularly

While we wouldn't necessarily endorse vacuuming up live spiders, webs and eggs can be picked up with regular vacuuming, limiting the chance of spiders making themselves at home.

When you vacuum, make sure you get behind the furniture. Spiders love dark corners where they won't be disturbed, so keeping the room regularly cleaned and free from clutter will make it more inhospitable for them.

2. Try essential oils

Spiders hate the smell of certain essential oils – luckily, ones that are quite pleasant for humans!

Spiders will avoid lemon, cinnamon, peppermint and eucalyptus fragrances – so there are plenty of options if you want to find a scent you personally enjoy. Try burning essential oils and candles, making up a water and oil (or fresh lemon) solution to spray entryways, or looking for cleaning products with these fragrances to keep spiders away.

3. Fill in cracks

Any larger gaps around entryways can be an entry point for spiders. To keep spiders from getting indoors in the first place, make sure you have a good seal around all your doors and window frames.

To keep your home spick and span and eliminate pesky spider webs, why not explore the Hoover selection of vacuums? From cordless vacuums to powerful upright models, we have all the options you need for your home.