How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Airbnb (Because No One Wants to Share a Shower with an Eight-Legged Guest!)
Picture this: Your guests have just checked into your beautifully curated Airbnb, and everything seems perfect. Then you get *that* message—the one that makes you cringe. “Hi! Just wanted to let you know… there’s a GIANT spider on the shower curtain liner!” Oh, the horror! 😱 While we all know spiders can’t help it (they’re just trying to live their best lives too!), no guest wants to face their fears in the bathroom.
After a heavy rain, our once-happy guests sent us this cringy message on a Sunday, while I was an hour out of town!
My husband had to go down and search, and after checking the shower liner 3 times it suddenly appeared. The biggest wolf spider he had ever seen in his life. It went up the vacuum and I kid you not, it later crawled out of the vacuum upstairs to emerge on us a day later! ( It was safely then captured and released, far from the Airbnb!)
So, how do you keep these uninvited visitors from crashing your guests’ stay? Here’s a guide to keeping your Airbnb spider-free, so your guests can relax without worrying about any unexpected eight-legged encounters.
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Airbnb
With fall approaching, the cooler weather and rainy days mean one thing—spiders will start trying to find their way indoors. No one wants to deal with an unexpected eight-legged visitor, especially when hosting guests in your beautifully designed Airbnb! Here’s a guide to keeping your space spider-free, so your guests can relax without any creepy-crawly surprises.
1. Seal Those Cracks and Gaps
Spiders are sneaky! They’ll slip into your space through the tiniest cracks around windows, doors, and even pipes. Take a walk around your Airbnb and inspect for any gaps or cracks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them up, especially around doors and windows where spiders love to enter. You could also add a screen to your windows to help keep bugs out. Bonus: sealing cracks also helps with energy efficiency!
2. Keep It Clean and Decluttered
Spiders love hiding in clutter, especially in corners, basements, and behind furniture. A tidy, clutter-free Airbnb is less inviting to them. Regularly vacuum corners, behind furniture, and underneath beds. Trust me, your guests will appreciate the cleanliness and won’t even know you’re doing it to keep spiders away! Sending a Rumba in to do a final clean and get under the beds is a great way to run them down.
3. Essential Oils: Your New Best Friend
Did you know that certain essential oils like peppermint are natural spider repellents? Spiders can’t stand the strong scent, and, as a bonus, your Airbnb will smell fresh and inviting. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around windowsills, door frames, and other spider-friendly zones. Not only will your space feel more zen, but it will also help keep those critters at bay.
Vitruvi is hands down a leader in the diffuser world—and trust me, they know what they’re doing. This gorgeous stone diffuser could easily pass as a piece of art!
4. Outdoor Maintenance is Key
Spiders are outdoor creatures, after all. If you have a yard or garden area, keeping it tidy can make a big difference. Trim bushes and remove any debris near windows or doors. Spiders are less likely to make their way inside if their favorite hiding spots aren’t right outside the door. Plus, a clean and maintained exterior is part of that five-star guest experience! A couple of times a year before our busy seasons start, I go around the outside of the Airbnb with a hose and spray away all the spider webs.
5. Switch to Warmer Light Bulbs
Here’s a fun fact: Spiders love insects, and insects love light. One simple trick to keep spiders away is to switch your outdoor to warmer light bulbs, which are less attractive to bugs. Fewer bugs mean fewer spiders! Your guests will be able to enjoy those peaceful evening outdoor moments without feeling like they’re being watched by creepy crawlies.
6. Invest in Tight-Sealing Trash Bins
Trash bins, both inside and outside your Airbnb, can be a buffet for insects. And where there are insects, spiders will follow. Make sure your trash cans have tight-sealing lids to keep insects (and the spiders who love them) out of your space.
7. Consider Natural Repellents
If you prefer a more natural approach, consider introducing plants that spiders dislike, such as eucalyptus, lavender, or mint. Not only do these plants add a lovely touch of greenery to your space, but they also work wonders as natural repellents. Plus, your guests will love the fresh, natural vibe! I’ve also heard that putting a few chestnuts inside the door can keep spiders at bay.
8. Regular Pest Control: Your Secret Weapon
Let’s face it: even the cleanest, most beautifully designed Airbnbs can have the occasional spider visitor. If this is an ongoing problem, Hiring a professional pest control service to regularly treat naturally, like this pest control company, your space is a smart investment, especially if you want to avoid any “spider-in-the-shower” messages from guests. Plus, many services use eco-friendly options, so you can keep things chemical-free if that’s your style.your space is a smart investment, especially if you want to avoid any “spider-in-the-shower” messages from guests. Plus, many services use eco-friendly options, so you can keep things chemical-free if that’s your style.
9. Communicate Proactively with Guests
If you know your Airbnb is in an area where spiders might make an appearance (hello, nature lovers!), it can be helpful to set expectations with your guests. A quick mention in your welcome note or house manual can go a long way: “We’ve taken every step to make your stay as comfortable as possible, but as we’re surrounded by nature, the occasional visitor might pop in.” Guests will appreciate your honesty and will feel more prepared.
Final Thoughts: Keep Calm and Spider On
No host wants to deal with a spider sighting, but it’s all part of the adventure of hosting an Airbnb—especially if your property is surrounded by nature. By taking some simple steps to spider-proof your space, you can create a more comfortable and relaxing experience for your guests (and for yourself!). After all, creating memorable stays isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about ensuring your guests feel at home, safe, and far away from creepy crawlies.
So, keep calm! Your guests will thank you for the extra care and attention you’ve put into making their stay stress-free and, most importantly, spider-free.
Now, let’s keep those spiders outside where they belong—and ensure your Airbnb continues to be the five-star retreat guests rave about!
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