How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Tent? (13+1 Easy Tips Included)

Spiders at campsites are a common problem for campers, and it is one of the more serious issues that many campers do not know. That’s why knowing how to keep spiders out of your tent is always an advantage.

Spiders raise more threats than that wolf or any other predator. Moreover, if you are an arachnophobe, then the happy camp memory can turn into a nightmare when you see the eight-legged creature creeping up to you.

Despite a love of nature and wildlife, it is understandable if you don’t want to share your sleeping bag with them! It is critical to keep spiders away from you, and the best way to do so is to know how spiders behave.

Honestly, it’s not difficult to learn how to keep spiders away from your tent. You just need to patch any holes or tears with patches (or duct tape), avoid camping near water, and keep your campsite clean to avoid attracting bugs that spiders eat. You can also spray your tent with essential oils that repel spiders.

Don’t worry. We will explain all the process in detailed here. But before jumping directly into that, let me share some the amazing facts about spiders with you all.

Basic Spider Facts

There are a few facts to support arachnophobia. Almost all spiders produce venom to paralyze their prey before devouring it. If a spider does bite, only about 30 of the 47,600 known spider species produce venom dangerous enough to endanger human health.

The chances of being eaten by spiders are extremely low unless you come across Aragog or Shelob. However, their venom can spread through the food they bite or the water they drink. It can make you extremely ill, cause rashes, and even kill you on a bad day.

So now you know why is it important to learn how to keep spiders away from your tent. Don’t worry; I will share my learnings with you here. I have tackled this spider issue multiple times while camping, so I am sure you will get benefitted from these tips mentioned below.

Just follow these and have a camping trip without the fear of turning into Peter Parker.

Properly Check the Tent & Other Gears before Packing

Before leaving for a camping trip, thoroughly inspect your tent, sleeping bags, and other necessary equipment.

Check for any holes or leaks that could allow spiders to enter. If you find any flaws, patch them up and make your equipment foolproof. It is the last step you should take before arriving at the campsite. So do it flawlessly.

Choosing the Right Spot for Camping

Choose your campsite wisely. Choose a clean and dry location for camping. You should camp away from bodies of water. It means there will be fewer bugs for spiders to feast.

You should also try to find a nice, clear spot to pitch your tent, free of fallen leaves and tall grass where spiders could live. The best option is plain open land away from any marshland or stagnant water pit.

Maintain Cleanliness & Hygiene Inside Your Tent

Spiders have a penchant for looking for trash or leftover food. So keep spider-attracting items away from the tent. Clean the tent after each meal and leave an open space to prevent spiders from hiding in your tent.

Don’t Sleep without Zipping Up the Tent-Door

On your camping trip, you’ll be coming and going from the tent frequently, but don’t be tempted to leave the door open.

To keep the crawlers out of your sleeping bags, close the door completely every time you enter or exit. If you leave the door open for even a minute, a spider will get in. Read this article on how to lock a tent properly to know the process.

Avoid Using Perfumes/Scented Sprays 

I know many people who love using perfumes or scented sprays while camping inside a tent. Well, it’s a fact that after a full day of hiking, our body stinks. But, it’s better to have a shower than using perfumes. Because, if you use them, you will not only attract spiders but also other animals as well. So do avoid them if it’s not absolute necessary.

Work on Your Food Storage Mechanism

Food should be stored in airtight containers that are not prone to attracting insects or spreading food odor. Food can be a huge bug magnet, followed by a swarm of spiders. Your food storage mechanism should be top-notch to avoid any unwelcome guests at the festival.

You should also be cautious with your trash because it can attract insects to your campground. Dispose of it is far from the campsite.

Eat Foods with Specific Smells that Spiders Hate

Believe it or not, there are several foods that can help you out too. Pick up foods that give out a specific strong odor, like onion, radish, or raw garlic.

The smell of these foods is so annoying that any spider will prefer to avoid you even if they get access to your tent. It repels any insects from within and barricades your skin with a pungent stench.

However, this trick may give you trouble if you’re sharing your tent with other members. But, if you love doing solo camping, then it’s perhaps the best solution to tackle the spider or for that matter any bugs.

Burn a Campfire

Use your campfire to keep bugs at bay. Because many insects dislike fire, it can act as a repellent. They may be deterred from entering your campsite simply because of the smoke. It is not a foolproof method of keeping spiders away.

However, having fewer bugs can affect the spider population near the camp. However, make sure that someone is always on-site to keep an eye on the fire.

Use Chemical Sprays

If I were in an area with dangerous spiders, I would buy a spider repellent and spray it all over my tent door and any seams. Spray the food storage area as well as the sleeping bags.

 If you are allergic to chemicals, there are natural ways to keep spiders away.

Simply avoid using toxic chemicals in a tent due to the small space and the possibility of inhaling some of them. There are numerous spider repellant sprays available these days, so you have plenty of options!

Use Natural Repellents

You do not have to be someone who is allergic to chemical repellents. However, repellents will be required. There are some natural substitutes.

Herbs and essential oils containing Eucalyptus, Citronella, Lavender, or Peppermint are incredibly effective at repelling spiders.

Camp with Your Pet

If you own any pet (preferably a dog though), then it might be a great idea to assign him the duty of patrolling the campsite. Generally they are quite good at this job, and won’t let anybody affect your peaceful sleep at night.

However, you need to be extra careful with this idea. You must ensure that the area isn’t known for any harmful insects or venomous spiders, so that your little buddy remains safe and sound.

Do not wear Color Green (Special Tip)

Spiders have dichromatic vision, meaning they can only see green and ultraviolet light. That is to say, they are colorblind. However, they are sensitive to light with a green wavelength.

It means they can detect anything emitting a green wavelength from a great distance away. If you’re an arachnophobe, you should avoid wearing green and use repellents to keep them at bay.

Avoid Scented Toiletries

Avoid using scented toiletries to compensate for the lack of running water and a shower while camping. However, avoid using perfumes, scented sunscreens, or other body products.

Sweet odors can attract insects to your campsite and into your tent at night. A better option is to use plain soap and water or disinfectant wipes, which will not attract unwanted insects.

Get Rid of Bugs that Attract Spiders

Bug repellent sprays are effective in keeping bugs at bay. Investing in a good bug repellent spray will help you get through the task of dealing with various bugs in and around your tent. There are no bugs or spiders.

It is also one of the simplest ways to get rid of pests while out and about. These bug repellent sprays are readily available in any store that sells camping supplies, and they are also available online.

You may also use unscented air freshener after dinner in order to keep bugs away.

Campgrounds are typically located in the middle of forests or on the mountain top. They are away from any human intervention in the womb of nature. It preserves the ecosystem’s natural state.

Spiders are an essential part of the forest ecosystem because they feed on insects. Without spiders, you will have millions of insects that spiders aren’t controlling for you!

Spiders, like all living things, play an important role in the food web.

Various insects attract spiders to campsites to feed on in masses. The secondary reason is that they are looking for warmth, shelter, or even leftover food in the camp or tent. It attracts them if the campsite is not kept clean. Then, they have both shelter and food, and soon there is a spider nest too.

Spiders are present in both campsites and regular forest sites for the same reason. Campers must take care of them to keep away from harm.

Following the protocols mentioned can help you avoid them. If you do not get in their way, they will do their best to steer clear of you too.

That’s why you must learn the art of how to keep spiders out of your tent to stay on the safer side.

Conclusion

Be wary of spiders on your next camping trip, and don’t be afraid to employ tried-and-true techniques. 

It is critical to take precautions against venomous spiders, but all of the tips in this article will help you gain the knowledge of how to keep spiders out of your tent for sure.

Keep the campsites clean and avoid attracting bugs or wild animals, which can make your campsite unsafe. Follow the camping rules to avoid crawlers away from your sleeping bags.