you’re not alone walked into your boathouse early in the morning, coffee in hand, only to find fresh cobwebs stretched across your doorway like nature’s version of a jump scare, you’re not alone.
One of the most common questions waterside owners ask is: how do I get rid of spiders in my boathouse without turning the space into a chemical zone?
Spiders love quiet, sheltered places near water. Your boathouse offers warmth, darkness, and a steady supply of insects, which explains why spiders live in boat storage areas more than almost anywhere else on your property.
The good news? With the right balance of prevention, natural repellents, and smart maintenance, you can keep spiders away and enjoy a clean, calm, and welcoming space by the water.
Why Spiders Are Drawn to Boathouses and Boat Storage Areas
Before you reach for sprays or traps, it helps to understand what’s attracting them in the first place.
Boathouses naturally provide:
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Shelter from wind and rain
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Dark corners and beams for web-building
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Moist air that attracts flying insects
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Outdoor lighting that creates a nightly “bug buffet”
If you’ve ever wondered why spiders live in boat storage areas, it usually comes down to two things: food and peace. Reduce either one, and spiders tend to move on.
How Do I Get Rid of Spiders in My Boathouse? (10 Proven Methods)
These methods focus on long-term prevention, not just quick fixes.
1. Clean Regularly to Break Their “Comfort Zone”
A dusty, cluttered boathouse is perfect for spiders.
Make it a habit to:
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Sweep ceiling beams, rafters, and corners
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Vacuum floor edges and storage shelves
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Remove old boxes, tarps, and unused gear
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Wipe down ledges where webs form
If you’re already following a seasonal boat cleaning checklist, simply add “web and corner inspection” to your routine. Consistency is what helps stop cobwebs in a boathouse from becoming a permanent feature.
2. Seal Entry Points Around Doors and Walls
Spiders don’t teleport — they crawl in.
Check for:
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Gaps around doors and windows
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Cracks in wood or concrete
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Cable holes and vent openings
Use outdoor-grade caulk, weather stripping, and door sweeps. This step alone can dramatically reduce spider traffic and fits perfectly into most boat storage and maintenance guides for long-term care.
3. Trim Back Vegetation Near Your Boathouse
Bushes and overhanging branches act like spider bridges.
Keep plants trimmed away from:
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Walls
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Roofing edges
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Door frames
A clear perimeter makes it much harder for spiders to reach your structure in the first place.
4. Use Natural Spider Repellents Instead of Harsh Chemicals
If you’re looking for natural ways to remove spiders from boathouses, essential oils are one of the safest and most effective tools.
Spiders strongly dislike:
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Peppermint
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Citrus
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Lavender
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Tea tree
Simple spray recipe:
Mix water, 10–15 drops of essential oil, and a splash of vinegar. Spray around door frames, corners, storage shelves, and beams once or twice a week.
This approach also works well as part of broader liveaboard lifestyle tips, especially for boaters who prefer low-tox solutions in enclosed spaces.
5. Remove Webs as Soon as You See Them
A web sends a signal to other spiders that the area is “safe.”
Focus on:
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Light fixtures
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Ceiling corners
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Storage shelves
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Door frames
Breaking webs regularly is one of the simplest ways to stop cobwebs in a boathouse before they multiply.
6. Use Citrus Scents to Make the Space Uninviting
Spiders hate the smell of citrus.
Try:
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Rubbing lemon or orange peels along entry points
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Using citrus-based cleaning sprays
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Placing dried citrus peels in small fabric sachets
It’s cheap, natural, and surprisingly effective.
7. Add Cedar Wood for Long-Term Protection
Cedar naturally repels spiders and insects.
Place:
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Cedar blocks in corners and storage areas
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Cedar chips in breathable mesh bags
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Cedar oil spray on shelves and beams
This method is often recommended in boathouse organization and safety articles because it’s safe, low-maintenance, and long-lasting.
8. Control Lighting at Night
Lights attract bugs. Bugs attract spiders.
To reduce nighttime activity:
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Turn off exterior lights when not needed
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Use motion-activated lighting
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Close blinds or covers to prevent light spill
This small change can significantly reduce spider populations over time.
9. Use Your Boathouse Regularly
Spiders love quiet, unused spaces.
Regular movement:
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Breaks webs
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Disrupts nesting
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Makes the space less attractive
Even a quick weekly walk-through helps prevent infestations.
10. Use Sticky Traps as a Backup Solution
While prevention is best, sticky traps help control numbers.
Place them:
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Along walls
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Near doors
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Under shelves
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In dark corners
This pairs well with what many boaters consider the best spider repellent for boats, natural sprays combined with passive trapping.
How to Keep Spiders Off a Narrowboat or Liveaboard Boat
If you live aboard or spend long stretches on your narrowboat, moisture control becomes even more important.
To keep spiders off a narrowboat, focus on:
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Daily ventilation
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Wiping window frames and vents
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Spraying natural repellent near hatches
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Keeping bedding and storage areas dry
A small dehumidifier can make a massive difference in spider-prone cabins.
What Do Spiders Hate Most?
Here’s what reliably drives spiders away:
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Strong scents (peppermint, citrus, vinegar, cedar)
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Bright, active spaces
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Dry air
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Regular cleaning
Using even two of these consistently can dramatically reduce spider activity.
Best Spider Repellent for Boats and Boathouses
For most boat owners, the most effective strategy is a mix of:
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Natural repellents (peppermint oil spray, citrus cleaners, cedar blocks)
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Physical control (sticky traps near entry points)
This combination works well without introducing harsh chemicals into enclosed spaces.
Safety and Boating Resources Worth Bookmarking
If you want to go deeper into maintaining a clean, safe, and well-managed waterside setup, it’s worth exploring:
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UK boating safety and marina maintenance resources for structural care and lighting advice. Across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, support for safe boating and well-managed marinas is delivered through a mix of boating education and training programs, voluntary vessel inspection and safety standards, and clean marina or best-practice frameworks.
These services are provided by national and regional authorities such as Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, and Australian maritime and state marine agencies alongside non-profit organizations and industry groups, all working together to improve on-water safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect the quality of coastal and inland waterways.
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Natural pest control guides for eco-friendly repellent methods
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Essential oil safety and usage references to ensure proper dilution and safe indoor use
These resources pair well with long-term boathouse care and responsible boating practices.
People Also Ask/Quick Answers
What scares spiders away naturally?
Spiders dislike strong scents such as peppermint, citrus, vinegar, and cedar. Keeping your boathouse well-lit, dry, and regularly cleaned also makes the space less appealing for spiders to settle and build webs.
What is the best spider repellent for boats?
One of the best natural spider repellents for boats is a peppermint oil spray combined with citrus-based cleaning and cedar blocks in storage areas. This combination helps deter spiders without introducing harsh chemicals into enclosed boating spaces.
How do I stop cobwebs in my boathouse?
To stop cobwebs in a boathouse, remove webs as soon as you see them, seal gaps around doors and windows, reduce nighttime lighting that attracts insects, and keep the space active and clutter-free.
Why do spiders keep coming back to my boathouse?
Spiders usually return because of three things: insects, moisture, and quiet storage areas. Reducing bug attraction, improving ventilation, and maintaining regular cleaning can significantly limit spider activity.
Can I get rid of spiders permanently?
You can’t eliminate spiders entirely, but you can make your boathouse unattractive to them. Consistent cleaning, natural repellents, sealed entry points, and proper lighting control can keep spider problems minimal long-term.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Calm, Clean, and Consistent
Spiders don’t choose your boathouse because it’s dirty; they choose it because it’s comfortable. By sealing entry points, trimming vegetation, managing lighting, and using natural repellents, you create an environment that simply doesn’t appeal to them anymore.
Think of it this way:
A boathouse that feels bright, active, and well-maintained doesn’t just look better, it naturally stays spider-free.
And that means more time enjoying the water… and less time ducking under cobwebs.