fbpx

Does Hairspray Kill Spiders?

Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support!

There are many urban legends about things that kill spiders, and one of the most common is that hairspray will do the trick.

But does it really work? Does hairspray kill spiders? And if it does, is it a safe way to get rid of spiders? In this article, we’ll take a look at the evidence for and against the claim that hairspray kills spiders.

Continue reading to find out more about spiders and hairspray. 

Does hairspray kill spiders?

does hairspray kill spiders

Yes, hairspray can kill spiders. Hairspray is one of the most common ways to kill spiders. Hairspray kills almost any spider–including wolf spiders, black widows, and brown recluses.

Even jumping spiders aren’t immune to the effects of hairspray. It is easy to use and quickly restricts the spider’s movement, eventually leading to death. Spraying too much hairspray can be dangerous as it causes breathing troubles for you. 

How much time does hairspray take to kill spiders?

It takes quite a while for the hairspray to kill spiders. In most cases, the spider will die four minutes later or sooner. The timing depends on the size and type of hairspray used. Larger cans with more propellant will work faster than smaller cans.

However, there are some instances where the spider may run away but will be affected by the hairspray and die soon after contact.

How does any spider spray kill spiders?

How does any spider spray kill spiders?

There are a few ways to kill spiders with hairspray. The most popular way is to take an empty hairspray bottle and spray the spider directly.

It’s important to make sure you know what kind of spider you are killing before attempting this method, as some spiders are venomous and can cause harm if not killed properly.

Does hairspray kill spider eggs in hair?

The good news, hairspray is an effective way to kill spider eggs. Kill the eggs to prevent them from hatching and creating a bigger problem. Hairspray with a higher insecticide concentration will take care of the spider eggs quickly and efficiently.

If hairspray is lightly applied, it will not have much effect. However, if enough hairspray is applied, it might be able to kill the eggs. Bug sprays do not work well on spider eggs and are about the same strength as hairsprays.

Does hairspray kill spiders instantly?

hairspray

Hairspray is not an instant solution for killing spiders. It can take a while for the hairspray to take effect, and it also affects human health, which is why use cautiously.

Many different brands of hairspray and type of spiders can change how long it takes to kill them off. The best way to kill spiders is by using an insect killer spray.

What are the chemicals that kill spiders?

Several chemicals can kill spiders. The active ingredients in most insecticides will do the trick. You can spray the chemical directly on the spider or use it to treat an area where they are known to live.

It is important to ensure that you use an insecticide that contains the active ingredient(s) needed to kill spiders, as other chemicals may not be as effective.

Do household spray and household cleaners products benefits in getting rid of spiders?

Photo Picture of a Spider and his Web

Bleach

Bleach is a powerful household cleaner often used as a fungicide, pesticide, and bacteria killer. The acid in bleach destroys anything it comes in contact with, making it an effective cleaning agent. Don’t use pesticides because they can harm people and pets if ingested.

A safe and effective ratio for using bleach as a pesticide is 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. You can spray this mixture on the spider and any eggs you see.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural and effective way to kill spiders. When the spider comes into contact with the vinegar, it kills them. Additionally, spraying vinegar in an area will repel spiders for good. Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1/2 cup water in a bowl to create your vinegar spray. 

Salt

Salt is a natural deterrent for spiders. The salt is believed to dry out the spider’s exoskeleton, leading to its death. Mix warm water and salt in a spray bottle to create your own spider repellent.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a home remedy that is effective in killing spiders. It is a powder made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae. When spiders come into contact with or ingest the powder, they die.

Though diatomaceous earth effectively kills spiders, it only has one demerit: it can harm children, pets, and the environment.

The tiny particles pierce the exoskeleton of spiders and other crawling insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. Use diatomaceous earth to spread outdoors in areas where there is no risk of it being ingested.

Try Essential Oil & Borax

Peppermint oil is a great choice because it’s a natural insecticide. In addition, you can also use Borax as an effective spider killer.

Combine eight drops of your favorite essential oil with 1/2 cup water and 2 tbsp of Borax in a bowl and mix well. Then, spritz it directly on spiders or around corners, basements, garages, and attics. You can use it for up to 3 weeks after being applied.

Boric Acid

Boric acid is a chemical compound that is often used as an insecticide. It is effective in killing spiders when they ingest it while grooming. It makes it a better alternative to other chemicals-filled products.

It can spread behind and under the kitchen appliances and in other areas where spiders are known to congregate.

Does hairspray kill black widows?

Does hairspray kill black widows?

Yes, hairspray can kill black widows. To do this, you must be brave and use a flashlight to identify the spider before spraying it with aerosol. Hairspray is effective in killing black widows and helps reduce their population.

Do spiders die when you vacuum them?

Spiders can die in several ways when they are removed from their environment. One of the most common ways is by being vacuumed up. When a vacuum cleaner is turned on, the suction pulls spiders and other small insects into the narrow tubes.

The tubes are so narrow that it causes trauma to their bodies, leading to death. Another way spiders can die is by becoming dehydrated. If they cannot find water or if it’s taken away from them, they will eventually die.

Is hairspray toxic?

Is hairspray toxic?

When it comes to the toxicity of hairspray, there is some debate. Some people believe that hairspray is toxic because it contains chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled. However, breathing is not a word—it is a process called diffusion.

Air comes into and out of the body through diffusion, which means it can flow in and out of the body through small pores (like those found in spiders’ tracheae). This process allows spiders to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide passively.

Can spiders suffocate?

Spiders are the only insects that breathe with lungs and trachea simultaneously. It allows them to get oxygen directly to their organs, which is why they can live in such small spaces.

However, when they are sprayed with hairspray, the propellant in the spray gets into their tiny tubes and suffocates them. Even large spiders can die from being sprayed with hairspray in this way.

Conclusion

While both spider bombs and hairspray effectively eliminate spiders, the former is preferable as it kills all pests with just one strike. Hairspray used against even a few spiders in your house, but it might not be as effective as the spider bomb. But it gives effective results nonetheless. 

About the author

A biotechnologist by profession and a passionate pest researcher. I have been one of those people who used to run away from cockroaches and rats due to their pesky features, but then we all get that turn in life when we have to face something.