Smell removal from 1910 home

We have just purchased a 1910 home. A small part of the basement is dirt and even with a wall closure, there is still the smell of a dirt basement. Any suggestions on how to remove it other than a dehumidifier? This helps but there must be some way to help get a fresher feeling. We also have spiders like crazy - do they make an effective spider killer for outside/inside?

Kathy