10 Tips on How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home
Finding spiders around your home can be unsettling. This is especially true for those who have phobias of these eight-legged creatures.
Many spiders are actually harmless. Ironically they may even benefit you by helping to control other pests. Despite this, keeping spiders out of your home and outdoors or in the garden is often preferred.
It's important not to despair if you see a spider in your home. With the right approach, you can enjoy a spider-free living space. Here are ten effective tips that we can personally recommend to help you do just that.
#1 Declutter and Clean Your Home Regularly
Spiders love dark, undisturbed areas. They adore these spaces because they can easily hide and build webs there. To prevent this and remove potential hiding spots, you must conduct regular cleaning and decluttering. From our own experience, it's important to pay extra attention to less-used spaces in your home such as basements, attics and under-stair cupboards.
#2 Seal Cracks and Gaps
Inspect your home regularly for cracks or gaps around windows, doors and walls. When you find an opening, use caulk generously to seal it off and prevent spiders from getting inside. Additionally, install weather stripping around doors and windows to reduce potential entry points.
#3 Use Essential Oils as a Repellent
Spiders are renowned for their dislike of strong scents. This is particularly true for scents such as peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree oil. To prepare an essential oil repellent, simply mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it around windows and doors. You may also wish to use it in other areas where spiders have been seen before.
#4 Keep Outdoor Lights Off or Use Yellow Bulbs
Bright, outdoor lights are great ways to attract insects. And guess what is attracted to insects? You said it right... spiders! To keep spiders at bay, turn off outdoor lights at night, or if you can't do without them, use yellow sodium vapour lights instead as these are less attractive to insects. Fewer insects means less spider activity around your home.
#5 Remove Spider Webs and Egg Sacs
It's important to remove spider webs and egg sacs as soon as you notice them. We recommend using a vacuum cleaner or duster to remove webs from hard-to-reach areas such as ceilings, corners and behind fixed furniture. Make sure to dispose of any organic waste outside to prevent any potential eggs from hatching indoors.
#6 Reduce Outdoor Vegetation
An easy way to keep spiders at bay is to ensure vegetation is kept away from walls and areas surrounding your property. Regularly trim plants, bushes and trees around the outside of your home. If you're not careful, these may provide spiders with shelter and food as well as reduce the likelihood of them getting in.
#7 Keep Your Home Dry
Spiders are attracted to damp environments. We recommend using a dehumidifier where possible, especially in more humid areas of the home like basements. You should also aim to fix any leaky pipes or faucets as soon as possible to keep moisture levels low. This will make your home less attractive to spiders and other pests.
#8 Remove Food Sources for Other Pests
Spiders enjoy preying on insects, so removing other pests can naturally help reduce the spider population in your home. We recommend that you regularly clean surfaces to remove food debris such as crumbs. You should also store food in sealed containers, and take out the rubbish regularly to keep other pests away.
#9 Use Vinegar as a Natural Deterrent
Vinegar can be seen as a natural repellent for spiders. We recommend mixing equal parts vinegar and water and spraying the mixture on spaces where spiders are likely to live. Be extra cautious around surfaces that could be damaged by vinegar, as it can be corrosive.
#10 Consider Insecticidal Sprays
If you don't feel natural methods are working effectively enough, you may also wish to consider insecticidal sprays. It's best to find the ones that have been specifically designed for spiders. When spraying focus on areas where spiders hide, like cracks, crevices, and behind furniture. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Take extra precautions, especially if you have young children or pets.
Final Word
If natural methods aren’t working, you may wish to consider insecticidal sprays which have been designed for spiders. When spraying focus on areas where spiders hide, like cracks, crevices, and behind furniture. Ensure that you always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Take precautions, especially if you have young children or pets.
We go to great lengths to ensure that all our DIY spider control products are effective & easy-to-use. You may also find our expert guide useful if you want to learn more about getting rid of spiders from your home or workplace.
