Spiders are unique creatures that play an important role in the ecosystem, but no one really wants them in their home. That’s where spider repellents come into play.
If you’re looking for an effective way to get rid of spiders, there are a few unique spider repellent ideas you can try to keep the webs and bugs away.
Read on for a list of six ideas you can try at home to say goodbye to those pesky spiders once and for all.
1. Check For (and Get Rid of) Other Insects
Just like any other pest, spiders will live and thrive close to a food source. Since these little insects each other insects, it only makes sense to try and keep other bugs at bay.
Whether you’re noticing flies, gnats, or other small insects in and around your home, it’s time to try and eradicate them before spiders move in. Look for points of entry where other bugs might be getting in and do your best to block these areas.
Most people will notice the occasional flying or crawling insect, but it it looks like an infestation, spiders are likely to follow. Spiders use special digestive enzymes in their saliva to break down their meals. Their gut is too narrow for larger food, which is why most species enjoy itty bitty insect snacks.
If you eliminate their food source, it’s a pretty effective form of spider repellent since they will seek food elsewhere. Keep places like your kitchen clean and free of crumbs that could attract other pests like ants or flies.
In most cases, smaller insects will be easy to spot during the warmer months, but it can’t hurt to check in winter, too. As long as your home stays clean and free of bugs, you shouldn’t have to worry about a spider invasion.
2. Try Natural Spider Repellent with Essential Oils
If you’re looking for a way to get rid of spiders without harming the environment, there are some specific essential oils that should keep them at bay. Making a homemade spider repellent with oil is a good way to keep spiders away without the use of harsh chemicals.
Each species of spider may be turned off by different oils, so you might have to use a trial and error approach. Some examples of essential oil that spiders dislike include peppermint oil, tea tree, citronella, lavender, and cinnamon.
Once you have your oil, it’s time to make a homemade repellent. Use a clean, empty spray bottle for your mixture so it’s free of any other possible contaminants.
Mix five to 10 drops of the oil with approximately one-quarter teaspoon of mild dish soap. Next, mix those ingredients with about 12 ounces of distilled water and pour it into your spray bottle.
Shake the mixture well and then spray it around windowsills, baseboards, and in dark corners. If you’re feeling brave, you can also spray your attic and basement or crawlspace just to be safe.
Most spiders detest peppermint oil, so start there and change oils if you don’t notice a difference after around a week or two. You might need to reapply the mixture to different areas of your home a few times before the spiders finally stay away.
3. Say Goodbye to Spiders with Diatomaceous Earth
A powdery substance called diatomaceous earth is highly effective for pest control, and spiders are no exception. Make sure that you purchase the “food grade” version of DE so that it’s safe for yourself, kids, and pets.
Lightly sprinkle a thin layer of the diatomaceous earth around your yard, on walkways, thresholds, and baseboards. This powder should work wonders at getting rid of spiders and a host of other pesky insects.
Diatomaceous earth works in a very unique way. When an insect crawls over the substance, it penetrates their exoskeleton and dries them up from the inside out. Technically, diatomaceous earth is not considered to be a spider repellent.
This method might seem cruel and unusual, but it also works very well at keeping bugs away or killing ones that are already there. The DE works when the insect crawls over it, but certain bugs are not affected by it. If you’re worried about how diatomaceous earth impacts the environment, there is no evidence that it harms fish or wildlife whatsoever.
You can easily find diatomaceous earth at many gardening or home improvement stores, as well as online. Try a sprinkle or two of this substance and see how it works in your home.
4. Keep it Clean-Sanitation for Spiders
If you really want to keep spiders and other insects out of your home, you need to make sure they have nowhere to hide. Start by cleaning up your lawn and shed areas, removing all excess debris like piles of wood and old flower pots.
Spiders love to hide in dark areas so they can ambush their prey. If you don’t give them anywhere to hide, they’ll keep moving until they find a suitable spot.
Clean up the yard and remove all old branches and dead leaves. Sweep your sidewalk and porch or patio to remove dead plant matter and other debris that can be left behind.
For the inside of your home, dust regularly and pay close attention to each corner of every room. Make sure food and crumbs are swept up and disposed of on a regular basis.
Put your out of season clothing away and store it in plastic bins or boxes so spiders cannot hide in the closet. If you have a bed skirt, make sure it’s not touching the floor and wash all bedding and linens frequently to keep things clean and sanitary.
Almost every type of pest is looking for two main things: food and shelter. When you remove those two things by keeping a clean home, they’ll likely move on and invade a different area altogether. So effective cleaning can be considered a spider repellent!
5. Turn Off the Lights That Attract Spiders & Insects
It might seem rather simple, but turning off lights you don’t use can actually help to keep spiders away. Porch lights and other forms of bright lighting can attract all kinds of flying insects that spiders love to feast on.
During the spring and summer, turn off any outside lights whenever you’re not using them. Not only will this simple act help you save money on your energy bill, but it will also ensure that there’s not an excess of flying pests hanging around your door.
The same principle applies to the inside of your home. Make sure the basement and attic lights are off and turn them off in any other rooms when no one is there.
Moths and other creepy crawlies adore bright light, so keep it off whenever you can to prevent spiders from being attracted to these areas. While turning off the lights is not a guarantee that spiders won’t appear, it’s still a simple step to reduce the odds of them showing up in and around your home.
6. Try Other Natural Remedies for Spider Control
Essential oils are just one way to create your own spider repellent. Many spiders hate vinegar, so this is another alternative you can try to keep them away.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water to a spray bottle and apply it to window sills and other points of entry. Just make sure you don’t apply vinegar directly to anything made of wood, as it can damage and eat away the finish.
Spiders also dislike citrus, so you can rub orange or lemon peels along your floorboards and window sills. This method will also make your house smell nice and fresh! (Bonus!)
You should use the citrus peel method every day to make sure that the smell is lingering about until the spiders are gone. Another easy tip is to place a bowl of citrus fruit in the kitchen to help keep spiders away.
Citrus and vinegar are both effective but they can strip off paint and sealants so use them carefully and apply a small amount to a test spot first. Another way to use the citrus is to place the peels near the windows and doors without putting them directly on them.
Cedar chips are another easy form of spider repellent. Simply sprinkle the cedar chips along your window sill and doorways, and it should keep them away. You can also add them to corners of the room for an extra layer of protection.
These natural methods are effective in most cases, but you still might need to call in a professional if your spider problem persists. Give them a try and if you still notice spiders after a few weeks of regular application, it might be time for professional pest control.
Kick Those Spiders Out for Good-Synergy² Jackson Pest Control
If none of these methods work, it may be time to call in a pest control company specializing in spider extermination. The latest cutting edge technology in insecticides can be extremely effective against difficult-to-manage pest problems. In many cases, a combination of both liquid pyrethroids and dust insecticides can provide a longer duration of protection from spiders.
If you want to know more about spiders and other pests, or need pest control services in your home or business please visit our site at https://synergy2ms.com. Feel free to read more about us and decide if Synergy² is the right company for you. We have over 280 Five-Star Google reviews for pest control service in the Jackson metro area (Jackson/Madison/Brandon/Ridgeland). Check out our newest location reviews for pest control service in Jackson, MS here!