Do you feel like your life is becoming a scene from “Eight-Legged Freaks”?
Spiders set up their home in our houses for many reasons. A few spiders are normal, but if there are more visitors than you’d like, it is time to consider some options. Here are a few ways you can prevent a spider problem.
Why Spiders Love Your House
The house spider population is increasing because our homes offer optimal shelter so spiders can have babies and survive in peace. It also doesn’t take a lot for an infestation to begin as spiders lay egg sacs (a beige, fuzzy ball you see in the web) that can hatch out hundreds of baby spiders.
But, you may ask, “why is there a spider infestation in my house?” It is because you may have an abundance of openings that let spiders in such as doors or screens that don’t fit or vents without screens. Spiders live in basements, garages, and closets because they aren’t often disturbed or cleaned.
Another reason is that they can feed on other pests that have crept inside your home.
You read that correctly. You likely have other pest-related problems as spiders love feasting on indoor pests like cockroaches, fungus gnats, carpet beetles, house flies, and even other spiders. Therefore spiders also live in kitchens and bathrooms because their prey goes where food and water are available.
How Do I Get Rid of Spiders?
There are several ways to get rid of lots of spiders.
Clean
The only way to keep bugs and spiders out is to clean. Many bugs are drawn to dirt and grime, so keeping a tidy house will keep them away. Vacuum once a week particularly under your couch, bed and other prime spots where spiders can weave their webs.
Remove clutter where spiders and their prey hide such as scrap stacked papers, boxes, and bags.
Also, aim high. Clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, and hard-to-reach places like the corners of your ceiling. Further, keep your kitchen swept, mopped, and clean up any food crumbs or spills immediately.
Repair Loose Screens or Gaps Around Doors
Do a thorough inspection inside and outside your home for any cracks or gaps where spiders could creep in. Check the areas around windows and doors in particular and seal any gaps. You could also install screens as an extra precaution.
Look at the foundation and walls too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, call in help so they can seal up any gaps with caulking, so it is harder for spiders to find their way in.
Take Preventative Measures Outside Your Home
You should also keep the outside tidy to deter spiders from visiting. For example, cut back foliage from the outside walls of your home and trim overgrown trees and shrubs. Further, avoid storing firewood near your houses’ foundation and close to your chimney when it is not in use.
Spray Your House with Peppermint Oil or Vinegar
You can buy pesticide but if you’re looking for a natural remedy to your spider problem, create your own peppermint spray. First, fill a standard spray bottle with water and mix in 15 to 20 drops of peppermint oil.
Next, spray down all the cracks and corners of your house to deter the spiders as they cannot stand the smell of peppermint oil. For a more effective solution, dab undiluted peppermint oil onto a cotton ball and stuff it into the cracks or other potential hiding spots.
Don’t have any peppermint oil? Luckily, vinegar is just as potent. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply to any area where spiders gather, even on the spiders themselves. Vinegar contains acetic acid which can burn and kill spiders upon impact. Or leave small dishes of vinegar in dark corners to ward away spiders as the smell alone repels them.
Bring in Pest Control
If the situation doesn’t improve and you’re still wondering, “why are there so many spiders in my house?”, it’s time to bring in the professionals.
It is wise to contact pest control if you feel like there is still a spider infestation in your home. A professional knows which areas of your home are attracting spiders and how to prevent them. They will also exterminate any current problems you may be having.
The pest control service will tell you what measures to take and how often you should implement them.
Still have lots of spiders in house? Here are other precautions you can take:
- Dry out and ventilate damp areas like basements, so they are less desirable to spiders
- Turn off porch lights as much as possible and move lamps away from windows
- Use a high-pressure hose to wash spiders and their webs off the outside of your house
- Move garbage, mulch and yard debris away from your home
Spider Problem Solved? Check
Mississippi is home to a variety of spiders, great for nature-lovers, but not everyone wants them in their house. Most people deal with a spider problem although there are many ways to prevent an infestation. For example, ensure your home is clear of clutter, cleaned and your yard is tidy, so spiders don’t camp out inside your property.
Looking for more information on spider control? Please click on our previous blog posts below:
https://synergy2ms.com/how-to-get-rid-of-spiders-a-guide-to-a-spider-free-home/
https://synergy2ms.com/harmless-or-cause-for-alarm-a-guide-to-the-spiders-in-mississippi/
https://synergy2ms.com/spider-control-extermination/
The following websites also provide excellent tips on spider control:
https://www.thespruce.com/effective-tips-for-controlling-house-spiders-2656497
https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/spider-control-for-homeowners/
http://www.epestsupply.com/spiders.php
https://www.termite.com/spider-identification.html
If you need pest control services for 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 200 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!