Most spiders are completely harmless, but no one wants them to invade their home. While we like them in our gardens, we’d like to keep them outside where they belong! Unfortunately, spiders are prone to make their way indoors, especially when there’s plenty of prey, warmth, and water to be found inside. The key to getting rid of spiders is to prevent them in the first place.
The experts at Inman-Murphy, Inc. are here with the best tips to not only get rid of spiders but keep them away for good. Read on to learn more!
5 Best Spider Control Tips
1. Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy
There are few things spiders love more than a dirty home. Dust, clutter, and messes encourage spiders to take up residence. This is why you often find spiders in your garage, attic, or basement. You can keep spiders out by limiting their exposure to these messy environments in the first place. This is best done by regularly dusting, vacuuming, and generally reducing the clutter in your home. Don’t give spiders any excuse to stay and get comfortable!
2. Remove Spider Webs
While you’re cleaning, remove all spider webs in corners high and low including beneath sofas or other furniture with a duster or vacuum. Watch for spider eggs lurking nearby and get rid of them immediately. Before emptying out your vacuum bag indoors, take it outside and dispose of it carefully to avoid further spreading any spiders or their eggs.
3. Secure the Perimeter of Your Home
Walk around the outside of your home and look for piles of leaves, grass clippings, or woodpiles. Trim large bushes or shrubs to keep them from touching your home or windows. Plants and bushes create great havens for spiders. By making your yard less hospitable to spiders, you can ensure they are less likely to eventually make their way into your home.
4. Seal Up Cracks
As you examine the perimeter of your home, look for cracks near windowsills or doors where spiders could sneak inside. Seal cracks with caulk to keep spiders out in your garden. Not only will this keep spiders from crawling indoors—but it will also work to prevent other insects. Because spiders feed on smaller insects, you can reduce their primary food source by keeping all types of insects out of your property.
5. DIY Prevention: Essential Oils & Vinegar
Did you know spiders hate citrus and mint? Rub citrus peels in areas spiders frequent throughout your home, such as windowsills, baseboards, and ceiling corners. Another method is filling a spray bottle with water and a few drops of concentrated peppermint essential oils. Spray this around your home to keep spiders out with the added bonus of making your room smell great.
If you don’t have peppermint oil, vinegar does the same trick. White vinegar has a million and one uses around your house. Repelling spiders is just one of them. Fill a spray bottle with water and vinegar and spray the cracks and crevices throughout your home. These DIY methods won’t be effective in getting rid of an active spider infestation but can assist in repelling the pests in the first place.
How to Get Rid of Spiders For Good
These solutions may help with average spider issues, but spider infestations may not be solved by natural home remedies alone. If you’re experiencing high numbers of spiders in your home, you may have a spider infestation. You can trust the professionals at Inman-Murphy to handle your spider problem so you can sleep better at night. Contact us today to get started!