Although spiders can help control other insects, finding them infesting your home can still be unsettling. Fortunately, there are some DIY strategies you can use to keep spiders out of your home, or to chase them out if they get inside.
However, if you are unable to get rid of spiders even with proper prevention and extermination methods, you may need to consult a professional.
Why spiders come into your house
A single spider in your home is rarely a cause for concern, but if you see multiple spiders at once and on a regular basis, understanding why spiders are entering your home is the first step toward a solution. \
“Spiders typically enter homes looking for food, shelter, or both,” says Ralph Masferer, director of training and technical services for Alza Pest Control, a pest control company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Spiders are also attracted to cardboard boxes and stored items because they have a hiding place once indoors.”
Think you have an infection in your hands? The most common signs are:
- Visible spider activity, such as spiders crawling on walls, floors, etc.
- Spider webs are everywhere, not just in one corner of the house.
- white egg sac
- shed skin or dead spiders
- dark or light colored droppings that look like spots
- No other pests present, as spiders may be preventing other infestations
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How to safely remove spiders from your home
If you notice a one-time spider in your home, the best course of action is to simply move it outdoors.
“If you find a spider indoors, choose humane methods of removal,” says Dr. Tracey Ellis, an entomologist at FarmSense, a Riverside, California-based manufacturer of insect monitoring devices. “Put a clear cup or jar on top, slip some stiff cardboard underneath, and take it outside. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, ask a friend or family member.”
In cases of large-scale infestations, more targeted strategies are required.
Natural ways to get rid of spiders
Spiders will only take up residence in your home if there is a steady supply of food, so there are many ways to get rid of them naturally.
1. Use general pest control
The most effective way to remove spiders from your home is to remove their food source.
“Think about what attracts them: flies, ants, silverfish, cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes,” Ellis says. “These are pests that spiders eat. The spiders you’re seeing aren’t the underlying problem. It’s a sign of a new infestation.”
Scheduling regular extermination by an exterminator is a good way to reduce the number of other insects invading your home. When the food source runs out, spiders naturally leave in search of food elsewhere.
2. Prevent intrusion
Next, you can make it harder for spiders to invade.
“Small cracks and gaps around windows, doors, foundations, and exterior walls can give spiders easy access,” Masferer says. “The best way to prevent spiders from getting in is to seal the gaps where they can get in.” This means making it harder for spiders to get in in the first place by sealing racks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations.
You can also take some steps outdoors to deter infestation. “Tree branches and shrubs touching structures can act as bridges, allowing spiders to move directly from the vegetation to your home,” Masferer continued. “Leaving your garage door or exterior door open for too long increases the chance of spiders wandering indoors.”
3. Choose the right outdoor lighting
Changing the type of lighting you use outdoors can reduce the number of other insects that enter when you open your outside door, limiting the food sources that attract spiders.
“Reduce insect attraction at night by limiting outdoor lighting or switching to yellow LED bulbs, which attract less insects,” Ellis says.
4. Stick to a regular cleaning schedule
Finally, spiders are attracted to clutter and areas that offer them refuge, so cleaning your home regularly can help reduce the number of spiders in your home. Start by organizing areas of your home that you may not use often, such as unfinished basements, utility closets, and attics. That way, you can focus on regular cleaning of your main living spaces.
“Vacuum corners and bottom boards weekly to remove nests, egg sacs, and hidden prey to keep your pet’s home clean,” Ellis advised. This helps control spider infestations.
professional spider treatment
If natural methods of removing spiders from your home don’t work, or if you want a faster solution, contact your local pest control company. Professionals typically follow some of the same steps available for DIY solutions, but they may also utilize chemical treatments that are not available to homeowners.
After the inspection, technicians can “apply a residual insecticide to the baseboards and interior crevices of your home to create a barrier on the outside of your home and kill any spiders that try to cross your home,” Ellis explained. “We also treat gardens, fences, and shrubs where spiders like to build their nests.”
The cost of pest control services is well worth the investment as these treatments are general rather than spider specific. You also get the added benefit of reducing the presence of other insects that attract spiders.
Note from the editor: When we moved into our new home, we discovered a massive spider infestation. They moved at least 20 spiders outside each day and woke up the next morning to find new spiders in their place. I tried all sorts of natural and DIY remedies, including using essential oils, vacuuming the egg sacs, and spraying them, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, I called a pest control company and the spider problem was resolved within a week.
How to keep spiders from coming back
After you get rid of spiders, there are some important things you can do to prevent them from coming back into your home.
- Continue pest control treatment. Schedule quarterly pest control treatments to prevent spiders’ natural food sources from returning indoors. You also get the benefit of avoiding infestation by other common pests.
- Keep cleaning: Continue vacuuming and cleaning areas in your home weekly, even if you no longer see cobwebs. This helps keep other pests out and means it limits the spider’s food source.
- Clear out inactive areas in your home. Be careful not to re-introduce clutter to areas of your home that are not used often. “Spiders like undisturbed areas, so make sure you move things and vacuum regularly,” Ellis added.
Common mistakes when getting rid of spiders
In a desperate attempt to get rid of spiders quickly, some homeowners may resort to DIY methods. In the best case scenario, these can be a waste of money. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that these are often toxic, so they can be dangerous in the worst-case scenario. Some DIY solutions can make the spider problem even worse.
Here are some common mistakes homeowners make.
- DIY pesticide treatment: DIY pesticides are not always effective and can be dangerous if not used properly. If you think chemical treatment is necessary, please consult a professional.
- Use of essential oils: Some sources suggest using essential oils or introducing other strong smells to solve spider problems. According to Ellis, “spiders aren’t scared of strong smells,” so it’s best to save money.
- Hacks to get rid of spiders: Another common hack to get rid of spiders is to place horse chestnuts indoors or in your garden. “Horse chestnuts can worsen spider populations. They may contain horse chestnut weevil larvae, which can increase spider populations,” Ellis warned.
When to contact a pest control professional
If none of the above strategies work, or if you are unable to eliminate other pests in your home that are food sources for spiders, seek help from a professional pest control company. Professionals use a combination of natural remedies and chemotherapy to quickly and permanently resolve your spider problem.
Additionally, “If you think you have a medically important spider, such as a widow or recluse, get a quote for removal and prevention from a pest control company,” says Ellis.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to get rid of spiders?
The quickest way to get rid of spiders is to call an exterminator. They can also recommend areas to clean and tidy up to limit evacuation areas, and point out cracks around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent break-ins. You can also spray common insecticides that will drive spiders and other pests out of their habitat.
What actually keeps spiders away?
Although you can kill spiders with commercial insecticides, there is no good solution for repelling them. The best ways to prevent spiders from entering your home are to keep other insects out of your home, seal cracks around your home that spiders can get into, and keep your home clean so as not to provide hiding places for spiders that enter your home.
What smell keeps spiders away?
Avoid relying on essential oils or other home remedies that involve scents, as strong smells won’t necessarily deter spiders. Instead, keep the room clean and free of other insects. Spiders typically only enter homes if there is a steady supply of food indoors.
