How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Home
Spider infestations aren’t as risky to your home as other infestations, but they can be risky to your health, depending on the spider, and just overall unpleasant to deal with in your home. Most common house spiders in Kansas and Missouri don’t really pose a threat to you or your family, but they can be a bit of a nuisance and unpleasant to look at. It is important to be aware of what attracts spiders into the house. You might also see more spiders in your house as the weather cools down and they begin looking for a warm place to set up shop. Spider infestations tend to follow other insect infestations such as flies since they need food to survive. So keep this in mind when you are dealing with other infestations.
What Attract Spiders in the House?
Spiders are attracted to houses due to several factors. Firstly, they seek shelter from harsh weather conditions and predators. Cluttered spaces and dark corners are ideal hiding spots. Secondly, a readily available food source is enticing for spiders. They prey on insects like flies and mosquitoes, making spaces with abundant bugs more appealing. Lastly, warm and cozy environments, especially during colder months, act as magnets for these eight-legged creatures.
How to Spot a Spider Infestation?
Some things to look out for that could indicate an infestation:
- Spider Webs: this is more than just the occasional couple of spider webs.
- Egg Sacs: If you find one, dispose of it immediately.
- Lots of flying insects: as we mentioned earlier, spiders follow the food.
- Seeing Spiders: If you start seeing more than the occasional spider, it might be time to check for an infestation.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in my Basement
The best DIY spider repellent is to proactively make your house as unfriendly to spiders as possible. If you are worried about an infestation in your basement, get a humidifier. Maintaining a forty percent humidity level can clear up spiders quickly. You should also regularly clean up cobwebs as they appear, especially by doors and window sills. This is a quick and easy spider solution. Keep outdoor lights off. This is another quick and easy trick to getting rid of spiders fast. They attract bugs that spiders then love to eat and you want to cut down on the spider food near your house.
It can also help to make sure your home is secured. Make sure there aren’t any cracks or holes in your home where they can get in. Also, be sure to repair any ripped screens and make sure the edges of your doors are sealed. Spiders can easily slip in the smaller of holes.
Vegetation around your house can also lead to a spider problem. They love to hang out in the bushes and might decide to move inside once a cold snap hits.
Finally, as with all pests, it is important to keep your house tidy. Leaving food out can attract all kinds of bugs that then attract spiders. Don’t leave food out that will attract pests and everything that comes along with pests. So be sure to wrap up food and don’t leave dirty dishes sitting out.
How to Get Rid of Spiders Naturally
There are also natural spider repellents that are safe for your pets. Spiders despise the smell of peppermint, tea tree, citrus, and eucalyptus oil. Fill a spray bottle with water and mix in 15 to 20 drops of the essential oil. Spray down all the cracks and corners of your house with the solution. This acts as a natural spider repellant, plus it smells good! Chestnuts, walnuts, and the fruit of the Osage orange trees are also said to act as a good DIY spider repellent. Simply place them around your house where you typically see spiders and that should deter them. It is important to find out what kind of spider you are dealing with. Not all spiders will respond to these DIY solutions. Some spiders need additional care.
Be Careful When Dealing With Spiders Yourself
When dealing with spiders it is important to know the risk. While many spiders that you find in your house might not be dangerous, you need to be sure of what you are getting yourself into. Some could bite and simply cause irritation while others could cause harm to your health. Kansas & Missouri are known for Brown Recluse spiders. If you find a Brown Recluse in your home you should call a professional. Brown Recluses almost always require a spider exterminator due to safety concerns. If you aren’t sure about what you are dealing with, it could be safer for you and your family and cheaper to call in a professional. A spider infestation is also a good sign that there is another insect infestation happening and it might be a good time to get a professional to have a look around because you might have a bigger problem.
