Spiders are some of the creepiest creatures in the world! They have multiple eyes, hairy legs, and spin intricate webs that we tend to walk straight into. Not only are they a nuisance to homeowners, but some spiders can be venomous too; although we don’t have many of those here in the PNW. As such, nobody dreams of a spider infestation on their property, which is why people will go to great lengths to avoid it. This post discusses some valuable tips to keep spiders at bay.
Why do spiders invade a home?
Spiders usually invade a home in search of food. They will stay around your house if they can find enough food for them to build their nests. Spiders eat bugs and some of the foods we leave behind. Another reason why spiders will come to your home is to find a warm place to shelter. This is especially true during the cold season as they can’t stand the freezing temperatures outside.
Why do spiders bite?
In most cases, spiders tend to bite when they feel threatened or disturbed. In other instances, spider bites can happen because the arachnids mistake you for prey and latch onto the skin without provocation. However painful these bites can be, note that most spiders do not have venom and only release toxins. This will likely cause swelling or pain at the bite site but won’t last longer than 24 hours.
How to prevent spider infestations?
There are many ways you can use to deter spiders from your home, including:
Remove food sources
Spiders will feed on both insects and the food we eat, so you need to go below the surface of your home. Get rid of all possible sources that can attract insects like piles of leaves or dead vegetation. It would help to clean out gutters as they are often homes for spiders looking for shelter.
Clean up spider webs
Most homeowners will find a spider web here and there, but if the webs are starting to appear everywhere inside your home, you’ve got yourself an infestation. Getting rid of these can be difficult as spiders may have already laid eggs by the time you spot them. In such cases, call pest control for professional help because it’s tough to do this on your own.
Seal cracks and holes on the exterior of your house
Spiders and other insects can find their way into your home through small openings, so make sure to seal them. Pay special attention to areas like doors and windows as these are common spots for spiders to access the inside of your house, especially in summer when they tend to be more active.
Install pest control devices
There are many pest control devices on the market today, and you should invest in them to keep spiders at bay. For example, plug-in pest repellents can be used indoors because they emit fumes that deter pests like spiders from entering your home. You may also want to choose a device with UV light as this will kill bugs without using any chemicals or poison.
Use vinegar
Vinegar is a natural spider repellent that can be used to keep spiders out of your house. To do this, you need to mix one cup of vinegar with three cups of water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. The next step is to spritz it in areas where spiders are likely to invade, like windowsills or underneath sinks.
Use cedarwood chips
Spiders hate the smell of cedar, so you should store your firewood outside and place a few pieces around your house to keep them out. Cedar planks can also act as a barrier on windowsills where spiders are likely to enter. The best thing about this tip is that you can do it without spending a single cent and still get an excellent spider repellent.
Use mint
Mint is one of the natural spider repellents you can use, making it an excellent choice for getting rid of them from your home. Spiders hate the smell of mint, so they’ll avoid your home entirely to stay away from this herb! You need to plant some mint around the exterior of your house, then make sure water doesn’t pool around it.
Use hairspray
Hairspray contains dimethyl silicone, which will kill spiders when it comes into contact with their exoskeletons. Use a spray bottle to apply the hairspray on individual webs you find indoors because this is where they are likely to appear during the winter months.
Use baking soda and sugar
These two ingredients work together to attract spiders and kill them on contact. To use this remedy, mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of white or brown sugar and place it in a jar with holes poked into the lid. The baking soda will create a reaction that makes the mixture sticky, while the sugar attracts bugs like bees and cockroaches, which are prey for arachnids.
Seek professional help
Although the above tips will help you keep spiders out of your home, there are some instances when it’s best to call pest control for professional assistance. The best time for this is when you have an infestation that won’t go away, or you don’t seem to be making any progress with the remedies listed above.
Let Us Help You Out!
The Killers is a pest control company that has been in the industry for many years! We provide comprehensive pest control services that will rid your home of spiders and other bugs. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can rest assured knowing we’ll do our best to get rid of your pest situation for good! Call us anytime you need an exterminator in Portland!
