Spiders, with their eight legs and fangs, may give you the creeps, but did you know that most of them are harmless and even helpful? However, having them as housemates is not ideal. But fear not! Here are some kid-friendly tips to keep spiders out of your house and make it a no-spidey zone!
Seal the Entry Points
Tiny spiders can sneak into your home through cracks and openings: Seal windows, doors, roof eaves, foundation cracks, and ventilation openings with a weather-flexible caulk.
Terski | Pixabay | Tiny spiders can sneak into your home through cracks and openings.
Don’t forget to replace damaged door strips and sweeps, and use proper screening mesh behind crawl spaces and attic vents. Consider placing caps over the fireplace chimney and exhaust pipe openings.
Clean and Declutter
Spiders love undisturbed areas, so keep your home clean and clutter-free. Vacuum inside and outside your home regularly, reaching all corners and nooks. Use a dusting tool for web removal. Remember, clutter is like an invitation for spiders, so keep things tidy and organized.
Say Goodbye to Other Bugs
To keep spiders away, minimize insect activity around your home. Pest-proof your home to eliminate the spiders’ food source. No prey means no food for them, and they’ll move away searching for it.
Plant Natural Repellents
Pexels | Karolina Grabowska | Mint, lavender, and lemongrass have natural insect repellency.
Opt for chemical-free solutions like essential oils and homemade concoctions. Mint, lavender, and lemongrass have natural insect repellency. Plant them in your garden, flower beds, or around your home’s exterior to reduce overall pest pressure.
Take Action Outdoors
Don’t forget the exterior of your home! Seal or screen doors, windows, and gaps around the structure. Adjust outdoor lighting to be less attractive to spiders. Keep the premises free of debris, trim vegetation, and mow the grass regularly. Remove any new spider webbing you spot and inspect your house monthly.
Seeking Professional Help
If spiders have taken over your home despite your efforts, consider seeking professional help. Take a clear photo of the spider for identification, and a professional will perform a thorough inspection. They might use approved chemicals for an outside perimeter treatment, remove webbing and egg sacs, and even offer exclusion services.
Watch Out for Dangerous Spiders
Pexels | Bruno Guerra | Erik Karits| Most spiders are harmless, but two pose a threat—the brown recluse and black widow.
While most spiders are harmless, two pose a threat—the brown recluse and black widow. Regularly inspect outdoor areas like firewood piles, behind siding or gutters, electrical boxes, foundation cracks, under decks, and window shutters to keep these dangerous spiders at bay.
Remember, with these simple steps, you can create a spider-free haven in your home. Say goodbye to Spidey and hello to a more relaxed and comfortable living space!