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Spiders live a simple life. They live to eat, make webs, and reproduce. While arachnids are the villains in scary movies and nightmares, there are only a handful of venomous spiders in the U.S. These include the yellow sac, brown recluse, hobo spider, and black widow, amongst others like the false black widow and desert recluse. Most other spiders are harmless and can even help earn their keep by providing minor pest control, such as keeping insect populations down inside your home.
If you’re arachnophobic or don’t like the idea of hosting a free live-in insect exterminator, you maybe wondering how to get rid of spiders in the house and keep them away. Keep reading to learn more about whether it's possible to get rid of spiders with home remedies and when you might need to call in professional spider control.
Most of these methods are designed to repel spiders, while only some will help kill spiders indoors. It’s also important to remember that if you think you have encountered a venomous spider, you should avoid disturbing it and call a pest control company to help you handle the situation safely.
Here are popular solutions for how to rid the house of spiders naturally:
Salt is a natural type of spider poison, so it makes an effective pest control aid. Dissolve an ounce of salt (1/8 cup) in a gallon of warm water, and pour the saline mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the salty solution directly onto a spider to kill it. Saltwater is also effective at killing spider nests.
Spiders detest fresh chestnuts. To send a spider running the other way, place freshly crushed chestnuts at spider entry points. Cedar wood is also said to have a similar effect. This natural cure for spiders can help deter them without using chemicals, but its effectiveness will be limited to only the areas in which you place the chestnuts. This may also attract other pests.
If there’s an area of your home that is chronically draped with cobwebs, clean out the webs and spray the area with a mixture made from a cup of white vinegar and a teaspoon of coconut oil. This natural mixture will encourage spiders to hang out somewhere else.
Some of your favorite essential oils are deadly to spiders, even in the smallest quantities. Add a fresh scent to a room and exterminate spiders by mixing a quart of water with a drop of one of the following essential oils: lavender, citronella, peppermint, citrus, tea tree, eucalyptus, or cinnamon. Simply spray the spider with the mixture you created.
Home remedies like saltwater, vinegar, and essential oils can temporarily get rid of spiders, but they do not provide long-term results. These natural spider deterrents may repel spiders or kill them on contact, but they do not address the root cause of the infestation.
Other natural solutions include prevention and exclusion. This includes sealing gaps, cracks, and crevices around door frames, windows, and walls in basements and attics. Removing other household pests, like flies, which are one of their primary food sources, can also help. For lasting spider pest control, Western Exterminator’s professional treatments can help.
Many home remedies to kill and deter spiders use natural ingredients that are generally safe for pets. However, some essential oils, such as tea tree and citrus, can be toxic to animals if ingested or applied in high concentrations. The same is true for dish soap, which can kill spiders indoors but may not be healthy for pets. Always research pet-safe options, and if you have concerns, consult a veterinarian or seek the advice of a professional spider control expert.
Natural solutions like vinegar sprays and chestnuts may deter some spiders, but they are not always effective for larger infestations. Chemical treatments target spiders directly and provide more lasting results, especially for indoor infestations. If getting rid of spiders naturally is not working, professional spider pest control services offer customized solutions to eliminate spiders and prevent them from returning.
It's important to understand that while DIY methods may offer a quick solution, they are not always the most effective. Many DIY solutions do not completely remove the pest. For proper pest removal and for more information on Western Exterminator's spider control methods, call 800-937-8398 or contact us online.
The easiest way to get rid of spiders depends on the level of the infestation. For a few spiders, natural spider repellents might have some success. However, for severe infestations, professional pest control for spiders can be easier and much more effective.
Sealing cracks, reducing clutter where spiders can hide, regular cleaning, and minimizing other pests can make your home less attractive to spiders.
Spiders can dislike strong scents like vinegar, citrus, and peppermint, which can be used to deter them. They also avoid disturbed areas, so frequent dusting and vacuuming can help.