DIY Spider Control Tips
Does finding spiders in your home make your skin crawl?
Homeowners in Columbus, Ohio, often deal with spiders, especially during seasonal changes when these eight-legged visitors love to seek warmth and shelter indoors.
Even without professional help, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the number of spiders in your space.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in the House
Addressing the following conditions will help you prevent your home from becoming the next hangout for eight-legged intruders. Here’s how to get rid of spiders in the house and prevent them from coming back:
1. Declutter Your Home
Spiders love hiding in dark, undisturbed corners. By regularly organizing areas like your basement, attic, and closets, you can cut down on potential spider hideouts. When cleaning up, be sure to seal any storage boxes tightly to prevent access.
2. Use Essential Oils
This might surprise you, but some kinds of spider hate the smell of peppermint and chestnuts. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz areas where spiders are common, like window sills, corners, and doorways and it might keep them from settling in.
3. Keep the Outdoors in Check
Make your home’s exterior less inviting. Trim overgrown plants, keep firewood well away from your walls, and replace any torn window screens. These small changes can prevent spiders from even getting close to your home.
Why Are There Spiders in Your House?
Have you ever wondered why spiders are showing up in your space? Most species aren’t out to cause trouble. They’re probably there due to one or more of these reasons:
- Shelter: When temperatures drop, spiders sneak indoors seeking warmth.
- Food: If your home has other bugs, it’s essentially an all-you-can-eat buffet for spiders.
- Entry Points: Cracks in walls, poorly sealed windows, and gaps under doors give easy access to your home.
Still not sure how spiders are getting in? Green Shield Pest Pros can identify these entry points and help protect your home against invaders.
4 Most Common Types of Spiders in Columbus, OH
Not all spiders are created equal. Here in Columbus, you’re most likely to encounter the following kinds:
- Common House Spider: Small and tan, these spiders weave cobwebs in neglected areas like basements and closets.
- Wolf Spider: These larger spiders with hairy bodies scurry quickly but are usually harmless.
- Brown Recluse: Recognizable by their violin-shaped markings, these spiders can be dangerous and require professional attention.
- Cellar Spider: Thin-legged and often mistaken for daddy longlegs, these harmless critters prefer damp basements or garages.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your House
Calling professional pest control will always produce the best and most long-lasting results in the war on spiders, but in the meantime, you can follow these tips:
Step 1: Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming corners, under furniture, and other hidden crevices can quickly remove spiders, their webs, and egg sacs.
Step 2: Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for openings near windows, doors, and vents. Use weatherstripping and caulking to close the gaps.
Step 3: Use Sticky Traps
Place glue traps in areas where spiders are frequently spotted (like baseboards and under furniture). This is an easy way to monitor spider activity and catch them without the use of chemicals.
Step 4: Turn Off Outdoor Lighting
Bright lights attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. Switch to yellow “bug lights” or minimize outdoor lighting at night to cut down on food sources for spiders.
When Is It Time to Call a Spider Exterminator Near You?
While DIY methods can work for minor infestations, there are times when professional treatment is the best option. Here’s when to consider calling Green Shield Pest Pros:
- You spot dangerous spiders like Brown Recluse or Black Widows.
- You’ve tried DIY solutions, but the spider problem persists.
- Spiders are building webs in high-traffic areas, making your home uncomfortable.
We specialize in eco-friendly pest solutions that are safe for your family and pets.
Keep spiders outside where they belong. Whether you need a proactive plan or immediate action, Green Shield Pest Pros has your back. Contact us today to reclaim your spider-free space!
Did You Know?
Spiders are beneficial pest controllers in nature, eating approximately 2,000 insects a year per spider. While they help keep insect populations in check, you probably don’t want them doing it inside your home!
FAQ
Why are spiders coming into my house during the fall?
Spiders look for warmth and shelter as temperatures drop, making fall a peak season for indoor spider sightings.
Is it safe to use DIY sprays for spiders?
Yes, but natural options like peppermint oil sprays are safer than chemical alternatives and can be equally effective for minor spider issues.
How can professional exterminators help?
Experts like Green Shield Pest Pros will not only eliminate spiders but also seal entry points and identify factors attracting them.
Can spiders be harmful?
Most spiders are harmless; however, dangerous species like the brown recluse should be handled by a professional exterminator.
