If you don't want to deal with spiders but hate the idea of exterminating them after they've already invaded your space, there are several tactics you can use to keep them away altogether.Some techniques will limit the number of spiders hanging out in your yard while others will discourage them from finding their way indoors.Continue reading to learn more.
Step 1: The debris needs to be removed from your yard.
Most spiders like to hide in dark places, and yard debris is the perfect hiding spot for any arachnid wanting to set up camp in your yard.There are piles of dead leaves, grass clippings, wood, boxes, tires, plywood and empty containers in the yard.If you want to keep spiders out of your house, you need to remove debris around the perimeter of the foundation.You should remove these items from your yard if you want to keep spiders out of it.
Step 2: Tall grass and weeds should not be in your yard.
Spiders will look for shrubs, tall grass, and tall weeds if debris is not available.The number of spiders in your yard will be reduced if you trim your weeds and cut your grass short.You don't need to get rid of all your shrubs and bushes completely, but you should at least not plant them next to the foundation of your house to keep spiders out.They need to be at least 1 foot away from the edges of your home.Spiders could wander in if you don't control the brush and weeds around your house.
Step 3: Limit the amount of storage outdoors.
There are boxes and bags in outdoor sheds and garages that are attractive to spiders.Reducing the number of items you store outdoors will reduce the amount of spiders you see.If you plan to store something outside, put it in a sealed plastic container instead of a cardboard box.When you open the container later, you will have less unpleasant surprises because most spiders don't squeeze inside.Before you put the boxes in the house, make sure they are outdoors.
Step 4: When you see webs, remove them.
If you see a spider web on the side of a building or in your yard, it's a good idea to remove it.You will need a broom, mop, or garden hose to remove the web.If you are close to an electrical outlet, you can use a vacuum to remove webs and egg sacs.
Step 5: It's a bad idea to use outdoor lighting.
While outdoor lighting has nothing to do with spiders directly, outdoor lights will attract many insects, and the increased number of insects will lead to a spike in your spider population.The outdoor lights should be used as little as possible.The insects and spiders can't see the lights from your house.You can switch to yellow bulbs.The softer light is less appealing to insects than a bright white light.If you want to keep insects out of your windows, close the window curtains at night.
Step 6: There are cracks in your walls.
Silicone caulk can be applied to any cracks around windows and doors.It's the best way to keep spiders out of your home.Spiders will sneak into a building through cracks and openings.The spiders won't come in if the cracks are sealed.You can buy caulk from a hardware store.To apply the caulk correctly, follow the instructions on the label.Make sure the cracks are completely covered when you apply the caulk.
Step 7: Installation of tight-fitting screens, weather stripping, and door sweeps.
Spiders use holes in your screens and spaces around doors and window frames to enter your home.They should be sealed up to keep unwanted visitors out.The gaps left at the bottom and sides of your doors and windows can be sealed with weather stripping and door sweeps.You can't use caulk to cover the crack at the bottom of the doorway, making a properly fitted door sweep your only means of cutting that path off from spiders.An essential tool is a tight-fitting screen.Spiders can enter through the gaps left by loose screens, and many insects that spiders like to feed on.You should install screens over your windows.You should fix any holes in your screens as soon as possible.If you find a hole in your screen, you can either repair it or replace it.Spiders and insects can find their way into your home through that hole.
Step 8: It's time to clean away the stuff.
Spiders like to move around inside a building as quickly as they do outside.Don't allow piles of clothing, papers, towels, linens, or shoes to sit on the floor.If you leave a pile of stuff on the floor, shake out each piece of material as you clean up the mess to make sure you don't have any spiders.
Step 9: Storage items can be placed in sealed plastic bins.
Storage of spare clothing, holiday decorations, extra linens, and other objects should be done in sealed containers to prevent spiders from entering.Don't use cardboard boxes.Wrap all exposed openings with packing tape if you must rely on cardboard boxes.It's important that items are stored in a dark basement or attic.It's a good idea to store outdoor tools and sports equipment in sealed containers.Roller skates, gardening tools, clothing, ski boots, and team uniforms are included.Store these items in a large plastic bag with a tight seal and no holes, if you don't want to store them in plastic bins.Pets and human food should be covered.Spiders don't like human or pet food, but insects that they feed on do.Keeping food out of sight in sealed bags and containers will result in fewer bugs and fewer spiders.
Step 10: Dust and vacuum every now and then.
Every couple of weeks, you should clean around the areas where spiders like to live.As you clean around your home, vacuum up any spiderwebs, cobwebs, or egg sacs you see.The removal of spider and egg sacs prevents the latter from hatching and producing a lot of baby spiders.It's a good idea to vacuum under furniture, inside closets, and around baseboards.Spiders tend to set up shop in high wall corners, windowsills, and other places where there is not a lot of human or pet activity.
Step 11: The scent that spiders don't like can be created with essential oils.
There are essential oils that can be used to repelspiders.If you mix these oils with dish soap and warm water, you can make a spray that repels house spiders.Tea tree oil is one of the more popular options, along with lavender oil, and neem oil.The idea is that essential oils smell bad to spiders.Adding dish soap to the solution will make it more effective.The soap allows the oil to mix more consistently in the water.Drop 5 to 10 drops of essential oil.Put the essential oil in a spray bottle and fill it with warm water.If you want to combine the ingredients, place the cap back on the bottle.Spiders can squeeze in through window frames and door cracks.As the smell fades, apply the spray every few days.
Step 12: There are horse chestnuts around your home.
The horse chestnut tree's seeds have been used as spider deterrents for a long time.Take a few handfuls of horse chestnuts and place them around the perimeter of your house on the interior and exterior walls.Spiders can enter your home if you break the barrier.The horse chestnuts should be changed out every other week.
Step 13: The scent of cinnamon will drift through the house.
In an oil burner, burn cinnamon scented candles or cinnamon oil.The fix relies on the idea that spiders don't like the smell of cinnamon.The smell of cinnamon in the air qualifies as a potential spider deterrent.There are cinnamon baked goods, cinnamon candles, and cinnamon bath and body sprays.
Step 14: Make a solution of coconut oil and water.
If you fill a spray bottle with this solution you can spray it around.In a spray bottle, mix 1 part coconut oil with 2 parts distilled white vinegar.To mix the solution, shake the bottle and cap it.Spiders may hide in cracks and dark places if sprayed with this solution.
Step 15: Only use chemical pesticides to get rid of food sources.
Most pesticides don't work against spiders.Spiders like to feed on bugs that are sprayed with pesticides.If you use a chemical to kill off the spiders' food, you might have a better chance of success than if you tried achemical.Determine what the most prevalent food source is in your yard and home, then purchase an insecticidal or insect repelling agent labeled for use against that source.Carefully read the package instructions to apply the chemical.Wear protective gear when applying poison and do not allow animals or small children to come in contact with it.
Step 16: Spiders and other pests can be killed with non-toxic earth.
Natural dust made from fossil shells is called Diatomaceous earth.If you want to keep spiders out of cracks, crevices, or corners, use a DE puffer.In your home or garden, you can place it around where insects tend to gather to help reduce the spiders' food supply.Most home and garden supply stores have DE and DE puffers.DE works by getting into the arthropods and causing them to dry out.Since the fine dust could irritate your lungs, be careful not to breathe it in.