Spiders are often unwelcome guests in homes and outdoor spaces. Whether they’re weaving webs on your porch ceiling, lurking in dark corners, or scurrying across your floor, many homeowners want to know how to get rid of them. Understanding why spiders invade in the first place and learning how to repel them is essential to keeping your property and yard spider-free. Let’s dive into your comprehensive guide to explore how to get rid of spiders in your home, including tips on prevention and professional solutions.
Why Do Spiders Come Into Your Home?
Before diving into methods for how to get rid of spiders in your house, it’s helpful to understand why they enter homes in the first place. Spiders are typically drawn indoors when seeking food, warmth, and shelter. They hunt insects, so if you have other pests, like flies or ants, that may attract spiders. Additionally, during colder months, they may enter your home to escape the chill outside. You can more effectively prevent infestations by addressing why spiders are attracted to your home.
5 Spiders Commonly Found Near California Homes
Understanding the types of species you’re dealing with is an important step in learning to prevent spiders from entering your home or exterior property. California is home to several spider species, some more common than others. Here are a few prevalent types:
1. Black Widow Spiders:
One of the most notorious spiders in California, the black widow, is recognized by its shiny black body and distinctive red hourglass markings. While its venom can harm humans, it typically avoids interaction and only bites in self-defense.
2. Brown Recluse Spiders:
The brown recluse, which has a violin-shaped marking on its back, is less common but still a concern in some areas of California. Like black widows, its bite can be dangerous, causing serious skin reactions in some individuals.
3. Wolf Spiders:
These large, hairy spiders may look intimidating but are not aggressive. Wolf spiders are typically found outdoors but may occasionally enter homes looking for food.
4. Jumping Spiders:
Known for their unique movement and excellent vision, jumping spiders are small but fast and active. They aren’t harmful to humans and are usually found outside.
5. House Spiders:
As the name suggests, house spiders are commonly found indoors. They are small, usually brown or gray, and create webs in corners or hidden areas. They pose little threat and primarily help control other pest populations.
By understanding the behaviors and habitats of spiders common to your area, you can proactively devise a plan to get rid of spiders and other pests around your property.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Home: 3 Practices to Implement
1. Declutter Regularly
Spiders love dark, undisturbed areas where they can spin their webs and wait for prey. Decluttering rooms, especially basements, attics, and closets, will leave them with fewer hiding places.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Spiders can enter your home through even the tiniest opening. Seal cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and walls to prevent spiders from entering. Pay special attention to areas near windowsills, baseboards, and ventilation points.
3. Maintain Cleanliness
Regular cleaning is one of the best ways to eliminate spiders in the house. Vacuum carpets, curtains, and corners where webs may form, and dispose of the vacuum contents promptly.
Though there are plenty of things you can do to keep your property free of pests, managing an infestation on your own is likely to cost more money in the long run than hiring a professional, and pest problems are more likely to persist without experienced intervention.
How to Repel Spiders in Your House
Understanding how to prevent spiders from entering your home in the first place is always easier than eliminating them once they’ve settled in. Here’s how to stop spiders from getting in your house:
- Be mindful of landscaping lights. Outdoor lighting can attract insects, which, in turn, attract spiders. If possible, reduce outdoor lighting or use yellow or sodium vapor bulbs, which are less likely to attract bugs.
- Remove webs promptly. Even if you see a web without a spider, remove it immediately. This discourages spiders from settling in that spot.
- Limit their food source. Spiders feed on other pests, so addressing the root issue is crucial. Use preventive pest control methods to keep insects out of your home and business, which will make your property less appealing to spiders.
How to Get Rid of Spiders Outside Your House
Protecting the exterior of your property is just as important as safeguarding the inside. Here are 4 tips on how to get rid of spiders outside your house:
- Trim vegetation near your home. Spiders love to hide in tall grass, shrubs, and bushes. To keep spiders away from the outside of your house, regularly trim vegetation, especially near your home’s foundation.
- Keep outdoor areas clean. Don’t leave debris like wood piles or leaves near your house. These provide perfect hiding spots for spiders. Keeping your yard clean and organized is one of the best ways to keep spiders away.
- Use a natural repellent spray. You can use a homemade spray with essential oils or commercial sprays to keep spiders off your yard.
- Install door sweeps. Installing door sweeps on all exterior doors is an effective way to prevent spiders from sneaking in. Be sure to check your screens for tears or holes that might allow them inside.
Discourage Outdoor Spider Infestations in 3 Easy Steps
If you notice spiders gathering outside and are wondering how to get rid of the spiders on your porch ceiling or in your yard, here are some additional tips on how to prevent spiders in these outdoor areas:
1. Install Outdoor Bug Zappers
Bug zappers can be an effective way to reduce the insect population in your yard, thereby reducing the food source for spiders.
2. Pressure Wash
It can be helpful to get rid of old spider webs hanging from your porch ceiling, preventing other creepy crawlers from being attracted to the same spot. For spider webs that are difficult to reach, such as those on your porch ceiling, pressure washing is a great option to remove webs and spiders alike.
3. Take a Calculated Approach
There are several outdoor chemical sprays that are designed to repel spiders. These are often harsh to residents, children, and animals. Also, pests have been found to grow resistant to retailer chemical sprays. The most effective way to prevent pests is to partner with a dedicated expert with the knowledge and equipment to provide the pest-free environment you deserve.
Professional Spider Control: When to Call the Experts
Partnering with an experienced pest control provider can proactively prevent potential infestations. You also have the support of an expert at your call to save the day from any unwanted visiting pests. If you’re not already working with a reputable pest control company and you’ve tried on your own but are still asking how to keep spiders out of your house, it may be time to call in the professionals. Expert pest control services can identify the source of the spider problem, eliminate it, and set up long-term prevention solutions.
Protect Your Home With Preventive Pest Control SoCal
At Preventive Pest Control SoCal, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with a spider infestation. Our expert team specializes in pest control in Orange County and the Inland Empire to eliminate spiders, termites, ants, rodents, mosquitoes, cockroaches, gophers, and wasps to ensure your property is pest-free year-round. Whether you’re looking for advice on how to get rid of spiders in your home or prevent them from invading your yard, we have the right solutions for you. To discuss a personalized pest control plan, contact us today. Let us help you keep your home or business spider-free and comfortable in every season!