We spend quite a bit of time making our homes warm and inviting. However, we’re not the only ones enjoying them—so do spiders. Our homes are filled with things that catch a spider’s eyes. Check out a few tips to help keep spiders out of your home.
Eliminate Food Sources
Cut off their food supply. Spiders love to eat other bugs like flies and mosquitoes. If these bugs are in your home, spiders are sure to follow. One of the most effective ways to keep spiders out of your house is to eliminate their food source. If they can’t find their next meal, they will have to look elsewhere. By keeping your home clean, crumb-free, and dry, bugs won’t stick around. Don’t forget to protect the outside of your house too. The same things that bring bugs into your home will attract them to your yard.
Clean Up the Clutter
Things pile up. We get it, but spiders use this to their advantage. Spiders love finding a new hiding spot. Stacks of paper, cardboard boxes, and other misplaced items create the perfect spot for spiders to live. To keep them from moving in, you’ll want to spend time tackling the clutter. Keep things organized in sealed bins and throw out or donate things you don’t need.
Eliminate Moisture
Keep it dry inside. Like most creatures, water and moisture are important to spiders. That leaking faucet may not seem like a big deal, but it could be attracting spiders to your home. It’s important to repair any damaged pipes quickly. Drying out damp areas, like basements, will make that area less desirable to spiders. Make sure you aren’t leaving standing water in your home either. Even water bowls for pets can welcome spiders into your home. Replace their water daily to keep the spiders away and your furry family members happy.
Use Warm-Hued Light Bulbs
Did you leave the lights on? Though spiders prefer blackout curtains, their food source—bugs—like to keep things bright. We’re not saying to walk around in the dark. Spiders would actually be okay with that option. However, keeping things more natural may help you. Bugs are drawn to light sources, so minimizing their usage can keep them away. During the day, use windows to light the space. When it starts getting dark, go for a warm-hued light bulb. Yellow is a perfect choice. Bugs prefer cool-toned lights, so a warm one will limit their visits.
Seal Entry Points
Fill in the cracks. These are an open invitation for spiders. They use cracks and gaps to sneak into your home. Make sure you watch out for any cracks in your walls, holes in the roof or gaps near windows and doors. If you find one, roll up your sleeves and start caulking or add weather stripping. You’ll also want to keep an eye on your window and door screens for any tears. Taking care of these things will let spiders know that you don’t have any rooms available for them.
Keep Your Garage Clean
This is not a drill. You may not spend a ton of time in your garage, but it’s the perfect hiding spot for bugs. Spiders are solitary creatures who crave peace and quiet. Since garages aren’t our primary hangout spot, spiders can happily settle in. Keep spiders out of your garage by ensuring that the space is as clean as possible. Scattered tools create too many hiding spots for spiders. Remember to organize this space when you’re working on the rest of the house. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your garage door seal. If there’s any opening, spiders will walk right in.
Get the Yard in Order
The outside of your house is just as important as the inside. If spiders make their way into your yard, they aren’t too many steps away from your home. Piles of wood, leaves, and plants make great homes for spiders. If they are kept close to your home, spiders will likely invite themselves in. Make sure these things are kept several feet away from your house. Bugs also like digging in our trash, so make sure the cans are tightly sealed. Keeping your yard neat and tidy will help you avoid creepy crawlies.
Knock Down Spider Webs
Knock 'em down. Spiders spend a lot of time perfecting their silky masterpiece. When we knock down webs, we’re discouraging them from spinning a web in that location. Spiders are smart and won’t want to create more work for themselves. The next time you’re sweeping, take a minute to tackle spider webs. You can also use a vacuum, which will help you get rid of any eggs that were left behind. This is a great way to prevent any future encounters with spiders.
Plant Spider-Repelling Plants
Plant the right seeds. Do you have a green thumb? Some plants have fragrances that naturally repel bugs, spiders included. Peppermint is known for keeping spiders away. If you already have a garden, think about adding peppermint to it. If not, it’s never too late to try something new. Peppermint needs plenty of water and sunshine, so keep that in mind when choosing a location. Not only will you keep spiders away, but you’ll also have a new ingredient for your next recipe.
Use a Plant-Based Insecticide Dust
Fight the bug fight. Despite our best efforts, spiders still find a way to invade our yards and homes. When this happens, treating your home is the best way to handle the problem. If you’re caught in an epic battle against spiders, we want to help. Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Spider & Insect Dust is a great choice for conquering spiders. Not only do the plant oils take care of spiders, but they also are more environmentally and family-friendly.
For more information on preventing spiders, check out these blogs:
- Spider Facts
- Types of Spiders
- How to Get Rid of Spiders Naturally
- Fact or Fiction: Spider Edition
- Two Spiders to Avoid: Black Widows and Brown Recluse
- What Makes a Good Spider Repellent?
We share the world with bugs, but that doesn’t mean we want to share our homes. It’s important to make sure we’re taking steps to prevent them from moving in. Simple things like straightening up and turning the lights off can help keep your home spider-free. If you need some help, try our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Pest Control products.