Top Tips for Keeping a Home Spider-free

Wet, humid, and hot conditions provide perfect breeding conditions for spiders, which means Florida is a haven for them

Spiders are insects that feed on other insects using a sticky web to trap their victims. There are more than 45,000 spider species worldwide, and they come in various sizes, from minuscule to spiders nearly four inches long.

Generally, spiders are good for the environment because they prey on other insects and are often used in orchards and fields as a natural form of pest control. Typically, their venom is not harmful to humans, although their bite can be uncomfortable. Unfortunately, there are some in the U.S. that can cause illness in humans, specifically brown recluse and black widow spiders.

Wet, humid, and hot conditions provide perfect breeding conditions for spiders, which means Florida is a haven for them. However, stopping spiders from entering a home is easier than some think.

Here are four simple tips for keeping a home spider-free.

Barrier protection

Spiders seek warmth at night, and this can be a reason for them to venture into houses and apartments. Insulation in a home slows the cooling trend, meaning it takes a while for homes to cool down at night to the same outdoor temperature that may have already dropped considerably compared to earlier during the day.

Exposed windows, cracks, and door frames are the prime entry points for arachnids. Use a barrier spray in these areas to keep out spiders. Residents concerned about toxins or allergens in the home can use a mixture of lemon juice and water and rub a piece of lemon rind over the frames to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the smell.

Clear debris

Spiders seek shelter in the garden and other dark places around a property, such as wood piles, boxes, garbage, or lawn and tree debris piles. Homeowners who need to store things in and around the garden should ensure they are in sealed boxes or containers. Keep the weeds low and make sure that the grass and trees are clipped back around the home’s perimeter.

Remove spider webs

Spiders won’t seek to build webs in high-traffic areas or in places where they need to rebuild their web continually. Use an outdoor broom to regularly run along the home’s perimeter, especially around pergolas and window frames with undisturbed corners. On the inside of the home, regularly vacuum and dust the areas that are not exposed to human traffic, such as inside wardrobes and the corners of the ceiling.

Keep it dark

While outdoor lighting doesn’t precisely attract spiders, it attracts flying insects which contributes to increasing local spider populations. Therefore, limit outdoor lighting to the areas it is most needed.

Seek help from professionals

A professional pest control service is the answer for spider infestations that homeowners can’t eradicate on their own.

Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!