Fall is the perfect time to spider-proof your home! Spiders are synonymous with October, and not just because of Halloween. During the fall, spiders infamously start to show up more and more indoors. There are several reasons why spiders move indoors: many are in search of a mate, and some are looking to escape the dropping temperatures outside. No matter the reason, spiders inside of homes is something few homeowners want to deal with. Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to lessen the risk of getting a spider infestation this fall. Continue reading for Anderson’s top tips for spider prevention.
How to Spider-Proof Your Home This Fall
For the most part, spiders are completely harmless. Although there are two types of dangerous spiders in Illinois and Indiana (the black widow and brown recluse), most spiders inside your home are not aggressive and won’t bite. That said, there are still a number of things you can do to prevent spiders in your home:
- Seal cracks, gaps, and crevices. Any openings in your doors and windows will let spiders crawl right inside. Patching them up can limit their access indoors.
- Ensure your home and yard is mess-free. Remove debris piles and clutter both inside and outside your home. Ensure all food is sealed in airtight containers.
- Keep vegetation and landscape trimmed. Spiders will inhabit overgrown bushes, shrubs, compost piles, and more. Always mow your grass and keep your landscape tidy to eliminate their hiding spots near your home.
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Spiders
While natural remedies aren’t always a cure-all for preventing or getting rid of spiders, they have proven to be useful. Some all-natural spider deterrents include:
- Essential oils: Eucalyptus, tea-tree, citronella, peppermint, lavender, and other essential oils are known to deter spiders.
- Nuts: Chestnuts have been said to keep spiders at bay.
- Citrus peels: Spiders are known to be repulsed by the smell of any citrus fruit.
- Plants and herbs: Planting a eucalyptus tree or lavender in your garden can repel spiders.
- White vinegar: A spray bottle with half water and half vinegar wards off spiders.
How to Get Rid of Spiders
Unfortunately, all-natural prevention and exclusion methods sometimes do not work well enough to keep spiders outside. If you’ve noticed more and more spiders inside your home this fall, it may be time to call in a professional. A pest control expert such as those with Anderson Pest Solutions can identify the reason why so many spiders are getting inside, and make sure you don’t deal with future infestations.
