As much as we love the beautiful colors and crisp air of fall, it’s also the time when spiders start creeping into our homes. These eight-legged creatures may have their benefits, but they’re not what we want running around our homes. Not only can they be terrifying, but some species can also pose a danger to our health. To help keep spiders away, here are some spider prevention tips homeowners should know.
1. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
One of the best spider prevention tips is to keep your home clean and clutter-free. Spiders love hiding in dark and undisturbed areas, so by regularly sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting, you are reducing potential spider habitats. Remember to pay attention to corners, closets, basements, and attics where dust and cobwebs accumulate more frequently.
2. Seal Your Home’s Exterior
Spiders can easily find their way into your home through gaps and cracks in doors, windows, and walls. Inspect the exterior of your home and identify possible entry points. Use caulk or sealant to fill gaps and cracks that spiders could use as a gateway into your home.
3. Use Spider Repellents
If you want to take a more proactive approach, you can use natural spider repellents like essential oils (peppermint oil, citronella oil, etc.), vinegar, or chestnuts. Place them around your home in areas where you suspect spiders may enter, such as doorways, windows, and near baseboards. If you’re not into the DIY spider repellents, you can always purchase chemical repellents from your local hardware store.
4. Keep Your Garden Tidy
Yes, you read that right! Your garden plays a vital role in spider prevention. Spiders can enter your property from your garden and then make their way into your home through the windows and doors. To keep spiders out of your garden, keep the grass short and eliminate any debris or objects (like piles of wood) that spiders could hide in. Also, keep piles of leaves under control, as these can be another spider’s paradise.
5. Call in a Professional
If you’ve tried the above spider prevention tips and still find yourself dealing with a spider invasion, it might be time to call in a professional. A pest control professional can evaluate your home and identify the spider species you’re dealing with. They can then develop a spider control plan customized for your home and your needs, so you can stop worrying about creepy crawlies in your home.
Spiders may be a part of our ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean they belong in our homes. By keeping your home clean and clutter-free, sealing entry points, using natural repellents, keeping your garden tidy, or calling in a professional, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a spider invasion. Keep in mind that spider prevention is not only a fall activity, but something you should practice year-round to keep your home safe and spider-free. Start following these spider prevention tips to enjoy a fall season free of arachnids.
