1. Seal the Exterior of Your House
Spiders can squeeze through remarkably small openings, so it is important to make sure you properly seal the exterior. Small cracks and crevices can be sealed with caulking. Larger gaps or holes (especially around pipes or wiring that enters the home) can be filled with an expandable spray foam. Next, check all windows and doors to make sure that there are no holes or tears in the screens and that the weather stripping is intact.
2. Prune Shrubs and Plants
Any vegetation that is growing next to your house should be trimmed and pruned to keep it from touching the foundation or walls. Plants that are touching the house make a perfect bridge straight to your home for insects and spiders.
3. Change Outdoor Lighting
Insects are attracted to light, and spiders are attracted to insects. If possible, turn off your outdoor lights at night so that insects don’t congregate around them. If they are necessary, consider changing out your bright fluorescent bulbs for soft yellow or orange lights that have been proven to attract less insects.
4. Use Cedar Mulch
Spiders are repelled by the scent of cedar, so you can take advantage of this by using it to mulch your flower beds around the perimeter of your home.
5. Declutter Your Yard and Home
If your yard or home is full of clutter and piles of stuff, spiders will have plenty of hiding places. In the yard, try to clean up piles of leaves, grass, and wood. Indoors, piles of paper, cardboard boxes, and other debris are attractive places for spiders to live and build webs.
6. Clean Your Home Regularly
One of the most important tips is to keep your home clean and tidy. Dust and vacuum regularly to get rid of any spider eggs or larvae that might be around. This is especially important in corners where spiders hang out. If you see spider webs, knock them down using the end of a broom or the hose of a vacuum.
7. Use Sticky Traps for Monitoring
Spider traps do not control the population on their own, but they can be a valuable tool in the effort. Sticky traps can be placed in common places where spiders are seen or in dark, undisturbed areas. If you start catching a lot of spiders in a particular place, you can use that information to figure out where they are coming from.
8. Use Natural Spider Repellents
Spiders and many other bugs are repelled by strong scents like peppermint, lavender, tea tree oil, and turmeric. You can put a few drops of essential oils on a cotton ball and strategically place them around your home. They work well in places like cabinets, sinks, crevices, closets, etc.
9. Get Rid of Excess Moisture
Excess moisture in your home attracts spiders and many other household pests. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes you may find. If your home is still humid, consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
10. Get Professional Pest Control
Professional exterminators can make a huge difference in the amount of spiders and insects that you see in your home. They can do perimeter treatments that place a chemical barrier around your home that is safe for your family and will keep pests away for months at a time. They will also de-web the exterior and work with you to come up with a comprehensive plan to meet your specific needs. If you are needing help with Sunshine Coast Spider Control, contact Radar Pest Control today.