Tips for Keeping Spiders Out

How to keep spiders out of your home this fall.

As Autumn begins to change and fall decorations begin to pop up, Preferred Pest Control reminds homeowners that a little pest-proofing goes a long way towards protecting your home and your health through the colder months ahead.  Spiders this time of year come in all shapes and sizes they are spinning their webs around in the most unsuspecting places.  It is very common to see spiders accumulating around your doors and windows, along your eaves and overhangs, on the kids’ swing set and other outdoor structures. As the temperatures begin to drop and we get further into fall spiders will want to move from those outdoor locations and into someplace warmer such as your basement, garage, storage area or even in the living spaces.  No place is off limits when it comes to a spider setting up its home for the winter.  

Although unsettling, spiders aren’t all bad.  They hunt other common household insects such as moths, beetles, and insects attracted to houseplants.  Spiders can also help control flies, earwigs and even cockroaches. Most spiders are harmless to people so they can easily be scooped up into a container and relocated outdoors. However, there are two types of spiders found in our area to be aware of.  The Brown Recluse and Black Widow spiders will bite if they are startled.  Be cautious when disturbing an area that has been left untouched for a while.  Boxed up holiday decorations, in the winter boots that were left in the garage all year, or under the leaves that get blown up against your foundation.  

When working in these spaces be sure to follow these tips and tricks to prevent bites and keep spiders out of your home:

1.  Wear gloves and keep as much of your body covered as possible when working in landscaping or when moving stored items around.
2. Leave outside lights off as much as possible to prevent drawing flying insects like moths to the exterior of your home.  Insects gathering around lights is like an all you can eat buffet for spiders.
3. Seal cracks in your foundation and fill gaps around utility opening to keep insects and spiders from finding their way in.
4. Clean regularly, especially vacuuming.  The power of most vacuums with be able to kill a spider and destroy any egg sacs that you come across.
5. Add spider repelling plants around the outside of your home.  
6. Place sticky traps in hidden areas.  This will not only stop spiders in their tracks, but it will also help you determine which parts of your home is seeing the most activity.  
7. Reduce their food source.  Spiders feed on other small insects.  If you eliminate the other insects they are feeding you will get rid of spiders as well.  

This is a busy time of year for insects and spiders.  As seasonal pest invaders such as stink bugs and asian beetles arrive they will provide a bountiful feast for spiders.  Take precautions now to keep your home or office spider free this fall. Contact us today for additional help with spider prevention and control.