How to Prevent Spider Infestation in Your Home

Spiders live in residential homes; it’s just a fact of life. A few spiders crawling around your house is actually beneficial as they eat other pests, such as centipedes and beetles.  Therefore, it’s generally better not to kill every spider you find crawling around your home. However, if you notice an increased amount of spiders crawling around your home, it could mean that you have an infestation. The first step is not to panic. The second step is to pay close attention for a few days in a row as to where and when you notice the spiders. Some locations are more prone to spiders, and desert states like California and Arizona are known for more dangerous spiders that can make their way into a home. This article addresses what to do in the case when you suspect a common household spider infestation. Understanding Spiders Spiders favor entering homes because a typical home provides the exact environment they thrive in – warm, dark spaces. Spiders hide in dark, dry locations. Some spiders also favor damp areas, such as under a sink or in a damp basement. Spiders also favor rotting materials; it’s a prime location for laying eggs. Make an effort to keep your home free from rotting material such as damp or wet wood. Tips for Preventing Spider Infestation Clutter Spiders are attracted to clutter. Keeping you home as clutter-free as possible will decrease the amount of spiders in your home. For example, do your best to keep piles of clothes off the floor. Dangerous brown recluse spiders favor hiding in piles of clothes. Dust Keep your home as dust-free as possible, especially in corners and ceiling where spiders often create webs. To make dusting easier, use a duster with an extended arm to help you dust the hard-to-reach places. Also dust under furniture and beds. Use a wet rag, at least every other week to remove thicker layers of dust. Cardboard Boxes Spiders love to live in cardboard boxes. Replace your cardboard boxes with plastic storage bins. Windows Repair windows and screens as to prevent spiders from easily entering your home. Cracks and holes in windows, doors and around the house on the inside and on the exterior should be fixed and sealed. Cats Cats are known for eating spiders. At the very least, the cat will do a go job at chasing them away. Natural Remedies •    Place peppermint or spearmint leaves in window sills; spiders don’t like the send and it will ward them off. •    Spray a mixture of tea tree oil and water onto vents and window sills. Spiders don’t like this scent either and will turn away. Professional Exterminator When all else fails, consider contacting an exterminator. Additionally, yearly pest control maintenance will help keep your home pest free, of at least limit the amount of annoying pests.