In part one of our series, we focused on identifying the different species of spiders in Michigan. Last week, we focused on common areas and locations spiders find desirable. This week, for our third part in our series, we will focus some DIY tips to try. We want to help you to keep spiders outside and out of your home!
For many people, the problem with spiders is simply their presence in the same living space as humans. Human beings collectively seem to have an innate fear of spiders, a phenomenon that has been noted by scientists. Arachnophobia, fear of spiders, is the most common of all phobias and is believed to affect 55% of women and 18% of men. Even for those who do not formally have arachnophobia, the presence of spiders in the home can be unnerving. For those of us brave enough, there are some DIY tips you can try to keep spiders out of your home. Spiders have several locations they love to hang out in. Here are there favorite locations and how to combat their presence:
Windows & Doors
Spiders love finding holes in window or door screens. If they can’t get in through a screen they’ll walk around the window or door frame hoping to find a crack. Check your screens and caulk any holes that you find in these frames.
Vegetation
Ivy, shrubs, trees, and other plants attract spiders. If this vegetation is close to your home you can expect a lot of spiders to be living just outside your house. If this vegetation is close to your home you can expect to see a lot of spiders take a few quick strides to scurry into your home. By transplanting these plants away from your home you’ll be discouraging spiders from making the trek.
Food Source
Everyone knows that spiders catch their food in their webs. Without webs, they have no food. Knock down a web once you see it with a broom or duster to eliminate their source of food and they’ll have to leave.
Firewood
Spiders like to make webs and lay eggs in piles of firewood. Move firewood and other debris as far away from the house as possible.
Clean
Thorough house cleaning is a great way to prevent spiders from making a comfortable web in your home. Vacuum regularly and reduce clutter in your closets, garage, basement, and other areas to keep them away.
Lighting
Incandescent bulbs attract a lot of flying insects, and these attract spiders. Try using yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs outside to attract fewer bugs.
A few natural ways to deter spiders are:
Mint
People love the smell of mint, but spiders hate it. If you know where spiders are getting in buy a peppermint essential oil, put it in a spray bottle, and add some water. Spray this on your home near where the spiders are coming inside. They’ll be sure to stay away!
Cedar
Like mint, spiders hate cedar. Get some cedar mulch and spread it around the perimeter of your house. This will form a protective moat around the perimeter of your home.
Citrus
Whether it’s orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit, spiders can’t stand citrus. Get an essential oil and spray it where spiders are getting into your house. You can even put citrus peels in your garden to keep spiders off your plants.
We have enjoyed supporting you by providing you with some DIY tips and, educating you on identifying the types of spiders in Michigan and help recognizing them. We also want to assist you in making the decision about whether it is time to seek the professional help of Presidio Pest Management, if you have spiders in and around your home. If you’re too busy to do these DIY tips yourself, or if you want to take every precaution you can from these creepy-crawlers, you might want to consider getting help from the professionals. Here at Presidio Pest Management, we can keep spiders out of your home all year long. The professional exterminators at Presidio Pest Management understand the habits of spiders and use that knowledge when developing a spider control program that is best suited to your home and your particular problem. We are happy to help!
