How to Keep Spiders Out of Your House: Top 5 Tips for Summer

It’s that time of year again. That time if year where the temperatures are on the rise. Suddenly you are walking through your kitchen and there it is. A spider! When the weather gets hot, spiders are no different than us. They want to head indoors making your home their cozy hideout. It is always an uneasy feeling to see a spider in your home but PURCOR Pest Solutions has some tips to help keep spiders out in summer and prevent spider infestations.

Understanding Spider Behavior

Understanding spider behavior is crucial in keeping them out of your home. Spiders are attracted to dark, quiet, and undisturbed areas where they can spin their webs and catch prey. They are also drawn to moisture and humidity, which is why they often thrive in basements, attics, and crawlspaces. Spiders are skilled hunters and can survive for weeks without food or water, making them a formidable pest. By understanding their behavior, you can take steps to deter spiders from entering your home and prevent them from setting up residence.

Why Spiders Enter Homes

Spiders enter homes in search of food, shelter, and a warm environment. As the weather cools down, spiders seek refuge indoors, where they can find a stable food source and a cozy place to spin their webs. Homes provide an ideal environment for spiders to survive and thrive, especially if there are other pest issues present. By understanding why spiders enter homes, you can take proactive steps to prevent them from becoming unwanted guests.

When to Expect Spider Infestations

Spider infestations are most common during the fall and winter months, when spiders are more active and seeking shelter indoors. However, spider activity can occur throughout the year, especially in areas with mild winters. It’s essential to be aware of the signs of spider infestations, such as spider webs, eggs, and nests, and take prompt action to prevent them from becoming a problem.

Seal Entry Points

As it gets warmer and hotter outside in summer the heat can expand areas around your home. This leaves you open to Spiders entering your home through even the tiniest cracks and gaps. Spiders often enter homes searching for food, including various pests like fruit flies and ladybugs. Addressing the presence of other insects is crucial to control spider populations. So how do you keep spiders out in summer and not creeping into these tiny cracks? Inspect your home thoroughly, paying attention to areas around windows, doors, pipes, and vents. Seal any openings with caulk or weather stripping to block spider entry points effectively.

Seal Cracks and Crevices

Sealing cracks and crevices is an effective way to prevent spiders from entering your home. Spiders can squeeze through tiny openings, so it’s essential to seal all cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and the home’s foundation. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close gaps, and install door sweeps to block the space between the door and the floor. By sealing entry points, you can prevent spiders from entering your home and reduce the risk of infestations.

Keep Your Home Clean

Maintaining cleanliness is key to spider control. Regularly vacuum and dust all corners, ceilings, and behind furniture where spiders tend to hide. Pay special attention to cluttered areas and remove webs and egg sacs promptly. Decluttering your home reduces hiding spots for spiders. Additionally, inspect and maintain window screens to ensure they are intact, as even small tears or holes can allow spiders to slip inside.

Removing Food Sources

Removing food sources is a crucial step in controlling spider populations. Spiders feed on other insects, so by eliminating their food source, you can discourage spiders from staying in your home. Regularly clean and declutter your home, especially areas where spiders tend to spin their webs, such as corners and behind furniture. Vacuum regularly, and dust surfaces with a damp cloth to remove spider webs and eggs. By removing food sources, you can prevent spiders from becoming a problem.

Use Natural Repellents to Deter Spiders

Several natural ingredients can be effective in deterring spiders and repelling them from your home. Create a homemade spider repellent spray by mixing water with essential oils like peppermint, citrus, or tea tree oil. Spray this solution in spider-prone areas such as corners, windowsills, and doorways to deter spiders from entering. Additionally, promptly removing spider webs and spider eggs is crucial to manage spider populations effectively.

Repel Spiders with Essential Oils and Herbs

Essential oils and herbs can be used to repel spiders and deter them from entering your home. Peppermint oil, in particular, is a natural spider repellent that can be used to keep spiders away. Mix peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it around windows and doorframes to deter spiders. Other essential oils, such as lavender and eucalyptus, can also be used to repel spiders. Additionally, certain herbs, such as basil and mint, can be used to repel spiders and keep them away from your home.

Using Cinnamon and Vinegar

Cinnamon and vinegar can also be used to repel spiders and deter them from entering your home. Cinnamon has a strong scent that spiders dislike, and can be used to repel them. Sprinkle cinnamon powder around windows and doorframes to deter spiders. Vinegar, on the other hand, has a sour taste that spiders dislike, and can be used to repel them. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it around windows and doorframes to deter spiders. By using cinnamon and vinegar, you can create a spider-free zone around your home.

Remove Outdoor Debris and Spider Webs

Spiders often find their way indoors through outdoor clutter and vegetation. Keep the perimeter of your home clear by trimming bushes, shrubs, and overhanging branches. Additionally, remove piles of leaves, woodpiles, and debris near your home’s foundation.

Utilize Professional Pest Control

If you’re dealing with a severe spider infestation or want extra assurance, consider hiring professional pest control services. Reducing the presence of other bugs can help get rid of spiders, as spiders eat smaller bugs and insects. Since spiders primarily feed on smaller bugs and insects, reducing these pests will help maintain a low spider population in household settings. Pest control professionals can identify problem areas, apply targeted treatments, and offer ongoing prevention strategies to keep spiders away. Web sweeping is a critical component of residential pest management on spiders and is a courtesy perk of protecting with PURCOR.

Install Door Sweeps and Window Screens to Prevent Spiders

Install door sweeps on exterior doors to prevent spiders from sneaking in under doors. Professional pest control services can help manage spider populations as part of a comprehensive pest management plan. Maintaining a low population of other pests will naturally lead to a decrease in the spider population. Ensure windows and doors are fitted with tight-fitting screens to keep spiders and other pests outside while allowing ventilation.

Use Spider Traps

Place spider traps in areas where spiders are commonly found. These traps are designed to attract and catch spiders, helping to reduce their population indoors.

Maintain Outdoor Lighting

Insects attracted to outdoor lights can also attract spiders. Consider using yellow or sodium vapor lights for outdoor lighting, as they are less attractive to insects and subsequently, fewer spiders will be drawn to them.

By following these PURCOR Pest Solutions pro tips, you can effectively keep spiders out of your house during the summer months and that way you won’t have to scream when you walk into the kitchen. The best way to always maintain a spider-free and comfortable living environment for you and your family is call the professionals and get on a pest management plan.

DIY Spider Control Methods

There are several DIY spider control methods that you can use to keep spiders out of your home. One effective method is to use a spray bottle filled with peppermint oil and water. Spiders detest the smell of peppermint and will avoid areas where it is present. You can also use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to repel spiders. Another method is to use diatomaceous earth, a natural substance that dehydrates and kills spiders. You can sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home and in areas where spiders tend to congregate.

How PURCOR Can Help

Although there are ways you can avoid invading spiders this fall, the best preventive solution is with professional pest control with PURCOR. Our trained professionals use environmentally-conscious pest control to protect your home safely and effectively. Protect your home or business today from common house spiders by finding a team near you. Call an office near you or contact us on our website to schedule an appointment so that you can avoid spiders in your home in the future.