As the warmer weather starts to creep in, so do the unwanted arachnids that have been laying in wait during the colder months. While no one wants bugs and pests in their home, spiders are one of the most loathed creatures and can often be dangerous, depending on where you live.
One of the commonly found dangerous spiders in North America is the Brown Recluse, a small, average looking spider that can cause severe pain and necrosis if its bites are left untreated. In other parts of the world, there are plenty of venomous spiders, like the Funnel Web Spider, that can cause harm. To play it safe, here are five ways to keep spiders out of your house this spring.
Hire a Pest Control Service
If you want to get rid of dangerous spiders and all other unwanted pests, consider hiring a pest control service. Pest control services, such as Pestworks, can inspect your home and help determine the best route for pest prevention, based on your location. They can also identify whether a discovered spider is dangerous. This can be useful as some species of spiders are not dangerous to human, but drastically reduce mosquitos and other annoying bugs. However, that doesn’t mean you want to see them inside.
Seal Windows and Cracks
Take steps to physically block spiders from getting indoors. Plug any cracks in the floor or walls that you may have noticed, repair your window screens and make sure they fit securely and add barriers to any exterior doors that don’t quite fit in the frame. Doing this will reduce the number of spiders and other pests that get into your home. However, there is always a chance that they will come in when you enter the house or when you bring in the laundry. If you live in a cooler region and use a wood stove, consider keeping your wood outside in the spring and bringing pieces in only as needed.
Keep Things Clean and Tidy
Spring cleaning and decluttering have more of a purpose than just making your house look good. As you go through your house and dust or vacuum, you also remove spider webs, eggs, and nymphs that you may not notice on a daily basis. Regular cleaning can also reduce the clutter and problem areas that attract various pests. For example, a messy office full of boxes of paper is very attractive to spiders, earwigs, silverfish, and other insects.
Turn off Exterior Lights
Insects are attracted to light. As such, your exterior light fixtures become prime real estate for spiders who enjoy the prospect of an all you can eat buffet. Turning off exterior lights when they aren’t needed or using a motion sensor can help reduce the influx of spiders around your door. This reduces the chances that they get inside, as well as the rational fear of having one drop on your head. Interior lights will also attract bugs to the windows, and spiders to the window frame. However, if you have sealed the gaps and fitted proper screens, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Attract a Bigger Predator
The thought of attracting or housing a larger predator sounds ominous but it really isn’t. For example, having a pet cat can help reduce the pest situation in your home. Cats are natural hunters who enjoy chasing and killing critters. Ladybugs (or ladybirds as they are sometimes known as) eat spider mites and aphids, making them great for gardens and adding a layer of protection outside your home. Finally, attracting more birds and bats to your yard can also be helpful. Sprinkle birdseed regularly or install bat houses to attract these spider-eating beauties.
If dangerous spiders are a recurring issue in your home, call a pest control service right away. It’s better to pay an expert upfront rather than paying in pain and medical bills later on.
