As the temperature starts to rise in Utah, spiders become more active and start to look for cool and damp places to call home. Unfortunately, our homes often provide the perfect environment for spiders to thrive. If you're someone who hates spiders and wants to keep them out of your home, there are several pest control steps you can take to spider-proof your living space, but before we get into those helpful pest control tips, let’s take a look at reasons why spiders enter your home.
Why Spiders Enter Homes
Change in Weather Conditions
Did you know that even the slightest shifts in external weather can create a rush of tiny spiders seeking shelter? While snowstorms and tornadoes garner much attention, household arachnids are far more sensitive to subtle changes like light rain or higher temperatures. So if you're seeing an influx of itsy-bitsy critters making their way into your living space, it's likely due conditions outdoors!
2. It’s Arachnid Mating Season
Spider season is upon us! Have you noticed an increase in the number of spiders around your property? This could be due to it being mating season as these critters aim for ideal living conditions and a special someone with whom they can make eggs.
3. Spiders Egg-Laying Preferences
Who knew that new furniture can pose a risk of bringing unwelcome guests into your home! Spiders, often overlooked but nevertheless some people's worst nightmare, enjoy nesting in hidden places like old second-hand items. So when you decide to buy those thrifted pieces of vintage couches and chairs be sure to give them an extra once-over - or else find yourself dealing with unwanted residents hatching from forgotten egg sacs tucked away somewhere on the upholstery
4. Spiders Enjoy Their Alone Time
Ever wonder why spiders like to lurk in dark and undisturbed places? It’s in their nature to be alone plus it tends to be the best spots for them to set up their web traps and catch their prey.
5. Nourishment
Unwanted spiders in your home are almost a guarantee if you happen to have the right environment for them - which includes food sources like other insects and, believe it or not, fruit. Keep track of possible insect pests on-site so that there is nothing left around for any creepy crawlies to munch on; leaving bananas and apples unprotected can be particularly inviting!
6. Easy Access
Spider intrusions into your home can occur through even the tiniest of cracks or openings. Some clever Araneae species have adapted to exploit small tunnel systems made by other vermin, allowing them easy access indoors - closing up any possible entry points is key if you want to keep those eight-legged guests out!
Now that we have looked at reasons why spiders may enter your home, let's review some simple steps you can take to prevent them from entering your home in the first place.
Seal up Cracks and Gaps
1. Spiders can enter your home through even the tiniest of gaps, so it's important to seal up any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and other entry points. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal up any gaps or cracks that you find, paying particular attention to areas where pipes and wires enter your home.
Keep Your Home Clean
2. Spiders are attracted to clutter and mess, so keeping your home clean and tidy can go a long way in deterring them from entering. Vacuum your floors and dust your surfaces regularly to keep spider webs and other debris at bay.
Eliminate Clutter
3. In addition to keeping your home clean, it's important to eliminate clutter, especially in areas like basements, attics, and garages. Clutter provides the perfect hiding spot for spiders, so getting rid of it can help to deter them from entering your home.
Store Firewood Away from Your Home
4. If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, it's important to store your firewood at least 20 feet away from your home. Spiders love to make their homes in wood piles, so keeping your firewood away from your home can help to keep spiders at bay.
Use Essential Oils
5. Certain essential oils, such as peppermint and lavender, are known to be effective at repelling spiders. You can add a few drops of these oils to a spray bottle filled with water and spray it around the perimeter of your home to create a natural barrier that spiders won't want to cross.
Call a Pest Control Professional
6. If you've tried all of these tips and you're still seeing spiders in your home, it may be time to call in the professionals. A pest control professional can help to identify the source of your spider problem and take steps to eliminate it for good.
By following these tips, you can keep spiders out of your home and enjoy a pest-free living space. Remember, knowledge and prevention is key when it comes to spider control, so take steps to spider-proof your home before they have a chance to enter. If you do find yourself being invaded by a swarm of arachnids or you simply want more information on what you can do to prevent spiders and other pests from entering your home. Don’t hesitate to call your local pest control professionals to get the best advice and/or assistance possible.
The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you in interpreting any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.
