How To Get
Rid Of Spiders
The
spider would have to be the most feared of all
household pests. Despite our feelings towards
them, spiders do perform a useful ecological
function, feeding on bugs, they keep the
insect population down in and around our homes. However, not everybody
is happy to share their home with a spider, so
we will look at ways to keep spiders away.
Windows and doors (create a barrier):
Make sure all windows and doors are well fitting
with no nooks and crannies for spiders to crawl
under. Windows should be fitted with mesh which
not only helps to keep spiders out, but also
other insects such as moths, mosquitoes etc.
Doors can be fitted with weather strips.
Outdoor lights:
Bugs are attracted to outdoor lights, which in
turn attracts spiders to the area. Avoiding
outdoor lights can be a great help in reducing
spider numbers.
Regular dusting & vacuuming:
The preferred habitat of a spider is somewhere
quiet and undisturbed. When dusting and
vacuuming pay attention to ceiling cornices,
light fittings, behind furniture etc.
Dark corners of closets are another hiding spot
for spiders. Regularly open up closets & vacuum
or dust. Try to avoid building up clutter in
storage areas. Boxes of unused clothes etc.,
should be avoided.
Clothing:
Make sure you don’t leave piles of clothing on
the floor as this can be an attractive spot to
spiders. When you are finished with your
clothing, hang it up. If you have left your
clothes on the floor, shake them first before
putting on.
Plants, trees and bushes:
This is the preferred habitat of many species of
spider. Try to minimise the number of plants in
the immediate vicinity of your home.
Lemon oil:
Spiders apparently dislike the smell of lemon &
one recommended method to deter them from your
home is to regularly spray lemon scented Pledge
onto window ledges and door frames or apply
lemon oil.
Removal/relocation:
If you come across a spider that you know is not
dangerous, the best method is to trap it & put
it outdoors. Grab an empty jar or glass & a
piece of cardboard, trap the spider in the jar &
cover with cardboard. Remove from the house.
Water and moisture:
Spiders are attracted to moisture, which is why
they can often be found lurking in damp
basements. Do what you can to minimise moisture
in the home. Fix leaking taps, use
de-humidifiers in closets etc.
The Sydney Funnelweb is attracted to water & can
be found around swimming pools and children’s
paddling pools. Always carefully inspect before
going into the water. A spider can survive 24
hours submerged in the water.
Properly store food:
Make sure food is properly stored away either in
a refrigerator or in appropriate glass or
plastic containers. This will keep insects
Sprays and chemicals:
There are a number of sprays available to kill
spiders. Some are available from your
supermarket, others require a licensed pest
controller. The problem with this is that many
of these sprays contain chemicals that most of
us would rather not be exposed to. Another
problem is that if we remove spiders, other
insects can and will replace them. If you do
decide to have your home sprayed, try to find a
“natural” spray and if you have pets or young
children, let the pest controller know.
