How to Deter Spiders From Your Home

Spiders cause few problems outside.

Although spiders play an important ecological role, notably in controlling populations of flying insects, not everybody wants a home crawling with them. If you have a fear of spiders, the last thing you want to see is an enormous one scuttling across the floor toward you every evening. The house-proud may not appreciate a spider’s habit of building dust-filled webs in every corner. Removing the food supply is the first step in encouraging spiders to take up residence somewhere else. Blocking their entry can also be effective.

Things You'll Need

• Insect screens
• Pruning tools
• Caulk
• Door sweeps
• Vacuum cleaner
• Brush
• Shovel
• Plastic tub
• Cardboard sheet
• Pest-proof storage containers
• Work gloves
• Long-sleeved top

Instructions

1. Fit mesh insect barriers over all the windows you open on a regular basis. All those flies, mosquitoes and moths that rush in form delicious dinners for resident spiders. The spiders themselves may crawl in through open windows.

2. Trim vegetation around your house. Spiders take shelter in thick vegetation, from which they may venture inside. Also, remove piles of scrap wood, rubble, bricks or rocks. Move the materials at least 10 yards from your house so they can't set up residence in them.

3. Fill cracks and gaps around windows and pipes with caulk or suitable building materials for your property. If there is a gap beneath external doors, attach door sweeps. Gaps allow spiders and their prey insects inside.

4. Vacuum or sweep up all remaining spider webs in your home. If you see any spiders, catch them with a plastic tub, and slide a sheet of cardboard underneath. Release the spiders as far away from your house as possible.

5. Keep food in pest-proof containers or the fridge, and place all kitchen scraps straight into an outside trashcan or compost heap. Spiders don’t eat these foods, but their prey insects do. If your house is full of flies, spiders are bound to follow.

Tips & Warnings

• If venomous spiders or snakes are prevalent in your area, put on work gloves and a long-sleeved top before shifting scrap wood.

References

• University of Arizona; How to Bug Proof Your Home; Dawn H. Gouge, et al.
• University of Kentucky; Many Spiders Shouldn’t Be Unwelcome House Guests; Ellen Brightwell