How to Get Rid of Spiders in the Basement

Spiders tend to hang around the dirtiest areas of a home, so it's easy to see why they would be attracted to a basement. Luckily, for those that are scared silly of spiders, it's fairly easy to keep spiders from wanting to make their home in your basement. Following these simple steps will help keep those creepy pests out of your basement.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Spider repellant

Instructions

1. Pick up the area. Spiders are always on the lookout for a good place to hide. Don't give them one. Leaving toys and dirty clothes lying around gives them the privacy they are after. This is why spiders tend to build their webs under your furniture. The less places they have available, the less likely they will be to stay.

2. Run your vacuum cleaner about once a week. Just because you don't see spiders doesn't mean you don't have a few around. Since female spiders lay eggs--that produce more spiders--prevention is key. Vacuuming will help eliminate eggs and in the process lessen your spider problem.

3. Store food in the kitchen. It's best to store all food in your kitchen. Also, make sure you don't leave any leftover food in your basement area for any significant period of time. Other pests will be drawn to the food and spiders feed on other bugs. Leaving food can draw spiders just as easily as it will other bugs.

4. Seal all windows in your basement area properly. This is usually how spiders are able to gain entry into your home. Making sure all windows and doors are properly sealed will help keep these creepy crawlers from being able to get into your home in the first place.

5. Spray spider repellant when all else fails. Many home improvement stores sell sprays that are appropriate for the home and specifically designed to kill spiders. Make sure to read all warning labels on the can and follow the directions that are provided. Keep children away from areas that are being sprayed until they have a chance to completely dry. If it is possible, open some windows in that area while you are spraying to limit the amount of fumes in the air.

Tips & Warnings

• Knock down webs that you see even if there isn't a spider attached to it. Odds are they just left long enough to look for food.

• Remember, spiders eat bugs. Keeping your basement free of other pests will keep the spiders away, because there will be nothing for them to eat.

• Some spiders bite. Never ignore a spider problem.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish