How to Get Rid of Spiders, Silverfish & Fleas in Homes

Spiders are just one pesky insect that can infest your home.

Nobody likes to think of the possibility of having creepy crawlies lurking in their homes; but for many homes, this is a reality. Small insects such as spiders, silverfish and fleas can be real pests. These pesky intruders not only lurk in dirty, unkempt homes, they can find their way into frequently cleaned homes. Luckily, you can do some things to keep these unwanted pests as far away from your home's interior as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Broom
• Mop
• Steam cleaner
• Caulk
• Pesticides
• Vinegar
• Dehumidifier
• Soapy water
• Cucumber peels
• Lavender essential oil
• Bug-control powders and sprays
• Bug bomb

Instructions

1. Make a clean sweep of your home. This includes using a vacuum to clean all carpeting and thoroughly sweeping the floor. Mop to finish cleaning the floor. Wash fabrics, such as curtains and bedding, and steam clean fixed furniture upholstery.

2. Find the source of the infestation. For silverfish, this is generally damp, warm places such as the bathroom or kitchen. If you have pets inside the home, they can be the cause of flea infestations and will need to be treated with collars, baths, sprays or medication. For spiders, oftentimes a gap near a window or a break in a door's weather stripping can be an invitation to pests. Seal up these areas to avoid further infestation. To find the entrance point, look for signs such as insect nests or spider webs. Clear nests and webs away by spraying with vinegar or a chemical pesticide and disposing of the mess in outdoor trash.

3. Check moist and dark areas for spider or silverfish infestations. Some common locations for these insects are cabinets, under sinks, along baseboards and in basements. Excess moisture can also be a breeding ground for these insects, so remove any standing water from the inside of your home. To clear up moisture from the air in places such as crawlspaces or bathrooms, use a dehumidifier to absorb water.

4. Treat fabrics and upholstery with bug-control powders and sprays, which are particularly effective against flea infestations. After a thorough cleaning of your home, completely coat all materials in flea and insect repellent. Allow the repellent to set into the fabric for several hours or as indicated on the packaging. Once the powder or spray is complete, vacuum and sweep again to rid the home of eggs or insect carcasses.

5. Try natural bug repellent solutions along with chemical pesticides. For example, silverfish are deterred by cucumber peels placed in areas where they frequent. If you have pets, leave a dish filled with soapy water around pet beds and rugs that the pet frequents. This attracts fleas and can gradually lessen your infestation. The scent of lavender is a deterrent to spiders. Place a few drops of essential oil around spiderwebs.

6. Use a "bug bomb" as a last resort for a powerful cleaning. Bombs are most effective against flea infestation. Clear the home of any people, pets or plants that may be affected by the chemicals. Seal all doors and windows to keep the chemicals from going outside of the home. Wear face protection during the process. Stay out of the home during the recommended time period as stated on packaging.

References

• Do It Yourself Pest Control: Welcome to the Original "Do-It-Yourself Pest Control"
• Earth Easy: Natural Insect Pest Control
• Colorado State University Extension; Spiders in the Home; F.B. Peairs, W.S. Cranshaw and P.E. Cushing; December 2008
• Natural Home Remedies: Silverfish Information - Symptoms And Herbal Home Treatment