How to Get Rid of Spiders

How to Get Rid of Spiders

Spiders play an important role outdoors by feeding on insects, but most homeowners don't want them living inside the house. If you're seeing spider webs in corners or spiders crawling across floors and walls, it's time to take action.

The best way to get rid of spiders is to remove their food source, eliminate hiding places, and treat areas where they live and travel.

Remove Spider Webs

One of the first steps is removing existing webs.

Use a broom or vacuum to remove:

• Ceiling webs

• Corner webs

• Basement webs

• Garage webs

• Window webs

Removing webs also eliminates egg sacs that could hatch later.

Reduce Their Food Supply

Spiders follow insects.

If you eliminate the bugs that spiders feed on, spiders are much less likely to remain in your home.

Help reduce insect activity by:

• Keeping your home clean.

• Storing food properly.

• Repairing leaks.

• Sealing entry points.

Treat Common Hiding Places

Apply a quality bug and spider killer according to the product directions in areas where spiders commonly hide.

Common treatment areas include:

• Along baseboards

• Around doors and windows

• Basements

• Garages

• Attics

• Closets

• Behind furniture

• Around storage boxes

These dark, undisturbed areas are favorite hiding places for many spider species.

Seal Entry Points

Prevent spiders from entering by sealing:

• Cracks in the foundation

• Gaps around windows

• Door thresholds

• Utility openings

• Torn window screens

Keeping spiders outside is much easier than eliminating an established infestation indoors.

Prevent Future Spider Problems

To help keep spiders away:

• Vacuum regularly.

• Remove clutter.

• Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts insects.

• Keep shrubs trimmed away from your home.

• Apply bug killer according to the product directions around entry points and problem areas.

A consistent prevention routine can help keep both spiders and the insects they feed on under control.