Not many things are as terrifying to people like spiders. It doesn’t matter if they are big or small, spiders are one of the most feared creatures on the planet. The fear that they elicit from people has earned a place in the book of phobias, known as Arachnophobia or the fear of spiders. There are numerous natural remedies for spiders, as you will learn in this article.
Arachnids are an essential part of the environment and help to keep other pests in check, thus reducing the spread of disease and sickness. They also serve as a critical part of the food chain for other natural predators. Though spiders can be of benefit, they are fear-inducing pests that aren’t welcome inside your home.
Are Spiders Beneficial?
Spiders are predators to many pests and may be considered pests themselves, when prevalent in your home, especially for those who have arachnophobia. The misunderstood fear of spiders and their creepy appearance is among a few of the top reasons why spiders are on the most hated list, and reason for some to have them eliminated when they find their way indoors. People take drastic measures such as moving furniture, standing on chairs, or throwing objects at spiders to kill them. One could say that squashing spiders is the most natural way of getting rid of them.
Some of the pests that are on a spider’s menu include earwigs, roaches, flies, mosquitoes, clothes moths, and aphids. We can do without all of these pests, but spiders alone can’t provide enough pest management to keep all of these in check within your house, making them just another pest to add to the list. Natural predators that eat spiders, but are not likely to be found in your home, consist of fish, birds, monkeys, and lizards.
Natural predators that eat spiders and are likely to be found in your home, consist of certain species of wasps, other spiders, and depending on your location, scorpions. That said, you probably wouldn’t want any of these to be residing in your house, leaving you to find other ways of eliminating the threat of a spider infestation. There are many methods of keeping spiders out of your home naturally, but depending on your feelings about killing spiders, you will have to choose your best options.
Natural Remedies For Spiders
Some natural remedies for getting rid of spiders without killing them are as follows:
- Essential oils:
- Many people already use essential oils and have them available. Strong scents such as that of peppermint oil act as a natural repellent for spiders and other pests. You can mix between 15 and 20 drops in a spray bottle with water and then spray the mixture around the interior of your house. Other essential oils that work well, such as lavender, tea-tree, cinnamon, and rose.
- Year-round spring cleaning:
- Keeping your home free from clutter and regular cleaning will deter spiders from moving in. Spiders prefer to live in areas where they have plenty of places to hide, especially when living around humans. If you must store items, use plastic containers, which are less appealing to spiders than cardboard boxes. You will also need to dust and vacuum to eliminate unwanted webs.
- Have plants that repel spiders:
- Plants that naturally repel spiders are lavender, eucalyptus trees, or mint. These plants are also great for deterring other unwanted pests from entering your home.
- Keep your lights off:
- Lights attract the insects that spiders consider to be a meal. Keeping outdoor lights off will reduce the insects that spiders feed on, forcing spiders to hunt away from your house. Using opaque shades and blinds will prevent outdoor light from beaming through windows at night and produce the same effect as leaving the lights off.
- Catch and release:
- Catching and releasing a spider may not be for everyone, but if you have a method that works, you may choose to capture the intruding spider and place it outside. There are products available such as electric vacuum style spider and bug catchers that allow you to vacuum up the spider and then release it outdoors without bringing it any harm.
- Vinegar:
- If you don’t have essential oils, have tried them to no avail, or choose not to use them, vinegar is another household item you can mix with water and spray around the interior of your house to keep spiders at bay.
- Seal off your house:
- Locate any crevices, cracks, or holes where spiders may be finding their way inside and seal them off with caulk; this will also eliminate any other pests from invading your personal space.
- Citrus:
- It’s a common belief that spiders are repulsed by citrus. You can use citrus peel and rub it along baseboards and window sills to ward off spiders. Using furniture polish and cleaners that incorporate citrus scents may work as well. Citronella candles work wells as spider deterrents and can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Cedarwood:
- Cedarwood gives off a unique smell that is quite pleasant to us but is intolerable to spiders. Keeping small cedarwood shapes in closets and corners may serve as excellent repellents as well. Once the smell of the cedar has worn off, the wood can be sanded to refreshen the scent.
Depending on your outlook, spiders can be beneficial, not only to the environment but around your home as well. They prey on other insects that considered to be pests, but having spiders living in your house is not necessarily ideal. Researching and learning all you can about spiders can help you to keep them out of your home and in their natural habitat, allowing you to protect your family and pets. If you feel that you have a spider infestation, contact Bulwark Exterminating for help.
