While spiders can be beneficial by preying on smaller insects, their webs can be an unwelcome sight around the home. For many homeowners, especially those with arachnophobia, keeping spiders and their webs at bay is a priority. Fortunately, there are various ways to prevent spider webs from forming outside, from natural remedies to cleaning practices.
Here are effective strategies to deter spiders from building webs around your property. Hiring an Arlington pest control service is also an option to ensure spiders stay away from your home.
Ways to Prevent Spider Webs Outside Your House
Pests are harmful and are a source of multiple issues. When your property has spiders, you must immediately remove them from your house and remove the cobwebs. Here is the guide to knowing the right paths to make it possible.
Seal any gaps.
Preventing spiders from entering your home is the first step. Inspect your home’s exterior to identify cracks, crevices, or any small gaps spiders might use to enter. Once identified, seal these gaps with caulk or weatherstripping. This keeps spiders out and reduces cobwebs, making it harder for them to settle around your property. Start your inspection today and secure your home’s perimeter to deter these pests effectively.
Keep your home free from clutter.
Clutter provides excellent hiding spots for spiders. As you spend time in your home, items may accumulate in corners, closets, and storage areas, creating ideal shelter for spiders. Declutter regularly, dispose of unnecessary items, and avoid leaving paper piles and other debris around. Keeping your space organized and clutter-free removes hiding places for spiders and discourages them from entering your home.
Regular Dusting & Cleaning
Dusting regularly can keep spider webs at bay. Use a cloth or duster to clean surfaces, corners, and cabinets where spider webs might appear. Disrupting their webs and removing food sources makes it harder for spiders to thrive. Regular cleaning also reduces the presence of other pests, creating a less attractive environment for spiders and ensuring a clean, pest-free home.
Don’t keep leftover foods.
Food remnants attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. Store leftovers properly, preferably in the refrigerator, and dispose of food waste immediately. Leaving dishes in the sink or crumbs on surfaces can attract insects, which may invite spiders looking for prey. Taking simple steps to keep your kitchen clean will help keep spiders and other pests at bay.
Create Homemade Sprays
Certain scents and substances naturally repel spiders. While cleaning the exterior of your home, try using homemade sprays in areas where spiders tend to build webs:
- Vinegar and Water: Combine equivalent parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. The scent repels spiders and other insects, making it an effective barrier.
- Mint Essential Oil: Mix up to three drops of mint essential oil with a gallon of water and spray around your home. Avoid overuse, as the strong scent can be overwhelming to humans too.
- Other Essential Oils: Peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and rose oils are also effective spider repellents. Combine 15-20 drops with water in a spray bottle. Rotate the oils you use periodically to prevent spiders from adapting to the scent.
- Citrus: Spiders dislike citrus. To deter them, use citrus essential oils, rub citrus peels on window sills, or burn citrus-scented candles.
Additionally, planting lavender or mint around your home’s perimeter or placing potted plants by window sills can be a natural spider deterrent.
Conclusion
Managing a spider presence around your home can feel challenging, but following these steps will help keep them at bay. If you have tried these methods and still struggle with recurring webs, it may be time to contact a professional pest control service. A skilled exterminator can offer effective, long-term solutions to keep your property spider-free.
