For most Australian homes, spiders are a nuisance. They cause discomfort and probable health risks. Some species of spiders, including funnel-webs and redbacks, are dangerous. DIY methods to treat an outbreak usually only give temporary relief. This sets up the recurring nature of an epidemic. Wasting your time on treatments that don’t work only sets you and your family open to hazards from spiders. Effective spider pest control methods range from straightforward home remedies to professional services. Learn when to handle the issue independently and when it calls for experts like OzPest Solutions, who provide a professional and complete treatment strategy tailored toward effective, long-term spider management for Australian conditions.
10 ways to get rid of spiders
Spiders are a common infestation issue, ranging from harmless to dangerous species. This section contains 10 efficient methods of managing spider populations, covering how to create an environment less hospitable to these eight-legged visitors by taking preventive measures, using natural deterrents, or treatments targeting them.
1. Set out spider traps or spider catchers
Place sticky traps in corners, under furniture, and along walls where spiders travel regularly. These traps help catch wandering spiders. For a more humane approach, use catch-and-release traps. These will allow you to see the spiders alive and release them outdoors. Remember to check and replace traps regularly for maximum effectiveness.
2. Remove webs when found
Sweep spider webs regularly using a long-handled duster or vacuum cleaner, especially in corners high up, edges of ceilings, window frames, and behind furniture. Doing this frequently sweeps away the spiders and discourages more from making those areas their homes. It would be best to include this in your weekly cleaning schedule.
3. Try natural remedies like peppermint oil or vinegar
Mix 15-20 drops of peppermint essential oil with water for a natural spider-repellent spray in a spray bottle. Alternatively, mix equal parts white vinegar with water. Spray any of the following mixtures around the frames of windows and doors and any other possible entry points. The pungent smell will deter spiders from these locations without the need for unpleasant chemicals. Mist again every few days or after rain.
4. Keep your home clean, tidy, and clutter-free
Regularly vacuum, dust, and clean up all areas in your home. Specifically, dark and disturbed areas such as closets, underbeds, and storage areas should be regularized. Lessen stacks of boxes, newspapers, or piles of clothes into which spiders can retreat for hiding. In this regard, a clean, clutter-free home offers fewer spider places to hide and fewer food sources.
5. Try over-the-counter insecticides
Use house spider-specific insecticides or general household insecticides. These are available at hardware stores and garden centers. Products containing the active ingredients deltamethrin or lambda-cyhalothrin are effective. Application along baseboards, cracks and crevices, and around windows and doors is usually adequate. Always read the label carefully, and keep children and pets off the treated areas until dry.
6. Consider natural biological spider control
Encourage natural spider predators in your garden. You can install a bird feeder or bath to attract more insectivorous birds. Introduce non-venomous lizards, like skinks, into your garden; they feed on spiders. Develop a garden that will support these natural predators by having diverse plants.
7. Maintain the perimeter of your home for excess shrubbery
Cut trees, shrubs, and bushes that extend to your house back. Also, provide a clear zone of 30-50 cm around your home’s foundation. Reduce the dense ground covering close to the house. This reduces spiders’ hiding spots and entry points into your home.
8. Keep up with yard maintenance
Also, keep the lawn well-trimmed, frequently mowing it and raking up leaf litter. Keep firewood and building materials away from a house and off the ground. Remove rock piles, compost heaps, and other spider habitats around your home. A well-manicured yard is less hospitable to spiders and their prey.
9. Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum
Replace white outdoor lights with yellow LED bulbs or sodium vapour lights, which have fewer insects attracted to them. This, in turn, shall reduce the population of spiders. Use motion-sensor lights instead of keeping the lights on throughout the night. If outdoor lighting is necessary, place them away from doors and windows to avoid attracting insects and spiders.
10. Try outdoor insecticide sprays
Spray a residual insecticide around your home’s exterior. This would include targeting window sills, door frames, and the areas where utility lines enter your house. Be sure the product is for outdoor use and specifically designed to kill spiders, and follow the instructions for reapplication to maintain that protective barrier around your home.
Get professional help in getting rid of spiders in Australia
In the event of severe spider infestations, OzPest Solutions offers professional and very effective control:
- Expertise in the species of spiders that inhabit Australia
- Treatments targeted at the species involved
- Property-wide thorough inspections
- Access to professional-grade products
- Strategies for ongoing prevention
You can enjoy long-term spider management tailored specifically for your Newcastle home or business with OzPest Solutions. Contact us today for safe and effective spider control designed to suit you.
