While you won’t see very many active spiders outside in the winter months, you might find them in the wood pile or in the corner of the garage. This is due to spiders and their eggs are unable to endure the winter winds and cold temperatures. Spiders will start hunting for a place to shelter themselves or their eggs as the temperatures start to drop. To keep your home from being a nesting place for spiders to spend the winter, here are some tips to keep spiders outside.
1. Repair Entry Points
While hunting for food or looking for a good place to burrow down for the winter, spiders might find cracks or holes in your home to use as a pathway into your home. Spiders will use the same cracks and holes as other pests so increase your house’s defense by sealing all cracks in the foundation, siding, and roof. Spiders are great climbers so be sure to inspect your roofing area to make sure there are no entry points that would allow any pathways for spiders. Also, inspect and repair torn screens that have rips and holes as those can be used as a way for spiders to get inside your home.
2. Eliminate Food Sources
Getting rid of entry points not only helps prevent spiders from coming inside but also helps prevent insects and other pests from invading as well. Since spiders will stay close to a reliable food source, keeping your home clean and free of insects will also help to deter spiders from sticking around.
3. Regular Cleaning Schedules
The easiest way to prevent spiders from infesting your home is to simply keep it clean and free of clutter. From attics to basements and garages, these areas are usually the most cluttered and seldom used which is the perfect home for spiders, especially common house spiders. Regular cleaning schedules for dusting and vacuuming/sweeping will help to prevent spiders from establishing themselves. Also, keep storage in plastic bins instead of cardboard as cardboard draws moisture which attracts insects. By eliminating hiding places as well as any food sources, spiders will be discouraged from staying in your home.
4. Inspect Items
Not only can spiders find their way into your home from tiny holes and cracks but they can also be transported from the items you bring inside. Packages from the mail, boxes from storage, and even firewood can allow spiders to hitch a ride. This is why it is important to inspect all items that are brought in from outside or out of the storage area in the attic, garage, or basement.
5. Use Pest Repellant Items
Spiders avoid both citrus fruits and vinegar so using either while cleaning will help keep them away. Using cedar mulch chips around your home helps prevent spiders from coming up close to find a way in. Also turning off porch lights or using insect-resistant bulbs will keep insects from hanging around your home which in turn prevents any reliable food sources for spiders.
Rely on the Professionals at Bug-A-Way
Prevention is better than a cure, so regular pest prevention treatments to eliminate any potential food sources are a great step to keeping spiders from infesting your home. While there are home remedies to try to get rid of spiders yourself, due to their elusive nature, it is best to bring in professionals to quickly take care of any problems. At Bug-A-Way, our professionals are specifically trained to find, treat, and prevent future problems with spiders and other insects which are attracting them! If you would like an inspection or just have questions, reach out to us today!