Pest experts share 5 ways to prevent spiders from entering your home

WINTER means cozy evenings tucked away indoors, but unfortunately this appeals to more than just people.

Harsh weather means your home is likely full of spiders sheltering from the cold.

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Pest control technician Mihail Velev from Fantastic pest control spoke exclusively to Fabulous about the best ways to tackle the unwanted visitors.

First he explained why you might see more spiders in your home this time of year.

“They are trying to survive and instinctively look for shelter, food and also other spiders to mate with,” he said.

“The main things that attract spiders to a home are quiet, warm and moist places and other pests that can serve as a food source for them, such as mosquitoes, flies, fruit flies, moths and cockroaches.”

Areas of your home with a lot of insect activity, such as around your containers, are also likely to be home to some praying spiders.

“This also means that if there are spiders in your home, it is a very likely indication that you have also been infected by another pest,” the expert revealed.

In addition to seeking refuge from cold weather, spiders also enter homes to reproduce.

“Spider mating season is another time when they can be anywhere in the house,” Mihail said.

“During this period, which usually runs from September to mid-October, their behavior changes dramatically and male spiders emerge from the places where they have been hiding to find a mate.”

While most of us think of windows and doors as the main entry point for spiders, the pest control expert revealed some less obvious ones.

“They can also take advantage of any cracks and holes, gaps around the ductwork and vents,” he explained.

“Generally speaking, any opening in your home, whether you are aware of it or not, can give them access to interior spaces.”

He also revealed that spiders often enter homes by ‘hitchhiking’ on our belongings while we are in transit.

“Unfortunately, there is very little you can do in this case other than try to inspect your belongings as thoroughly as possible before bringing them inside if you are concerned about spiders,” Mihail said.

According to the expert, there are several ways you can keep spiders out of your home.

1. Repair cracks and holes

The first is to inspect your home and seal any visible cracks, holes, and gaps, especially around the foundation, ductwork, and vents.

“Even if you keep your windows and doors closed, make sure they seal properly when closed and consider installing insect screens,” he advised.

2. Clean regularly

In general, maintaining a clean home with proper humidity should deter spiders because there are no pests to attract them and it limits potential hiding places.

Mihail also recommended vacuuming regularly, disposing of your bins properly, picking up dust and cobwebs, tidying up and storing your food in airtight containers.

3. Repel with odors

You can also use specific scents to keep pests out of your home.

“Strong odors are actually one of the best natural ways to prevent spiders from entering your home,” the expert explains.

Everything you need to know about spiders

The most effective scents are citrus fruits, such as lemon, lime and orange, and essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil and peppermint oil.

Lavender, mint and cinnamon scents can also work to deter the creatures.

“You can mix a few drops of these essential oils with water and use in a diffuser or spray around all entry points, such as windows and doors,” Mihail advised.

Or just pick up a lemon or two from the grocery store for just 30 cents and squeeze it or mix it with vinegar or water and spray.

You can also use vinegar to keep spiders out of your space, as the strong odor and acetic acid can damage them.

If you want to use vinegar, experts recommend diluting it with equal parts water.

4. Turn off the outside lights

“Another thing that can help keep spiders away is turning off your outdoor lights at night, as spiders resemble moths and are attracted to light,” the expert explains.

5. Choose fragrant plants outside

“Also consider planting spider-repellent plants outside your home, such as mint, lemongrass, marigolds, lavender, rosemary and sage.”

And while they may not be your favorite decoration, the expert explained that spiders in your home are “a good indicator that the environment is healthy.”

“It prevents the outbreak of various pests that can damage the ecosystem and spread diseases,” he revealed.

He pointed out the contributions spiders have made to advances in medicine.

“They have played a key role in advances in medicine and their silks in particular have had many industrial applications,” he said.

“Spider venom contains compounds that have been studied and contributed to the development of medications to treat many different diseases and conditions.”