How to Prevent a Spider Infestation

Spiders are everywhere. Although you’ll never stop our four-legged, eight-eyed mates from passing through your home completely, there are steps you can take to ensure they don’t move in full time. Ready your dustpan, turn off your lights and sharpen your keen sense of sight, by the end of this short article, you’ll have everything you need to keep these quick creepy crawlies at bay.

How to keep spiders away: 8 easy tips

Keep Your Home and Yard Clean 

Minimise the chances of spiders sticking around by cleaning your home inside and out, concentrating on busting dust, dirt and any spider-friendly black spots like behind the TV or under side-boards. Outside, check for old cobwebs and keep on top of lawn maintenance – aim to make your yard undesirable for spiders.

Is Your Outdoor Furniture Spick and Span?

When was the last time you gave your outdoor setting a thorough once over, remove any old webs, dust and dirt? Spiders love to set up camp beneath your butt, coveting the dark corner of a wicker chair for snug security.

Adopt a Kitty…

There’s no greater bane to a spider’s existence than a pawsome family member. While dogs do a decent job of warning these critters off, cats have the game down to an art, hunting the buggers while you lay back and watch TV.

…But Be Diligent with Pet Bowls

Your pets may nibble bits of dry food whenever their bellies call for it, but so do flies… and spiders love flies about as much as Fido loves dog biscuits. Keep pet bowls covered or cleaned out between meal times to control the supply of tasty insects and around your home.

Declutter

Spiders love clutter, crumbs and places to hide. Anything from a stack of used boxes to crowded cupboards or dark, dank under-sink areas can serve as a secret spider hotel. If you haven’t used, touched or moved it lately, maybe it’s time to get visit the tip and de-junk your home.

Check for Hitchhikers

Spiders are master insurgents, sneaking inside aboard your laundry, boots and shoes… even your groceries can act as a surprise spider taxi! The easiest way to make sure you’re not issuing an intended invitation is to give everything a shake and bang if it’s been sitting outside longer than five minutes. Clean clothes off the line are no exception – spiders love weaving in and out of your favourite shirts and hiding in your lucky socks. 1

Seal up windows and doors

Are your windows and doors sealed properly? Go around and check for potential entry points, paying attention to walls and caulk too.

Use natural deterrents

While what attracts spiders may vary from house to house, there are a number of natural deterrents you can try in order to keep their middle-of-the-night appearances to a minimum. Peppermint oil and vinegar are both popular choices. Mix up a batch and spray windowsills and doorways with 1 ½ cups of water, 10 drops of peppermint oil and ½ cup of white vinegar.

Get your home professionally treated with Canberra Pest Control

Schedule an annual spray in early spring, as winter disappears under a blanket of pollen, warmer days and a household teeming with crawling, multi-legged life. Call Canberra Pest Control to book in a proactive anti-pest Treatment today. Our personalized annual Pest Treatment can be carried out at any time throughout the year, you will however notice more activity in the warmer months between September and April.