We see spiders in our houses all the time. Mostly, they’re not harmful or a nuisance to anyone. But, their populations can grow. Especially if you’re providing sufficient food for them. Getting rid of spiders can be difficult. It’s more important to stop pests from getting in your house.

Keep spiders out in the first place.

The best thing to do to prevent any insect infestation is to seal all the entry points. Stop them before they can even get in. Close cracks and holes leading from outside to inside. Use caulk to fill gaps around windows and doors. There could also be openings around wires, cables, faucets and electrical components. Fix any torn wire screen in windows and doors. They can make easy access for spiders. Cover your vents and chimney with fine mesh.

Don’t attract insects to your home.

Spiders like bright lights. Turn outdoor lights off when not in use. Lights might not attract spiders, but they do bring their prey. Block indoor lights from shining through windows. Remove vegetation that’s too close to your building. Plants and bushes provide optimal hide places for spiders. Vegetation close to your home can make it inviting for spiders to find their way into cracks and holes in outer walls. Keep a tidy house. Mess offers an easy and reliable food source. Don’t leave food lying around. Regularly sweep and vacuum. Pick up clutter. Ue plastic food storage.

Pest control techniques.

Vacuum spiders and spider webs. This is an easy way to get rid of insects. This works while removing few spiders, but larger infestations may need harsher strategies. Also, use a broom to sweep away webs.

Apply insecticides. Available at most hardwares stores. Spray corners and other suspected spider habitats with commercial bug removal products. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label.

Call a professional. Exterminators can take a huge dent out of large infestations. They take all the necessary steps to prevent them from coming back. Also, they have the knowledge and equipment to take a more aggressive approach to pest removal.

Natural remedies. There’s plenty of different folk recipes that are thought to prevent spiders. Chestnuts, walnuts and the fruit of the Osage orange tree supposedly repel spiders. Spray your home with peppermint oil. Attack spiders with vinegar.

Some Ontario spider species.

• • • Properly identifying the spider in your home can be important in establishing a productive termination strategy. Also, you can determine whether the insect is dangerous to people.
    • Grass Spiders. Represented by 13 species collectively found throughout southern Canada.
    • Hacklemesh Weaver. Commonly in and around homes, under rocks, in leaf litter and dark humid places.
    • Cross Orbweaver. Pattern of white spots on the abdomen that form a cross in most specimens.
    • Black and Yellow Garden Spider. Found in gardens, orchards, forest edges and old fields.
    • Banded Garden Spider. Silvery spiders with legs banded in black and yellow.
    • Ant Mimic Spider. Nocturnal living close to the ground under rocks and logs.
    • Tan Jumping Spider. Found on outer walls of buildings and other vertical surfaces.
    • Barn Funnel Weaver. Loves to hide in dark barns, attics and shed. Found everywhere there’s humans.
    • Common House Spider. Identifiable by their teardrop-shaped, papery brown egg sacs.

Merrickville pest control.

Spider problems can easily get out of control. Once they’re in your home they will hide and build homes in the darkest corners. If you’ve noticed an abundance of spiders in your building contact Truly Nolen Pest Control.