There are around 40,000 different species of spiders in the world. Luckily there are only 38 species of spiders found in Georgia. That still sounds like a lot of spiders, but maybe that's not a bad thing. Spiders are one of the most irrational fears in the world. The majority of spiders cannot even harm humans, with few exceptions such as the venomous black widow.
Friend or Foe?
We get it. Spiders are creepy, look unnatural, and can be very unsettling. However, it is important to know that if you have a bug problem, spiders might actually be there to help you.
If spiders are building webs in your home, chances are you have got other bugs sneaking around in there as well. Spiders eat insects, so by them moving in, they are helping you rid your home of other unwanted visitors.
We understand that everyone wants their homes to be bug free. So let's get the best of both worlds and keep all bugs out, including spiders! By getting rid of other bugs in your home, spiders won't have much interest in staying.
Do Spiders Pose Threats?
As we said earlier, spiders are almost completely harmless to humans. Only venomous spiders can truly harm you. In Georgia, the only two venomous spiders you should keep an eye out for are the brown recluse and black widow.
Spider bites are not the only that spiders can harm you. Like any other bug, spiders could contaminate food in kitchens or pantries. It is important to always securely seal your food so it does not come in contact with any creepy crawlies.
How Can I Keep Them Out?
We don't want to look at them, we don't want to think about them, and we definitely don't want to walk through their webs. We all know how disturbing and annoying it is to walk through a spider web.
Here are some tips on how you can keep spiders out of your home:
1. Seal up easy entryways
The easiest way for spiders to get into your home is through just walking right in. Make sure that your weather striping is correctly applied, and there are no cracks or crevices in your home that are giving spiders and other bugs easy access to your home. Spiders can enter your home through damaged window screens or cracks in the siding.
2. Inspect items you bring into your home
Always be sure that the items you bring into your home are not harboring any stealthy bugs. It is not uncommon for bugs to find their way into boxes, or grocery bags. If your packages are left outside your house when you're not home, they may have attracted and become home to bugs. If you put your grocery bags on the ground before being carried inside, bugs may have crawled into them. From time to time bugs even find their way into the fresh produce section of your grocery store, so always be cautious when bringing things into your home.
3. Tidy up and keep clean
The best defense against any bugs, including spiders, is to clean your home. By getting rid of foul odors, food scraps, standing water, and unnecessary clutter, you will get discouraging bugs from finding your home, or even wanting to go in it. By eliminating the interests and attracts of bugs, you will notice a quick shift in how frequently you see them in your home because you no longer have what they are looking for.
Most spiders seek out secluded areas where they can build their webs and try to catch their next meal. Dark, undisturbed places such as your attic, garage, and basement are all hotspots for spiders. Make sure they are clean and not being excessively used for storage. To be safe, consider storing your clothing and other items in sealable plastic containers.
4. Use natural deterrents
There are many natural odors that spiders and other bugs hate. Here are a few options to consider, you may even have some laying around the house!
Peppermint oil
Dish soap
Apple cider vinegar
Cedar oil or cedar wood
Citrus peels
Chestnuts
Tobacco
Hedge apples
Dryer sheets
By placing these items, or spraying these liquids, around the house you will deter spiders from entering your home.
5. Knock Down Webs Around Lights and Windows
A spiders goal is to catch bugs, so they're likely to end up where they think bugs will be. Some of these spiders will pick dark places, but others are attracted to the lights on the outside of your home, where there are frequently a lot of bugs.
If allowed to stay in these lighted areas at night, these spiders may make their way into your home. To attempt to prevent this, knock down their webs when you notice them to encourage them to mosey along to another spot.
If you believe you have an infestation of spiders, or any other bug, put your problem in the hands of pest control professionals. Request a free consultation with Breda Pest Management.
