Even though spiders are a beneficial predator of many species of insects, they can become a nuisance pest when they begin infesting areas of homes and commercial buildings. These arachnids often make their way into structures to forage for food (insects) or to find a more suitable environment to live than the outside when weather isn’t so pleasant. After spiders make their way into structures, they can breed and reproduce, causing a nuisance for those using these indoor spaces. Here are 5 tips to help reduce the spider population:
Exclusion: Caulk cracks and holes or install screens for those areas too large to caulk (vent pipes, chimneys, etc…)
Tree and Shrub Trimming: Since insects often harbor in plants, it is an excellent food source for spiders. Trimming bushes and pruning trees so that no branches are touching the structure will reduce the number of spiders making it to the interior.
Reduce Habitats: Wood piles, paper products, and/or boxes make great habitats for spiders. Make sure you have a location away from the main structure for storage of these materials.
Lighting: Exterior lights on at night attract all sorts of insects. This is a great place for spiders to spin webs to trap prey for food. When possible, try to limit lights at night.
Spider Control Applications: When possible, you can physically remove spiders and their eggs sacks while cleaning with a vacuum. However, this is after-the-fact, not a preventive method of spider control. The best way to control spiders is to apply a labeled spider control material. This low-volume spray application will provide protection as it not only kills spiders it contacts, but provides some residual control for a month or better in areas that spiders frequent. Areas that have lots of spider activity around overhangs and exterior lights, etc. are a great place to spray these materials. Applying these materials also helps with reducing other insect populations, which in turn, reduces food sources for spiders. Interior applications of spider control can be applied to problem areas such as attics, garages, crawl spaces, and storage areas.