Arachnophobia is one of the most common fears in the world. Between 3% and 15% of the population suffers from an extreme aversion to spiders, and it is easy to see why. With their eight spindly legs, hairy bodies, and multiple eyes, they are not the most pleasant creatures to look at.
It is commonly believed that our fear of these eight-legged beasts is an evolutionary trait that we’ve carried with us since the early days of humanity. When our ancestors were prowling the savannahs and plains hunting for food, a bite from a poisonous spider would almost certainly mean a painful death. Although most common house spiders are completely harmless, we have not been able to shake this survival instinct.
The prospect of sharing your home with a host of spiders is not appealing at all, especially if you live with such a phobia. There is nothing more terrifying than seeing the scuttle of legs across your pillow as you try to sleep at night, or feeling a spider’s hairy body tickle your bare feet. But what can you do about them? You could learn to live with them, or you can take steps to remove them from your home.
Fortunately, there are several highly effective methods homeowners can adopt to spider-proof their homes and banish these unsightly arachnids once and for all. The following article looks at some of these techniques and how you can use them to clear your home of spiders for good!
Use natural remedies
Household spiders are simple creatures, and there are plenty of natural substances that will deter them. Peppermint oil is a common remedy, as spiders are known to detest the strong smell. The product can be found in any good supermarket or health store, and comes in liquid form. Simply transfer it to a spray bottle and dilute it with some water before applying it to windows and door frames. Any opportunistic arachnids will think twice before breaking and entering.
Other natural alternatives that have been known to work include cinnamon sticks, vinegar, and citrus peels. If you are particularly worried about spiders making an appearance, you could experiment with all of these if you wish. Your house will smell fairly pungent but at least you won’t have any creepy-crawlies scaring you in the night.
One common misconception is that placing conkers around entryways will also deter spiders, but this is an old wives tale with no truth or scientific backing to it. However, if it makes you feel better to have them there, there’s no harm in it.
Use insecticides
As well as natural remedies, there are also purpose-made insecticides designed to kill spiders. This is a more permanent and effective solution that is guaranteed to drive away the pests. A spider insecticide is made of targeted chemicals and many products are available in supermarkets and hardware stores. Be aware that these are much more potent than natural solutions, so should be used with care.
Seal cracks
Spiders are opportunistic and if they spy an entrance into a nice warm, well-lit home, they will take it. If your windows and doors have small cracks big enough for a creepy-crawly, it is no wonder you find them taking up space. Pick up a sealant or caulk from your local hardware store and go over your home with a fine tooth comb. This will prevent any nighttime invasions, and will also have the added benefit of keeping your house nice and warm.
Keep your home clean
Spiders love hiding places, and will naturally gravitate to areas of clutter and debris, as these give them shady, dark spots in which to create a home. If you have a messy house, it is more likely than not that spiders will make an appearance. Make sure to maintain a regular and consistent cleaning routine to ensure your home is neat and tidy. Clean the nooks and crannies and make sure to inspect the dark corners and recesses of your house for spider webs. Make sure to clear them away promptly to reduce the risk of spiders returning.
By following these four tips, you will make your home less inviting for spiders and reduce the risk of a problematic pest invasion. You will need to maintain these good habits over time, or you will run the risk of spiders returning and causing havoc. Just keep your home clean, use the right deterrents, and keep an eye out for eight legged creatures entering your property. Good luck!