Tips For Preventing Spiders In The Home
Posted on: 19 September 2016
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Spiders can be a real problem in the home, especially in late fall and early winter when they begin to come indoors for protection from freezing weather. Generally, most spiders are harmless and even beneficial, since they primarily eat other insects. The issue is if you have venomous spiders coming indoors. The following tips can help prevent their invasion.
Tip #1: Clear around the exterior of the house
Wood piles and debris can harbor spiders. Don't stack a winter wood supply against the home; instead, place it well away from the house. Fallen leaves, branches, or yard debris shouldn't be allowed to pile up next to the home either. Make sure that you clean up fallen leaves and trim back bushes so that they aren't resting against the home or foundation. Finally, pull back mulch in border beds so it is also well away from the foundation.
Tip #2: Check your screens
The AC is often turned off and windows are opened once fall arrives. If this is the case in your home, then make sure that all of your screens are in good condition. Any homes in the screens will need to be repaired, or you will need to replace the screen. Also, make sure that the frame fits snugly in the window with no gaps. An open window with a damaged screen provides an easy entrance to spiders.
Tip #3: Seal any gaps
There are other gaps that can provide spiders entrance. Check around the doors in your home to make sure the weather stripping is in good condition and seals tightly. Exterior holes can also be a problem. For example, cracks in the foundation or holes in exterior walls around protruding cables or pipes. You can seal these with a silicone caulk or a small amount of spray foam insulation.
Tip #4: Get rid of the food
Spiders come inside and stay only if their food source is available – insects. Keep your home free of this food source. The first step is to make sure that your kitchen is clean. Don't leave food sitting around in unsealed packages and makes sure counters and floors are wiped down regularly. If you have pets, feed them on a schedule and put away the food in a sealed container between meal times.
If the spiders or other insect pests that feed them persist in being a problem, contact Ace Walco & Sons Termite & Pest Control or a similar company.