Spiders may seem like the scariest creepy-crawly pest to run into around your property, but they’re surprisingly beneficial in most situations. In many cases, they’re like helpful mini-pest control professionals, managing the number of flies and insects in your home or yard. However, they can still be unnerving to see for some homeowners, and certain species can be more harmful than others. When a spider population turns into a spider infestation in your home, it might be time to take action. Learn everything you need to know about these pests by reading AIPM’s essential spider info and advice, here!
You might be wondering, “what are the best ways to get rid of spiders in my house”, but oftentimes, a spider or two doesn't call for extreme pest control measures. Most spiders aren’t harmful, and if you can get over a little eight-legged activity every once in a while, you’ll find that the other pests making themselves at home on your property will be far fewer in number. Indoor spiders can hunt down other indoor pests, while outdoor spiders can help protect your garden and foliage from pest activity.
However, a small spider population can easily become overwhelming–and that’s when it’s time to take pest-control action.
As such an expansive state, containing multiple different ecosystems and temperate zones, California is home to a wide range of creatures–including a large variety of spiders. While some are limited to living in just a select few spots of the state, others can be found commonly throughout all regions. Some of the most common household spiders in California include:
However, there are plenty of other species of spiders that thrive in the Southern California region that can look to your home for safety and shelter.
Whether a spider prefers the indoors or the outdoors generally depends upon the type. When it comes to indoor spiders, many species look for areas in the home with plenty of moisture. This includes basements, crawl spaces, and other wet areas. However, some species prefer drier places. You can often find these types of dry-loving spiders in air vents, attics, or the high corners of rooms.
For other spiders, such as the wolf spider, the call of the great outdoors is irresistible. They’d rather live outside around your property, preying on insects and building webs between plants or bushes. Places like wood piles, light fixtures, and window corners all provide outdoor spiders with a great mix of shelter and freedom.
Even though spiders can help cut down on other pests around your property, some can be dangerous if left untreated. If you’re looking to remove a spider infestation from your home, these are the best four ways to reclaim your home from arachnids.
Of course, the best way to make sure that your home is spider-free is by taking preventative measures. Preventative pest control can stop the pest problem before it even starts, keeping your home safe, clean, and free of pests.
To keep spiders away, seal up all entry and exit holes around your house, keeping outdoor spiders barred from entering. Cover vents with mesh and fix old windows, or anywhere on your property that might have a hole small enough to suit a spider. Removing debris and clutter can also take away spider shelter spots, dissuading them from sticking around. Some species of spiders have also been found to dislike citrus smells, so spraying lemon or orange products around your property can send them scurrying.
And, if all else fails, never hesitate to call in for help from a professional pest control company. Many HOA homeowners ask, “how can I get rid of spiders in my house,” and the absolute most effective spider removal method is by partnering with professionals, like AIPM.
So, if there’s a spider or two slinging webs around your property–don’t fret, as spiders can be surprisingly beneficial in reducing and maintaining other pest populations. However, if you notice a large infestation of spiders—especially of a species that is considered more harmful to humans—take immediate action by working with professionals in order to return your home to a comfortable, spider-free environment.