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The Ultimate Guide to Rodent Control
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Finding spiders crawling around your home can be unsettling. You might see a spider dash across the floor or notice dusty webs Tappearing in corners. It’s a common pest problem, especially here in the DC metro area. Many homeowners feel unsure about how to get rid of spiders in house effectively. Dealing with these eight-legged critters often feels like a constant battle, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding why they come inside and knowing the right steps can help you keep spiders out for good.
Over my years helping homeowners manage pests, I’ve seen firsthand how spiders find their way into homes. They aren’t trying to bother you specifically; they’re usually just looking for food or shelter. Learning how to manage these pests is key to feeling comfortable in your own space again. This guide will walk you through identifying common local spiders, understanding their habits, and using practical methods to get rid of spiders and prevent them from returning. We’ll cover simple DIY tricks and explain when professional pest control might be the best solution.
Spiders typically enter homes for two main reasons: searching for shelter or hunting prey. Especially as the weather cools down in the fall, spiders living outdoors might wander inside through small openings to escape the cold. According to University of Maryland Extension, spiders often enter through gaps around doors, windows, and foundations. Tiny spider species can easily slip through cracks you might not even notice.
Sometimes, spiders get carried inside accidentally on things like firewood, potted plants, or storage boxes. Once inside, they often head for quiet, undisturbed spots like basements, crawl spaces, attics, or closets. These areas where spiders tend to gather often have other insects, providing a convenient food source.
Basically, if your home has lots of flies, ants, or other small bugs, it might unintentionally attract spiders. It’s important to remember that spiders aren’t like ants or roaches that invade in large groups. Most spiders may enter sporadically while hunting or seeking refuge. Knowing how they get in is the first step to figuring out how to keep spiders out.
Knowing which type of spider you’re dealing with can help you decide the best way to get rid of it. Here in the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area, we see several common spider species.
These are probably the most common house spiders you’ll encounter. American house spiders ( Parasteatoda tepidariorum) are small to medium-sized, usually brownish or grayish with faint markings. They spin messy, tangled spider webs (cobwebs) in corners, along ceilings, and in basements. These spiders are generally harmless and prefer quiet spots. Regular cleaning often keeps their numbers down. They are a frequent type of spider we treat for in homes around Alexandria, VA.
Often called “daddy-longlegs spiders,” cellar spiders (spider family Pholcidae) have very small bodies and extremely long, thin legs. They hang upside down in loose, irregular webs, typically in damp, cool places like basements and crawl spaces. While their webs can be annoying, these spiders are harmless to people and even prey on other spiders. Simply sweeping away their spider webs is usually enough.
Wolf spiders are larger, robust hunting spiders that don’t build webs to catch prey. They are often brown or gray, hairy, and move very quickly. You might spot one darting across the floor, especially in basements or garages. They often wander inside during the fall. Wolf spiders may look intimidating due to their size, but their bite is not considered dangerous, similar to a bee sting. They are actually beneficial predators of other pests.
Jumping spiders are small, stout spiders, often black with bright markings. They have large eyes and are known for their quick, jumping movements. These spiders usually hunt during the day, often near windowsills or sunny walls, stalking flies and other insects. They are curious but harmless spider types and rarely bite humans.
Yellow sac spiders (Cheiracanthium species) are pale yellow or beige, small, and fast-moving. They are nocturnal hunters and build small silk sacs in corners or crevices where they hide during the day. These spiders may bite if trapped against the skin, like in bedding or clothing. While their bite can cause mild irritation, research indicates yellow sac spider bites rarely cause serious issues, contrary to some myths. Finding these often requires diligent pest control efforts.
Black widow spiders are known for their venom. The adult female is glossy black with a red hourglass shape on her belly. They prefer dark, sheltered spots outdoors like woodpiles, sheds, or under porches, and are not commonly found inside homes in areas like Arlington unless accidentally brought in. While shy, their spider bite is medically significant, causing pain and potentially severe symptoms. Always use caution and wear gloves when working in areas where they might hide. This is one spider where professional pest control is often recommended.
Orb-weavers are famous for their large, circular webs found outdoors in gardens or on porches. Species like the black-and-yellow garden spider are common in late summer. They are beneficial, catching many flying insects. Orb-weavers are not indoor spiders and are completely harmless to people. Seeing one on your house exterior usually just means they found a good spot to catch bugs near a light source.
Spotting spider webs is the most obvious sign you have spiders around your home. Different species create different types of webs. Messy cobwebs in corners often belong to house spiders, while intricate circular webs outside are made by orb-weavers. Cellar spiders create loose, tangled webs in damp areas.
Besides webs, look for small, silken sacs – these could be egg sacs, indicating spider reproduction. Yellow sac spiders create small, dense silk retreats where they hide. Finding multiple spider webs or seeing spiders frequently, especially different types or adult spiders, might suggest a larger pest issue or easy entry points into your home. Keeping an eye out for these signs helps in getting rid of spiders before their numbers grow. Consistent sightings might point towards a spider infestation, needing more focused pest control attention.
Once you spot spiders or their webs, you’ll want to know how to get rid of spiders in house. There are several effective ways to tackle these pests, from simple DIY methods to calling for professional help. The best approach often depends on the type of spider and how many you’re seeing.
For occasional spiders, simple removal methods work well.
Many people prefer using natural methods to repel spiders rather than chemicals. Several common household items can act as a natural spider repellent.
While natural ways to keep spiders away can be helpful, remember they often require frequent reapplication and may not be strong enough for a significant spider problem. They are best used as part of a larger strategy to keep spiders at bay. Learning how to get rid of spiders without relying solely on chemicals often involves these natural methods.
The best way to get rid of spiders in house long-term is to prevent spiders from entering in the first place. Focusing on exclusion and making your home less attractive to spiders and their prey is key. Taking steps to keep spiders away proactively is more effective than constantly dealing with them once they’re inside.
Spiders often get inside through tiny openings. A thorough inspection around your home can reveal potential entry points.
A clean and tidy home offers fewer hiding places and less food for spiders.
Taking these preventative measures seriously is the most effective spider prevention strategy and helps keep spiders out of your home. It’s a crucial part of an overall pest control plan.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might face a persistent spider problem or encounter dangerous spiders like black widow spiders. If DIY methods and prevention aren’t enough, or if you suspect a large spider infestation, calling a professional pest control company like Better Termite & Pest Control is a good idea. We often help homeowners in places like Herndon and McLean deal with tougher spider issues.
Professional pest control services offer several advantages:
Calling for professional pest control provides a more comprehensive approach to spider control, especially for significant or recurring issues.
The most successful approach to get rid of spiders in house often involves integrated pest management (IPM). This means combining preventative measures, DIY spider removal, and professional pest control services when needed. You don’t have to choose just one method.
An IPM strategy might look like this:
Our Seasonal Protection Plan is designed around this idea. We provide regular exterior treatments targeting pests active each season, which helps prevent spiders from entering your home. This consistent approach, combined with your own efforts to keep your home tidy, offers the best long-term spider control. Remember, with our service, if spiders return between scheduled visits, we offer free unlimited callbacks. That’s part of The Better Promise.
Spider activity can change with the seasons. Understanding these patterns helps you adjust your pest control strategy.
Adjusting tactics seasonally helps maintain effective spider control throughout the year.
When you call Better Termite & Pest Control for help with spiders, here’s generally what you can expect, following The Better Method:
1. Expert Phone Consultation: You’ll speak directly with one of our licensed technicians – no call centers. We’ll discuss the spider problem, answer questions about how to get rid of spiders, and provide a plan and quote tailored to your home, perhaps in areas like Falls Church or Silver Spring.
2. 78-Point Home Inspection: A licensed professional performs a detailed inspection of your property, identifying spider hot spots, entry points, moisture issues, and factors that might attract spiders. We check inside and out.
3. Initial Treatment: We apply targeted treatments using products approved by our internal research team. This often includes an exterior barrier spray focusing on windows, doors, eaves, and foundation areas where spiders are active. Interior treatments are usually limited spot applications in corners or entry points. We also perform de-webbing, removing accessible spider webs around eaves and porches (typically up to 6-8 feet).
4. Seasonal Protection Plan: For ongoing spider control, we recommend quarterly visits. These maintain the exterior barrier, address seasonal pest pressures, and include further de-webbing as needed. This consistent care is crucial to keep spiders away.
This comprehensive process aims not just for immediate spider removal but for long-term prevention, helping you rid your home of spiders.
We understand that dealing with pests like spiders can be frustrating. That’s why we stand by The Better Promise. If you have a service plan with us and aren’t seeing results, we offer free unlimited callbacks. We’ll keep returning to re-treat the issue until we get the spider populations under control.
We also believe in flexibility. You’re not locked into a contract and can cancel your service anytime with 30 days’ notice if you’re not satisfied. Our goal is clear communication and effective pest control that solves your pest problem. We want you to feel confident that we can help you know how to get rid of the spider issue worrying you.
Hearing from satisfied customers reinforces the importance of thorough work. Sandi Marino, a Google reviewer, highlighted our attention to detail: “During our last treatment, Jasmine took care of our outdoor spider webs without us even asking…That attention to detail speaks volumes.” This kind of proactive spider web removal is part of our standard service.
Effective pest control isn’t just about spraying; it’s about identifying potential issues, like conditions that attract spiders, and addressing them comprehensively. Whether it’s removing spider webs or advising on reducing moisture that attracts other pests (like centipedes), our technicians aim to provide complete pest control services. Experiences like Sandi’s show how consistent, detailed service helps keep spiders and other pests managed effectively.
If you suddenly find yourself dealing with more spiders than usual inside your home, here are a few quick steps you can take while planning long-term spider control:
These actions provide immediate relief and help manage the situation while you implement broader spider prevention and pest control strategies to keep spiders out of your house.
Using natural spider repellent like peppermint oil or a mix of white vinegar and water can be a supportive part of your spider control plan. Here’s how to use them effectively:
These natural approaches offer a way to make your home with natural deterrents less appealing to spiders, supporting your overall effort to get rid of spiders in house.
Often, a spider problem is linked to other pest issues. Spiders go where they can find food. If you have lots of flies, ants (like those common in Alexandria), centipedes, millipedes, cockroaches, or even overwintering pests like stink bugs, you’re more likely to have spiders hunting them.
Addressing the underlying pest infestation is crucial for long-term spider control. Our comprehensive pest control services cover a wide range of common household pests found in the DC metro area, including many spider food sources. By managing insects, we indirectly help keep spiders away. For example, treating for clover mites often involves perimeter sprays similar to those used for spiders, tackling multiple pests at once.
A key part of keeping spiders out is focusing on the exterior. Routine exterior treatments create a protective barrier around your home, reducing the number of spiders (and other pests) that can find their way into your home.
This focus on the exterior helps prevent spiders from entering your home in the first place, which is fundamental to successful spider control. It’s a core part of how we help homeowners get rid of spiders and keep spiders out of your home effectively.
Getting rid your home of spiders is achievable with the right knowledge and approach. By understanding why spiders come inside, identifying common species, and implementing consistent prevention strategies like sealing entry points and maintaining a clean environment, you can significantly reduce their presence. Using tools like vacuums, spider traps, and natural spider repellent can help manage the spiders you do see.
For persistent issues or concerns about specific spider species like the black widow spider, professional pest control offers targeted solutions and expertise. Remember, an integrated approach combining DIY efforts with routine professional treatments provides the most reliable long-term spider control, helping you keep spiders out of your house year-round.
If you’re struggling with spiders or any other pest in the DC metro area and want expert advice on how to get rid of spiders in house, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call Better Termite & Pest Control at 703-683-2000 or email us at [email protected] for a consultation and estimate from one of our licensed technicians. Let us help you create a more comfortable, pest-free living space.
Permanently getting rid of every single spider is difficult, as they naturally occur outdoors and can occasionally wander in. However, you can achieve long-term control and significantly reduce their presence. This involves consistent spider prevention like sealing all entry points, regular cleaning to remove webs and hiding spots, managing other pest populations that serve as food, and considering routine exterior pest control treatments to maintain a barrier around your house.
Several things help keep spiders away. Sealing cracks and gaps is crucial to prevent spiders from entering. Reducing outdoor clutter near the foundation eliminates hiding spots. Turning off unnecessary exterior lights minimizes attracting insects, a major spider food source. Regular cleaning inside your home removes webs and discourages spiders from settling. Using repellents, both natural (peppermint oil, vinegar) and professional treatments, along the perimeter can also deter spiders.
Spiders are believed to dislike strong scents. Peppermint is often cited as something spiders hate. Other potent smells like white vinegar, citrus, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are also thought to repel spiders. Additionally, spiders dislike disturbance; regular cleaning and removing their webs makes an area less hospitable. Many spiders don’t like being exposed, preferring dark, quiet hiding places.
Strong aromatic scents are often used as natural spider repellent. The most common include peppermint oil, citrus oils (lemon, orange), vinegar (especially white vinegar), eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil. These intense smells are thought to overwhelm a spider’s senses or be irritating, encouraging them to stay away from your home. Using an essential oil diffuser or spraying diluted solutions is a common way to get rid of spiders using scent.
Natural spider repellent methods, like using peppermint or vinegar sprays, can offer some level of deterrence, especially for minor spider issues or as a supplement to other controls. They often need frequent reapplication to remain effective. For a significant spider problem or for preventing entry of dangerous spiders, relying solely on natural repellents might not be sufficient. An integrated pest control approach, combining natural methods with exclusion, sanitation, and potentially professional pest control services, usually yields the best results to keep spiders managed.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that’s been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area. Read his bio.
