Home Pest Control Experts Warn Against Crushing Spiders: Potential for Unexpected, Unpleasant Consequences
In the world of pest control, spiders often find themselves in the spotlight. While some may find these eight-legged creatures fascinating, others may prefer to keep them at bay. Here's a comprehensive guide on managing spiders in your home without causing harm to these tiny arachnids or your family.
First and foremost, it's essential to understand that direct contact with spider fluids or limbs can cause irritation for some individuals. This is where the importance of non-harmful spider removal methods comes into play.
One such method is the use of natural repellents and cleaning solutions. Essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass, and lavender can be mixed with water or vinegar to create a spider-repelling spray. Regularly spraying these mixtures into corners, around cracks, and other areas where spiders are frequently spotted can help deter them.
In terms of home and yard modifications, sealing entry points, decluttering, and adjusting lighting can significantly reduce spider activity. Sealing cracks and gaps around doors and windows prevents spiders from entering, while keeping your home clean and free of clutter reduces hiding spots for spiders and their prey. Using yellow sodium vapor lights outside your home and air-tight containers for storage, especially in areas like the garage, attic, and basement, can also help keep spiders at bay.
For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, alternative spider removal methods such as the catch-and-release method or the use of glue boards can be effective. The catch-and-release method involves gently catching spiders with a jar and a piece of paper, and releasing them outside, away from your home. Glue boards, on the other hand, catch spiders without squashing them, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals.
In the realm of pest control, Daniel works at Hawx Pest Control, a company founded in 2013 and now operating across 12 states. Tony, the founder of The Pied Piper Pest Control, mainly deals with rodent control, bedbugs, insect control, and bird control. Both experts recommend using a spider catcher with a length of two feet and super-soft bristles to protect health, home, and spiders.
It's also worth noting that squashing spiders in your home can potentially unleash dozens more spiders, leave puddles of bodily fluids containing bacteria, and potentially harm you if you come into contact with venomous spiders such as black widows, brown recluse, and yellow sac spiders, which are found in parts of the US.
For ongoing spider issues, Daniel, an entomologist with over a decade of experience, recommends natural repellents like peppermint oil (available at Walmart) or rosemary oil (available at Amazon). Ed, the Catchmaster® brand's vice president of business development and technical director, recommends a fast-acting and long-lasting spray with plant-based elements that can be used around children and pets.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage spider populations in your home without causing harm to them. After all, spiders play an important role in natural pest control by eating small insects. So, let's coexist peacefully with our eight-legged friends!
Enhance the ambience of your home while keeping spiders at bay by installing outdoor lights with the yellow sodium vapor, which are less attractive to spiders. Simultaneously, nurture a spider-friendly lifestyle by increasing your awareness of the home-and-garden, sealing entry points, decluttering, and using natural repellents like essential oils for spider-repelling sprays.