How To Get Rid Of Spiders
Here in the New Leaf Pest Control office in Vancouver, Washington, we have spiders. I know it seems like a funny place to find spiders in a pest control office, but we do have them from time to time. Granted, they don’t last very long, but we still see them just like everyone else. And, it is about this time every year, that more and more of our customers call us to get rid of spiders in their house. So, why are there so many spiders this time of year? Why do you see so many in your home, and what should you do about it?
Are there more spiders in late summer and fall?
Actually, no, there are not. A common myth is that the colder weather drives all the spiders from outside into your nice warm home. Although this does account for a small percentage, it is not valid. Only about 5 percent of the spiders in your home came from outside. Once a spider has gotten into your home, it will generally reproduce, and it is the offspring that you are seeing. These spiders have adapted to an indoor climate and will spend their entire life cycle in your home, never venturing outside.
So, why am I seeing so many more spiders now?
Well, you are indeed seeing more spiders now because it is mating season. That’s right; spiders just got even more disgusting! For most of the year, your indoor spider population does not move much. They are just fine hanging around your crawl space, attic, etc., but come mating season, and they are on the hunt for companionship.
What can you do about it?
There are a few things that you can do to keep the spider population low. First, you want to make sure you keep the bugs out by keeping doors, windows, and other openings to your home shut. I know that I just told you that your primary problem is not spiders trying to get in, but other bugs (which is their food) are getting in! Also, clear the clutter in your house. Spiders and other insects love to hide in cluttered areas. If you are looking to buy something at the store that might help, I usually suggest glue boards, which can be purchased at pretty much any big box store. Glue boards have a pheromone that attracts those big, nasty hairy spiders and is an excellent chemical-free approach.
Of course, the very best thing that you can do to eliminate spiders from your home is to hire a pest control company to exterminate them for you, which is something that we are always happy to do for you. If you are interested in having New Leaf Pest Control treat your home for spiders, please contact us using the form to the right! Also, please check out our FAQ Spider Treatment page to learn more.