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How Can I Get Rid of a Spider Infestation Safely?

Spiders are the largest order of arachnids, and are in the same family as scorpions and ticks. They are considered beneficial insects because they consume many insect pests. Spiders can become pests themselves however, when they make their way inside your home. Spiders can reproduce rapidly, if left untreated, and cause an infestation within a short amount of time. Boric acid offers a safe alternative to chemical pesticides. If you discover spiders inside your home, act immediately before an infestation occurs.

Things You'll Need

Boric acid
Sticky traps
Vacuum
Caulk
Weatherstripping

Instructions

- 1
  Sprinkle boric acid powder behind appliances, in crawl spaces, attics, baseboards or anywhere you have seen spider activity. Spiders will crawl over the powder, ingest it, and die. Boric acid will remain potent indefinitely, unless it gets wet.
- 2
  Place some insect sticky traps in dark corners of your home to catch spiders. Discard the traps when they are full and replace them with new ones. You can purchase insect sticky traps at your local home and garden center.
- 3
  Use a vacuum attachment to suck up spiders and cobwebs inside your home. Regularly vacuum under and behind furniture, dark closets or other places rarely used, to control spider infestations.
- 4
  Eliminate hiding places for spiders to shelter inside your home. Spiders are attracted to clutter because it provides a place to hide. Do not allow clothes, boxes or other debris to accumulate inside or near your home.
- 5
  Seal any cracks or crevices in your home's foundation with caulk to prevent spiders from entering your home. Apply some weatherstripping around windows and doorways to eliminate possible entry points.

Insects & Science