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How to Prevent Spiders in Your Home

Spiders are arachnids belonging to the same class as scorpions mites and ticks. They are beneficial to humans because they consume many insects and garden pests. Spiders can become a pest, however, when they find their way into your home through tiny cracks and crevices. They can deliver painful bites that can cause itching, swelling and even anaphylactic shock in people who are sensitive to their venom. Prevent spiders from entering your home for your family's safety.

Things You'll Need

Broom
Caulk
Weather stripping
Residual insecticide

Instructions

- 1
  Use a broom to sweep the walls inside your home to remove spider webs. Focus on corners and ceilings because those are the most likely place for web. Sweep these areas regularly and vacuum floors and furniture often to kill spiders and destroy their webs.
- 2
  Remove wood piles, rocks, compost piles and other sheltering sites next to your home. This will keep spiders from gaining entry to your home.
- 3
  Caulk any cracks and crevices in your home's foundation and use weather stripping around doors and windows.
- 4
  Apply a residual insecticide around corners and other sites where you have seen spider activity. Fill your garden sprayer with the insecticide and spray the perimeter of your home to control spiders.
- 5
  Inspect your home on a weekly basis for spiders or spider webs. Treat any you find immediately before an infestation occurs.

Insects & Science