Spiders are good for keeping down the bugs! Their webs help them keep a steady diet of bugs. When I can, I leave the spiders alone to do their thing. For instance, the spider pictured is an Argiope Spider. I usually have a couple that live in my gardens. They are big and look scary, but they do their job in keeping down bugs. They are not aggressive. They might bite if grabbed, but other than for defense they do not attack large animals. Their venom often contains a library of polyamine toxins with potential as therapeutic medicinal agents. A bite by Argiope is comparable to a bee sting with redness and swelling.
Occasionally, I get a Wolf Spider in the house. They are big, fuzzy and a bit scary looking. I do not stomp them out. I pick them up with a Kleenex and let them outside to do their job. Again, not poisonous.
None of us want to harbor spiders in our home, especially the Brown Recluse and the Black Widow. We do live in an area that has them; both can do some damage to us if we get bit!!!
I know spiders have a tendency to return to their homes, especially if they were good homes! Outside of destroying their habitats by keeping your space swept and clean, here are a few helps.
- Make sure the area is clear of debris, like leaves twigs, cardboard, things they like to hide in. Cardboard is the worse. I only use plastic tubs in my house for the storage area.
- You can set out Glue
Pads to trap them. This will keep them from getting into your house around
the doors as well. Mouse Glue Pads work fine for this. The pads will also collect any other bugs you get in your house. (Make sure you don't step on the pads! There's a story here and an LOL moment! ...Only me.)
- There are DIY sprays you
can make. They will not kill the spiders, but the scent will deter them
from using the space.
Here is the recipe. Mix in a 16oz spray bottle. 7 drops of oil (see below), 3 drops dish soap. Add oil, fill bottle with warm water to 1” from top, then add dish soap and shake.
Some people have found that citrus-based, tea tree, lavender, neem, or peppermint essential oils work to deter spiders. I would use tea tree oil; it is really pungent. You can also add a splash of vinegar to the spray. Spray the mixture into cracks and crevices and anywhere else you believe spiders are living.
Another DIY Solution: A single cup of apple cider, a cup of pepper, a teaspoon of oil, and a teaspoon of liquid soap. 16oz bottle, add oil, fill bottle with warm water to 1” from top, then add dish soap and shake.
Spray several times a week, especially after a rain if you are treating outdoors. Spray any indoor entry locations as well.
If you have a really bad problem with spiders, like an infestation, then an exterminator should be called!
Stay Safe and Spider Free everyone!
Debra Lee, Author & Keynote Speaker
Blogger | Biz Coach | Life Coach
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