They say prevention is better than cure, and when you’re talking about spider infestations, that’s absolutely the case!
If you’ve found a spider or two in your home, there’s no reason to panic. Most of our homes have at least one or two eight-legged visitors most of the time. But there are some steps you can take to prevent one or two spiders from turning into a full infestation. Here’s what you need to know.
Causes of Spider Infestations
Most of us find spiders terrifying, alien creatures that are vastly different from us. But the truth is, they’re just animals, and like any other animal, they tend to have predictable behavior. Here are some of the top reasons why spiders might be moving in:
Food Sources
Like any animal, spiders go where the food goes. In this case, which means insects and other small creatures that spiders like to eat. So, if you have a bug problem in general, get it sorted out before it turns into a spider problem too!
Extreme Weather
Animals tend to be a lot smarter than people, in that they usually run away from extreme weather rather than staying to have a look. That also means that small animals like spiders are likely to seek shelter, and if your home is nearby and accessible, it might be the perfect spot. When bad weather threatens, keep doors and windows closed, and keep the creepy crawlies out!
Cluttered & Unused Rooms
Most spiders are not aggressive. They don’t like to attack anything that’s bigger than them, and they prefer to just be left alone. This is why that old, dusty cellar, attic, or storeroom that no one ever goes into let alone dust is the perfect space for spiders. If you want to keep them out, get rid of the clutter!
Plants and Compost Near Your Home
Spiders are shy animals that like to avoid people as much as possible. Which also means they like to sneak into your home unseen. If you have plants or compost heaps near your home, that’s the perfect spider highway into your house!
Trim trees and shrubs near your home, and move compost heaps, garbage bins, and recycling away from your house.
Hitching a Ride
Finally, spiders are sometimes just as surprised that they found their way into your home as you are. Whether it’s old sporting equipment brought in from the garage or an old table you plan to refinish, if it’s been stored in a cluttered, dusty, spider-friendly place, it might have spiders on it! So always check everything thoroughly before you bring it inside!
When You Need a Cure, Call a Pro!
As we said, prevention is always better than cure. However, if you’ve already got a spider problem, it’s best to call a pest control company near you, that can solve the current problem quickly. Then you can work on all the other tips we’ve mentioned to make your home less spider friendly in the future.
