Spider Control Inside: DIY Techniques and Professional Help

Identifying Common House Spiders in New Jersey

Did you know that New Jersey hosts up to five hundred species of spiders? If you don’t already fear spiders, known as arachnophobia, that statistic may be enough to give it to you. Do you want to control the spider population in your home or business? It all begins by recognizing the most common species that lurk near the places you frequent.

Wolf Spiders

One look at these hairy critters and how they hunt, and you’ll know how they got their name. Wolf spiders are usually gray or brown and their bodies are covered with intricate patterns. Instead of catching prey, these fierce hunters chase them down on foot and administer a lethal bite. Fortunately, the venomous bite of these seemingly ferocious spiders isn’t usually harmful to humans.

House Spiders

These abundant spiders are such frequent invaders of human domiciles that they have “house” in their Latin name. Their color is usually light brown or pale yellow. You may notice their tell-tell funnel-shaped webs in corners or other hidden places. They rarely bite humans, but it’s possible if they feel threatened. Their bites may cause mild irritation, but they hardly ever cause a medical emergency unless someone is allergic to them.

Orb-Weavers

When you think of an iconic circular spider web with its complex patterns, it would probably be the work of an orb weaver. These black and yellow spiders are the classic gardener’s friend and capture many harmful insects. Since they thrive in the outdoors, they seldom enter a home.

Cellar Spiders

Remember exploring old outbuildings, barns, or dark basements and meeting these long-legged critters? Granddaddy longlegs get their nickname from their long, hair-like legs attached to their pea-sized bodies. They’re also called harvesters because they collect in large masses during autumn. Contrary to urban legend, they can’t bite people nor are they venomous. They help control the insect pest population.

Brown Recluses and Black Widows

No discussion about local spiders would be complete without these infamous venomous arachnids. You can almost instantly recognize the shiny black widow by the red hourglass shape on her abdomen.

Likewise, brown recluses display a distinct violin shape on their bodies. Although they don’t often hang out in people’s homes, bites from either spider can be severe and require immediate medical attention.

When you better understand spiders that could invade your New Jersey home or business, it helps you address potential concerns as they arise. Most spiders are not dangerous and would rather be outside than inside. Still, infestations are possible, and prevention is often easier than dealing with them after the fact.

DIY Arachnid Prevention Methods

The first step is to eliminate potential entryways to prevent spiders from invading your New Jersey house. Here are some simple hacks you can use to keep those creepy creatures away:

1. Seal Cracks and Crevices

The smallest openings in your foundation, doors, or windows are a welcome mat to invasive spiders. Inspect your property and use caulking to seal cracks and crevices in your foundation, walls, windows, and doors to discourage possible invaders.

2. Keep Your Home Clean and Free from Clutter

Declutter your home, especially attics and basements. The fewer things you own, the fewer hiding places spiders have to hide. Vacuuming and dusting regularly will also clear the cobwebs and make your home less attractive to arachnids.

3. Use Natural Spider Repellents

Did you know that many of your favorite essential oils are repulsive to spiders? These include mint, lavender, eucalyptus, and cinnamon. Fill a small spray bottle with vodka and add a few drops of your preferred essential oil.

Spray it around areas where spiders are tempted to enter, like windows and under doors. Your home will smell fresh and clean, and the spiders will stay away.

4. Maintain Outdoor Landscaping

Spiders are generally loners and prefer to build their webs in secluded areas. Shelter in brush, leaves, woodpiles, and human clutter protects them from potential predators and makes them less noticeable to prey. Keep your home spider-free by cleaning brush and other plant debris from your foundation and porch.

5. Install Outdoor Lighting Strategically

It’s well-known that many crawling and flying insects are attracted to light. They instinctively know that light may help them find a mate, hunt prey, or protect them from predators. Consequently, these hordes of insects flying around the lights are like a buffet to spiders. You can make your outdoor lighting less attractive to bugs and arachnids by using sodium vapor lights or installing yellow/amber light bulbs.

6. Screen Doors and Windows

Poorly fitted or damaged screens beg for spiders or other vermin to enter your house. Install tight-fitting screens on your doors and windows and repair or replace any that need it.

7. Reduce Moisture

Damp environments are a double temptation for spiders. The dampness provides water for them to live and attracts tasty insects. Consider installing a dehumidifier in your basement, attic, crawlspace, or any place that tends to draw moisture. When your space is dry, spiders are less likely to be attracted to it.

If your basement or cellar tends to collect water after a hard rainfall, try installing a sump pump. Any time water comes in, this gadget will automatically kick on and pump the water out of the space.

DIY Spider Control Methods

Even if you’re proactive about preventing an arachnid invasion, you may still find them inside your home or business. Here are some steps you can take to eradicate the spiders:

1. Vacuum Frequently

When removing spiders where they live, your vacuum cleaner can be your best friend. Attach the hose and vacuum out any spaces they may be hiding, such as ceilings, corners, under furniture, etc. Don’t forget to empty your sweeper’s canister or bag outside after each use in case live spiders are trapped.

2. Sticky Traps and Glue Boards

These are a cheap, simple, and effective way to trap any creepy crawling insects or spiders in your house. They are stuck for good when they scurry over the non-toxic glue. When the board is full of trapped invaders, dispose of them and put out a fresh one. You may also consider a more human trap using a rolled piece of paper in a small jar. Place a few breadcrumbs in the pot and spiders will climb into the jar and get trapped.

3. DIY Natural Sprays

Many essential oils can be mixed with alcohol or vodka and sprayed around your house to repel spiders. Use your favorite oil and sprinkle generously around baseboards and any place you see spider activity.

4. Catch and Release

Most spiders are more beneficial than harmful, but you still don’t want them in your house. Some folks like to use a non-lethal approach, like gently catching the invasive arachnid under a cup and relocating it outside without harm. Catch and release may prove more difficult if you have a spider infestation or you’re dealing with a venomous species.

5. Regular Cleaning

When you regularly dust, vacuum, and sanitize all surfaces, you eliminate the cobwebs and dusty places enticing spiders. Plus, you eliminate other insects that are a food source for them.

6. Natural Predators

If you create a backyard haven attractive to birds, they will easily keep the spider population at bay, as will frogs and toads. If you have an inside cat or dog, they will happily chase and kill invading spiders. Spider bites on pets aren’t ordinary and are rarely lethal.

These DIY suggestions may be helpful but aren’t foolproof and you should always wear gloves if dealing with venomous species like black widows or brown recluses. If the problem persists or you have a severe infestation, you need a professional exterminator.

When to Seek Professional Help

When all your DIY efforts haven’t been effective, you need the experienced service of a New Jersey pest control service. These are some of the conditions that require help from the professionals:

Severe Infestation

An occasional invasive spider isn’t much of an issue. However, a severe infestation is another story. It’s nearly impossible to eradicate them with DIY methods. Infestations require the equipment and experience of professional exterminators.

Venomous Spiders

Just because venomous spider bites aren’t common doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned. If you are dealing with black widows or brown recluses, don’t treat the problem alone. The same is true for spiders that you can’t identify. Call a professional exterminator to keep you, your family, and your pets safe.

Repeated Infestations

Sometimes, you think you’re rid of invading spiders, and they return just as quickly. You may have hidden issues that only a professional exterminator can reveal and offer you solutions for the long term.

Health concerns

A spider bite can be life-threatening if you or a loved one has health concerns like asthma, allergies, or a compromised immune system. It would help if you had professional extermination as soon as possible. Young children and senior adults are also more susceptible to problems after a spider bite.

If you live in New Jersey and are searching for professional help for spider infestations, you need a company like ours that has up-to-date knowledge and experience. We give you quotes and can offer references, and we are licensed for your protection. As a reputable pest exterminator, our company follows safety standards and local regulations, and we will happily answer all your questions.

Spider Control and New Jersey Laws and Regulations

Each state establishes specific laws and regulations for pest control businesses throughout the United States. These aim to ensure public health and safety and effective pest control. In New Jersey, these regulations are overseen by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. They also issue pest control licenses to qualified individuals and companies.

Is your home or business in the Garden State becoming overrun with creepy spiders? Call our professional team of certified pest control technicians. We can inspect your home and offer the safest and most effective solutions for making your place spider-free. Give yourself and your family the peace of mind of knowing you’re in good hands. Keep spiders outside where they belong and enjoy the comfort of a home free of creepy things that go bump in the night.

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