Spiders can be helpful in controlling other insects around your home, but most homeowners would prefer they do their work outside rather than inside. While most spiders found in Florida are harmless, others can pose risks to humans. Whether you’re dealing with a few stray spiders or a full-blown infestation, it’s important to know how to handle the problem and prevent them from returning.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to get rid of spiders in your home, detail the common spiders found in Florida households, and provide tips for preventing future infestations.
Common Spiders Found in Florida Homes
Before jumping into spider control methods, it’s essential to understand the types of spiders you might encounter in your home. In Florida, several spider species are common in households:
- Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
As the name suggests, these spiders are frequently found in homes. They are harmless to humans and build webs in corners, windows, and basements. They are small, light brown, and have a round body. - Wolf Spider (Lycosidae family)
Wolf spiders are larger, hairy spiders that don’t spin webs. Instead, they hunt their prey, often scurrying across floors or hiding in small crevices. While they can appear intimidating, wolf spiders are not dangerous to humans. - Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans)
Black widow spiders are one of the most dangerous spiders in Florida due to their venomous bites. Identifiable by their shiny black bodies and red hourglass marking on the abdomen, they are usually found in dark, undisturbed areas like garages and basements. - Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)
Although less common in Florida than other areas of the U.S., brown recluse spiders can still be found in Florida homes. These spiders are brown with a distinctive violin-shaped marking on their back. Their bites can cause serious skin reactions and require medical attention. - Jumping Spider (Salticidae family)
Jumping spiders are small, black, and compact with thick legs. These spiders are not dangerous to humans and are known for their ability to jump long distances to catch their prey.
What to Do If You Have Spiders in Your Home
If you start noticing spiders in your home, it’s essential to take quick action to prevent them from multiplying. Here’s what you can do to eliminate spiders from your living space:
1. Identify Their Hiding Spots
Spiders like dark, undisturbed areas. Start by inspecting common hiding spots such as basements, attics, closets, and garages. Also, check behind furniture, under appliances, and in corners of rooms where webs are often spun. Look for spider webs and spider eggs as signs of an infestation.
2. Remove Spider Webs and Eggs
If you find spider webs, use a vacuum or broom to sweep them away. Be sure to dispose of the webs and any attached spider eggs immediately, as leaving them behind can result in more spiders hatching in your home. This simple step will help reduce the spider population indoors.
3. Set Spider Traps
Spider traps are a non-toxic way to catch and eliminate spiders. Place sticky traps in areas where you’ve noticed spider activity, especially along walls, behind furniture, and in closets. These traps will capture spiders as they move about, helping to reduce the number of spiders in your home over time.
4. Use Spider Deterrents
Several natural and chemical spider deterrents can help keep spiders away. Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are known to repel spiders. Mix a few drops of oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to entry points, windowsills, and areas where spiders are commonly found. Chemical spider repellents are also available at most hardware stores and can be applied around your home’s perimeter.
5. Call a Pest Control Expert
If your spider problem persists despite your efforts, it may be time to call a pest control expert. Professional pest control companies have access to specialized tools and treatments to eliminate spiders effectively. They can also identify the specific species in your home and use targeted solutions to address the infestation.
How to Prevent Spiders From Infesting Your Home
Once you’ve taken steps to eliminate the spiders in your home, the next step is preventing them from coming back. Here are some ways to keep spiders at bay:
1. Eliminate Food Sources
Spiders are attracted to homes where they can find an abundant food source—insects. To reduce the likelihood of spiders entering your home, focus on eliminating insects like flies, ants, and moths. Regularly clean up crumbs, seal food containers, and ensure there’s no standing water where pests might breed.
2. Seal Entry Points
Spiders can crawl through even the tiniest cracks and crevices. Inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk to seal these gaps and ensure that screens on windows and doors are in good repair. Reducing entry points makes it harder for spiders to gain access to your home.
3. Declutter Your Home
Spiders love to hide in clutter, especially in undisturbed areas like basements, garages, and attics. Keeping your home clean and organized will reduce the number of hiding spots for spiders. Get rid of old boxes, unused furniture, and excess storage that can serve as a haven for spiders.
4. Use Exterior Lighting Strategically
Insects are attracted to light, and since spiders feed on insects, outdoor lighting can indirectly attract spiders to your home. Consider using yellow or sodium vapor lights, which are less likely to attract insects. Keep lights off when not needed, or use motion-sensing lights to reduce insect and spider activity around your home.
5. Regularly Inspect and Clean
Keeping your home clean and free of debris is one of the best ways to prevent spider infestations. Regularly vacuum, dust, and wipe down surfaces to remove webs and eliminate potential food sources. Pay particular attention to hidden areas such as under furniture, in closets, and behind appliances.
The Importance of Professional Spider Control
While DIY methods can be effective for minor spider problems, larger infestations often require professional intervention. A pest control expert can provide a comprehensive inspection of your home and identify underlying issues that may be attracting spiders, such as other pests or structural vulnerabilities.
Pest control professionals also have access to more effective spider control products and treatments that are not available to the general public. They can create a customized treatment plan for your home, ensuring that spiders are eliminated safely and efficiently. Additionally, they can provide ongoing maintenance to ensure that spiders and other pests don’t return.
Spiders in your home can be unsettling, but with the right steps, you can eliminate them and prevent future infestations. By identifying common spider species, using spider traps and deterrents, and maintaining a clean and organized home, you can reduce the likelihood of spiders taking up residence indoors. And if your spider problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control company for expert help.
If you’re dealing with spiders in your Florida home and need assistance, contact a pest control expert today. They can provide spider control services tailored to your needs and help you keep your home pest-free. From identifying the spiders in your home to setting up a customized spider deterrent plan, a professional pest control company is your best solution for eliminating spiders and preventing them from coming back.
