White-tailed spiders are a common household pest in Australia. They are usually harmless to humans, but their bites can be painful and cause skin irritation. If you’re dealing with a white-tailed spider infestation in your home, there are several steps you can take to get rid of them.
How To Identify The Problem
The first step in getting rid of white-tailed spiders is to identify the problem. Look for signs of spider activity in your home, such as spider webs or droppings. White-tailed spiders are usually found in dark, damp places like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. They are also often found hiding in clothing, shoes, and bedding.
Clean and Declutter
Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to start cleaning and decluttering your home. White-tailed spiders are attracted to clutter and dark, damp spaces, so removing clutter and keeping your home clean and dry can help prevent them from taking up residence.
Vacuuming and dusting regularly can help remove spider webs and eggs. Be sure to vacuum under furniture, behind appliances, and in other hard-to-reach places where spiders might hide.
Seal Entry Points From Your Property
White-tailed spiders can enter your home through small cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors. Sealing these entry points can help keep spiders out. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows and doors, and use foam insulation to seal cracks in walls and floors.
Use Natural Repellents
There are several natural repellents that can help keep white-tailed spiders away. Peppermint oil, vinegar, and citrus peels are all effective at repelling spiders. You can mix these ingredients with water and spray them in areas where spiders are likely to be found.
Essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus can also be used to repel spiders. Simply add a few drops of these oils to a spray bottle filled with water and spray in areas where spiders are present.
Use Insecticides
If natural remedies aren’t effective, you may need to use insecticides to get rid of white-tailed spiders. There are several insecticides available that are specifically designed to kill spiders. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow all instructions when using insecticides.
If you’re not comfortable using insecticides, consider hiring a professional pest control company to handle the problem.
Prevent Future Infestations
Once you’ve gotten rid of white-tailed spiders, it’s important to take steps to prevent infestations. Keep your home clean and clutter-free, seal entry points, and use natural repellents to discourage spiders from entering your home.
Regularly inspect your home for signs of spider activity, and take action immediately if you notice any. By taking these steps, you can help keep your home spider-free.
In conclusion, getting rid of white-tailed spiders can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. By identifying the problem, cleaning and decluttering your home, sealing entry points, using natural repellents and insecticides, and preventing future infestations, you can get rid of white-tailed spiders and keep them from coming back. If you’re not comfortable handling the problem yourself, consider hiring a professional pest control company to help.
Some additional tips and information on getting rid of white-tailed spiders:
- Keep your outdoor area clean and tidy: White-tailed spiders can also be found in outdoor areas such as gardens and sheds. Keeping your outdoor area clean and tidy can help prevent spiders from taking up residence. Remove any piles of leaves or debris, and keep your lawn and garden well-maintained.
- Use spider traps: Spider traps can be an effective way to catch and kill white-tailed spiders. These traps use a sticky adhesive to trap spiders, and can be placed in areas where spiders are likely to be found.
- Use a spider vacuum: A spider vacuum is a special vacuum cleaner attachment designed to safely remove spiders without harming them. This can be a humane way to remove spiders from your home.
- Wear protective clothing: If you need to handle white-tailed spiders directly, it’s important to wear protective clothing to avoid being bitten. Wear gloves, long sleeves, and long pants, and avoid touching the spiders directly.
- Seek medical attention if bitten: While white-tailed spider bites are usually not serious, they can be painful and cause skin irritation. If you are bitten by a white-tailed spider and experience any symptoms such as swelling, redness, or pain, seek medical attention.
- Consider professional pest control: If you have a severe infestation of white-tailed spiders or are not comfortable handling the problem yourself, consider hiring a professional spider control company. They can safely and effectively remove spiders from your home and take steps to prevent future infestations.
In summary, getting rid of white-tailed spiders requires a combination of cleaning, sealing entry points, using natural repellents and insecticides, and preventing future infestations. By taking these steps, you can keep your home spider-free and avoid any potential bites or skin irritation. If you are unsure how to handle the problem or have a severe infestation, consider seeking help from a professional pest control company.