Spiders can be found in any region and may enter your apartment uninvited.
Though some people may have a greater fear of them, taking preventative measures can help keep spiders out of your home.
Here are some tips to help eliminate spiders and prevent them from returning.
Keep Your Apartment Clean
Regular cleaning is the key to keeping spiders out of your apartment. Spiders are drawn to dirty and cluttered spaces; a clean apartment is less appealing.
Vacuum frequently and wipe down surfaces where spiders might build webs, such as in corners, floors, and ceilings. Common entry points for spiders are baseboards, drawers, cabinets, and windowsills.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Spiders can squeeze through small cracks and openings around windows, doors, and walls.
Use caulk to seal cracks and add weatherstripping to the bottom of doors to close gaps and prevent their entry.
Making it difficult for spiders to enter your apartment is the first step in preventing an infestation.
Learn How to Set a Spider Trap
For those who prefer a more humane approach, traps can be used to capture spiders alive and remove them from your apartment. Sticky traps are effective for various bugs, or you can invest in a trap designed explicitly for catching spiders.
There are also spider catchers that work similarly to a vacuum, which safely sucks up spiders so you can release them outside. Other traps secure spiders without suction and allow for safe release.
Poison can harm children and animals and negatively impact the local ecosystem. Poison should only be used as a last resort.
Use Essential Oils to Keep Spiders Away
Essential oils have many benefits, one of which is their ability to repel spiders through their intense aroma. Certain scents, such as peppermint, tea tree, lavender, rose, and cinnamon oil, deter spiders.
Place a few drops of essential oils on cotton balls and place them in areas where spiders commonly enter your apartment. Alternatively, you can dilute the essential oil in water and use it in a spray bottle to disperse it around your apartment.
Spray a White Vinegar and Water Solution on Problematic Areas
A solution of equal parts water and white vinegar can effectively repel spiders from your apartment. Use a spray bottle to target problem areas where spiders enter your apartment.
Spiders Don’t Like Citrus, Garlic, or Cedar
Spiders are known to dislike citrus or citrus-based products. To deter spiders, use lemon peel to wipe on your baseboards or around windows, as the strong citrus scent will repel them.
You can also use cleaning products with a citrus scent for added protection. If you spend time outdoors, consider using a citronella candle, as the smell of citronella is known to deter spiders.
Small cedar blocks can be placed around your apartment to repel spiders. Cedar is particularly effective in areas where spiders are likely to be found, such as drawers, cabinets, and under the sink.
Spiders dislike the scent of garlic, so you can use this to your advantage by placing small bowls of garlic in areas of your apartment that are affected by spiders. If you enjoy the smell of garlic, you can mix it with water and use it as a spray throughout your home.
Preventative Measures are the Best Defense
Preventing spiders from entering your apartment in the first place is crucial in avoiding infestations. Though it may be easier said than done, regularly cleaning your home and implementing the tips mentioned earlier can help keep spiders out.
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