Nobody likes finding a creepy, eight-legged visitor in their home, especially if it’s a black widow. Keeping black widows out of your living spaces is crucial for a safe and comfortable environment.
So, how do you repel these dangerous spiders? Keep reading to understand how to deal with them, from the best traps to professional solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior can let black widow spiders inside.
- Cluttered spaces give black widow spiders more places to hide.
- Essential oils and store-bought sprays can help keep black widow spiders away.
- Professional pest control is the best option for serious black widow problems.
HOW TO KEEP BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS AWAY FROM YOUR PROPERTY
Black widow spiders are commonly found in North America, including Louisiana and California. Various strategies can be used to keep them away.
Here’s how to create an environment that’s less welcoming to them.
1. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Black widow spiders often enter homes through small openings. Sealing cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior can prevent these spiders from finding a way inside.
Use caulk to fill in gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards. Also, inspect crevices in basements, garages, and attics for potential entry points.
Homeowners living in older homes must pay special attention, as they might have more potential entry points.
2. Reduce Clutter
Clutter can create a perfect environment for black widows to hide and build spider webs. Keeping storage areas, closets, and undisturbed areas tidy and organized is important.
In garages and basements, avoid piling up old boxes, newspapers, and other potential hiding spots. Firewood piles should be stored away from the home and kept off the ground.
Regular cleaning up of these areas can reduce the encounters of black widows and other pests, such as scorpions and cockroaches.
3. Use Spider Repellents
Spider repellents can be effective in repelling black widows. While some essential oils, such as peppermint, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus, have strong scents that may repel spiders, results vary.
While these oils may not be a foolproof solution against black widows, you can mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle to create a DIY. Apply it to entry points and potential nesting areas.
For those looking for a ready-made solution, commercial products are also available. Regular use of these repellents may also help repel pests like bed bugs.
4. Maintain Outdoor Lighting
Black widows are attracted to areas where other insects are plentiful, as they are their primary food source. Outdoor lighting can attract these insects and, thus, the black widows.
Switching to yellow or sodium vapor lights can help reduce the number of insects around your home, which may lower the attraction of black widows seeking food.
Also, place outdoor lighting away from doors and windows to keep bugs, and in turn, spiders, away from your home.
5. Trim Vegetation and Landscaping
Black widows often live in dense vegetation and wood piles close to homes. Regularly trimming bushes, grass, and other plants can reduce these hiding places.
Keep landscaping tidy and ensure wood piles are stored away from the house. This will not only make your yard less welcoming to black widows but also help you spot potential issues early.
Regular maintenance and tidying up the yard are practical steps in managing black widow populations.
SHOULD YOU CALL A PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONAL?
Dealing with black widows can be daunting. While some may feel up to the task, others might find it overwhelming. If multiple black widows are seen around your home, it’s time to call pest control.
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, seeking expert help should be easy. For immediate intervention for a severe infestation, let Lajaunie’s spider control specialists tailor a solution that’s right for your home.
For more information about our services, visit our service page.
Related: The Complete Guide to Poisonous Spiders in Louisiana