As the weather cools down in Wake Forest, NC, you’re probably spending more time inside to stay cozy. But guess what? Spiders have the same idea. They’re looking for warmth and shelter, and your home seems like the perfect place. At Wake Pest, we often get calls from homeowners this time of year asking for advice on how to keep spiders at bay. Here’s our best advice to help you stay spider-free this fall.
Why Are Spiders Moving In?
Before we dive into the tips, it helps to know why spiders are more noticeable in the fall. Spiders are usually more active this season because they’re in search of food, mates, and warmth. According to a study from North Carolina State University, spider activity increases by nearly 25% during fall months as they prepare for winter. So, if you’re noticing more eight-legged visitors, you’re not alone!
1. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Spiders can enter your home through even the tiniest of cracks. Take some time to inspect your windows, doors, and even the foundation of your home for any gaps. Use caulk to seal these areas.
Pro Tip: As a pest control company in Wake Forest, we often recommend using weather stripping around doors and windows. It’s an easy fix that can keep spiders and other pests out while helping with energy efficiency!
2. Declutter Your Home
Spiders love hiding in dark, quiet places like basements, attics, and storage rooms. One of the simplest ways to prevent spiders from moving in is to keep your home clutter-free. Cardboard boxes, piles of laundry, and old newspapers can be prime spider hiding spots.
Pro Tip: Use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids for storage instead of cardboard boxes. They’re less appealing to spiders and other pests.
3. Clean Regularly
Spiders are attracted to dust, dirt, and leftover food that may attract their prey (like flies). A regular cleaning schedule can go a long way in keeping them away. Vacuuming floors, wiping surfaces, and clearing cobwebs will discourage spiders from setting up camp in your home.
Pro Tip: Pay extra attention to corners, baseboards, and ceilings where spiders like to spin their webs. Make vacuuming part of your weekly routine, especially in areas like basements and garages.
4. Reduce Outdoor Lighting
Believe it or not, your porch lights might be drawing spiders in. Outdoor lighting attracts flying insects, which in turn attract spiders. Try switching to yellow or sodium vapor lights that are less attractive to insects.
Pro Tip: If you can, keep outdoor lights turned off unless you need them. Or, install motion sensors so they only turn on when necessary.
5. Trim Vegetation Around Your Home
Spiders often use shrubs, bushes, and trees as pathways into your home. If you have plants growing right next to your house, it’s a good idea to trim them back.
Pro Tip: At Wake Pest, we always advise homeowners to keep at least a 12- to 18-inch gap between vegetation and your home. This creates a buffer zone that can help keep spiders and other pests outside.
6. Use Natural Repellents
If you’re not keen on using chemical pesticides, there are plenty of natural remedies you can try. Spiders are repelled by scents like peppermint, vinegar, and citrus. You can make a simple spider repellent spray by mixing water with a few drops of essential oils.
Pro Tip: Spray this mixture around entry points like windows, doors, and baseboards. It’s an easy and eco-friendly way to keep spiders out.
7. Keep Your Home Dry
Spiders are attracted to moisture, so reducing humidity in your home can help. Use a dehumidifier in areas like basements or bathrooms where moisture tends to build up.
Pro Tip: Fix any leaks as soon as you notice them. Whether it’s a leaky faucet or pipe, excess moisture will not only attract spiders but also other pests.
8. Consider Professional Pest Control
If spiders are a recurring issue despite your best efforts, it might be time to call in the pros. At Wake Pest, we specialize in spider prevention and removal. We can treat the exterior and interior of your home to create a barrier that spiders won’t want to cross.
Pro Tip: Regular pest control treatments are more affordable than you might think. It’s often cheaper to prevent pests than to deal with a full-blown infestation later on.
We Can Help
Spiders are a natural part of the environment, and while they do help control other pests, we understand that no one wants to share their home with them. At Wake Pest, we understand that spiders become more active indoors as the cooler fall months approach. Here’s why you should trust us to keep spiders out of your home this season:
- 1. Local Knowledge – We’ve been serving the Wake Forest community for years and are familiar with the types of spiders that commonly invade homes in the fall. Our team knows the best prevention techniques specific to North Carolina’s environment and spider species.
- 2. Customized Spider Control Solutions – Our approach is never one-size-fits-all. We assess your home’s spider activity and develop customized treatment plans that focus on exclusion and long-term prevention. We target common hiding spots like attics, basements, and crawl spaces, ensuring no corner is left unchecked.
- 3. Safe and Effective Treatments – Our spider control methods are designed with your family’s safety in mind. We use treatments that are tough on pests but gentle for your home environment, ensuring minimal disruption while keeping harmful chemicals at bay.
- 4. Proactive Prevention – We don’t just remove spiders; we also implement preventive measures. By identifying and sealing potential entry points and eliminating attractants like other insects (spiders’ food source), we create a barrier to keep spiders out long-term.
- 5. Responsive and Reliable Service – At Wake Pest, we take pride in offering prompt and reliable service. If you spot a spider problem, we respond quickly to ensure it doesn’t escalate, providing you with peace of mind before the issue gets out of hand.
- 6. Local and Trusted Professionals – As a local pest control company, we prioritize your satisfaction and safety. Our team is friendly, knowledgeable, and committed to making sure your home stays spider-free this fall.
Trust Wake Pest to create a spider-free environment in your home this fall, so you can enjoy the season without worrying about unwanted visitors!