Buzz
If you enjoy spending time in your yard, you probably wouldn't want to encounter a large spider wandering near you. While spiders are beneficial creatures, they can still be quite unsettling when they get too close. Although it’s impossible to completely eliminate spiders from outdoor spaces, there are various ways you can keep them at bay. This article provides many practical ideas to ensure your yard remains clean and safe!
Steps
Spray chestnut or peppermint essential oils in areas where spiders are commonly found.
Strong scents will make spiders avoid settling nearby. Some studies suggest that essential oils can serve as natural repellents for spiders. Add 5-7 drops of chestnut or peppermint oil to 480 ml of water in a spray bottle. Spray around your yard and any areas where spiders tend to hide, such as along the foundation or in nearby cracks and crevices.
- Other essential oils like rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus also work effectively.
- Although there isn’t much scientific research on vinegar's spider-repellent properties, it doesn’t hurt to try spraying vinegar around your yard.
- Citrus and peppermint oils can be toxic to cats, so it's best to avoid using these oils if you have pets nearby. If you’re concerned about using essential oils, consult with a veterinarian to ensure they are safe for your pets.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your yard.
Diatomaceous earth will dehydrate spiders, causing them to die upon contact. This powdery substance will cut into the exoskeleton of spiders, killing them. Apply diatomaceous earth in problem areas, such as corners and cracks in the yard. Since wind and rain can wash it away, make sure to reapply it after storms.
- Diatomaceous earth can be purchased at garden centers.
- It can be harmful if it comes into contact with your skin or enters your lungs, so you should wear a mask, long pants, and long sleeves when applying it.
Place Osage oranges around your yard.
The chemicals in these fruits may be potent enough to repel spiders. Osage oranges, also known as hedge apples, are small green fruits many people use to deter spiders. You can buy them at garden stores and place them around your yard. Be sure to purchase extra in case squirrels or other animals take them.
- Though some people have had success with this method, there is no scientific evidence proving its effectiveness.
Remove spider webs as soon as you spot them.
Spiders will look for a different place to build their webs far from your yard. Spiders typically construct their webs in areas where they won't be disturbed. If you spot a spider web anywhere in your yard, use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove it immediately.
- If the web is in a difficult-to-reach spot, you can spray it with a hose.
Destroy spider egg sacs when you find them.
Prevent spider eggs from hatching into spiders by crushing or vacuuming up the egg sacs. Spider egg sacs are typically spherical or cone-shaped and are made of white or light brown silk. Look for these egg sacs near existing webs or in hidden, dark, undisturbed areas. When you find an egg sac, either crush it with your shoe or a piece of newspaper, or use a vacuum to remove and discard it.
- Avoid handling the egg sac with your hands, as baby spiders may have already hatched inside.
Remove all clutter in your yard.
Spiders won’t have a place to hide in your yard if you clean up all the clutter. They tend to build webs or live in dark, quiet spaces, such as near piles of building materials, wood, and stones. Move large items out of your yard, and you'll see fewer spiders crawling around. If possible, store tools and equipment in closed bins or sheds to keep spiders out.
- Wear gloves, long pants, and long sleeves when cleaning to avoid coming into contact with spiders hiding in debris.
Turn off the outdoor lights.
Avoid keeping outdoor lights on to prevent attracting other bugs. Spiders are often drawn to your yard due to the presence of their prey. Outdoor lights at night attract insects and other bugs, which in turn, lures spiders to build webs nearby. Only turn on lights when necessary, or use motion-sensor lights to prevent lights from being on all night.
- If you must keep lights on, try switching to yellow bulbs. Yellow light is less attractive to insects, reducing the number of spiders drawn to the area.
- If possible, move the light posts further from the house and yard to prevent spiders from coming closer.
Clean outdoor furniture.
You can deter spiders and webs before sitting down. Spiders like to nest in the dark corners of furniture, so make sure to sweep or spray them off with a hose. Don't forget to check under cushions and in tight crevices for any webs. Clean your furniture every two weeks to prevent spiders from making themselves at home.
- If your furniture has cushions, try to wash them once a month.
Trim the trees and plants around your yard.
Trim trees to discourage spiders from making them their shelter. If you have overhanging branches in your yard, it's likely you'll find spiders nearby. Use pruning shears to cut back any branches that extend over the yard. Make it a habit to check every few weeks for new growth that needs trimming.
- You can also relocate trees that are too close to your yard to a farther spot.
Trim the grass so that it doesn't exceed 5 cm in height.
Tall grass can attract spiders looking for a home. Instead of letting the grass grow too high, trim it regularly to maintain control over its height. Pay special attention to the grassy areas around your yard. Remember to mow the grass frequently, cutting no more than a third of the height at a time so the grass remains healthy and grows well.
Seal any gaps and cracks in your home.
Caulk any gaps to prevent spiders from hiding or entering your home. Check around the foundation of your house near the yard for any cracks, holes, or gaps where spiders might slip through. Use a silicone caulking gun to seal these openings so spiders can't get inside. If there’s no hiding place, they’ll go elsewhere.
- Replace broken window panes or weather stripping to keep spiders from entering your home.
Control the insects that spiders prey on.
Spiders won't have anything to eat if there are no insects around. If you spot spider webs in your yard, check to see if any insects are trapped in them to determine which pests to watch out for. If you notice moths or larvae, consider turning off your outdoor lights at night to avoid attracting insects. If flies are in the webs, try placing bowls of vinegar outside to trap them. For mosquitoes, remove any standing water in the yard.
Use insecticide as a last resort.
Systemic insecticides can be helpful, but they may not be effective outdoors. Only use chemical pesticides when you need to eliminate large numbers of spiders. Choose a pyrethroid-based insecticide containing bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, permethrin, or tetramethrin, as these are most effective at killing spiders. Spray around your yard as directed on the packaging, focusing on dark, hidden areas like cracks and crevices where spiders tend to hide.
- Chemical pesticides can be harmful to children and pets.
- Remember that spiders are beneficial creatures as they hunt other pests like flies and mosquitoes, so there’s no need to eliminate them completely.
Advice
- Spiders are not aggressive and typically only bite if provoked or if you accidentally come into contact with them.
- You may have seen advertisements claiming that electronic pest repellers work, but they are ineffective against spiders.
Warning
- If you are bitten by a spider while cleaning your yard, try to observe what the spider looks like and contact a doctor for advice.
