Have you ever walked into a room and spotted tiny spiders crawling around? Baby spiders, also known as spiderlings, can be a common sight in homes, especially during certain times of the year. While most spiders are harmless and even helpful in controlling other pests, nobody wants their home overrun with eight-legged creatures!
This guide will show you how to get rid of baby spiders and keep them from coming back. We’ll look at why you might have baby spiders, where they like to hide, and simple steps you can take to make your home less inviting to them. We’ll also talk about safe and effective ways to deal with spiderlings you already have. Let’s get started!
Understanding Baby Spiders
Before we learn how to get rid of baby spiders, it’s helpful to understand a little about them.
What are Baby Spiders?
Baby spiders are simply young spiders that have recently hatched from eggs. A single egg sac can hold hundreds of eggs, so you might see many tiny spiderlings at once. They are often smaller and lighter in color than adult spiders, making them harder to spot.
Why Do I Have Baby Spiders?
If you’re seeing baby spiders, it usually means there are adult spiders nearby. Adult spiders lay eggs, and when those eggs hatch, you get baby spiders. Some common house spiders include:
- Common House Spider: These brown spiders create tangled webs in corners and quiet areas.
- Wolf Spider: These large, hairy spiders don’t build webs but hunt for their prey on the ground.
- Cellar Spider: These spiders have long, thin legs and build webs in damp places like basements and cellars.
Where Do Baby Spiders Hide?
Baby spiders like to stay hidden. They look for places where they feel safe and can find food. Here are some common hiding spots:
- Dark corners: Check corners of rooms, closets, and under furniture.
- Clutter: Piles of boxes, books, or clothes provide many hiding places.
- Cracks and crevices: Tiny spiders can squeeze into very small spaces.
- Houseplants: The soil and leaves of plants offer shelter and attract insects for food.
How to Get Rid of Baby Spiders Effectively
Now that you know a bit about baby spiders let’s look at how to get rid of them.
Remove Existing Webs and Spiders
The first step is to get rid of any visible spiders and their webs.
- Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up webs, egg sacs, and spiders. Empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately outside your home to prevent the spiders from escaping.
- Sweep and Dust: Use a broom or duster to remove webs and spiders from walls, ceilings, and corners.
Prevent Future Infestations
Once you’ve removed the immediate problem, focus on preventing more spiders from moving in.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Use caulk to seal any cracks or gaps in walls, windows, and doors. This will stop spiders from entering your home.
- Reduce Clutter: Keep your home clean and organized. Get rid of unnecessary clutter that provides hiding places for spiders.
- Control Other Pests: Spiders feed on insects, so controlling other pests in your home will reduce the food source for spiders.
Natural Spider Repellents
Many natural substances can help keep spiders away.
- Essential Oils: Spiders dislike the smell of certain essential oils, such as peppermint, tea tree, lavender, and citrus. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray around areas where spiders are common.
- Vinegar: White vinegar is another natural spider repellent. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to clean surfaces and spray in corners and cracks.
- Chestnuts and Citrus Peels: Place chestnuts or citrus peels in areas where spiders are a problem. The smell is said to deter spiders.
Insecticides (Use with Caution)
If natural methods aren’t enough, you can use insecticides to control spiders.
- Sprays: Choose an insecticide spray specifically labeled for spiders. Spray in areas where spiders are commonly found, following the instructions on the label carefully.
- Dusts: Insecticide dusts can be effective in hard-to-reach areas, like cracks and crevices. Apply the dust according to the product label.
Important: Always follow the instructions on insecticide labels carefully. Keep insecticides away from children and pets.
Making Your Home Less Attractive to Spiders
Here are some additional tips to make your home less appealing to spiders:
Outdoor Maintenance
- Clear Debris: Remove piles of leaves, wood, and other debris from around your home’s foundation. These provide hiding places for spiders.
- Trim Vegetation: Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed back from your house. This reduces the number of pathways spiders can use to get inside.
- Outdoor Lighting: Spiders are attracted to light, which attracts insects they feed on. Use yellow or sodium vapor lights instead of bright white lights.
Indoor Strategies
- Regular Cleaning: Vacuum and dust regularly to remove webs and spiders. Pay attention to corners, under furniture, and behind appliances.
- Store Items Properly: Store items in sealed containers to prevent spiders from hiding in them.
- Window Screens: Make sure your window screens are in good repair to prevent spiders from entering.
Dealing with Spider Bites
Most house spiders are harmless and rarely bite humans. If you are bitten, it’s usually no more serious than a bee sting. However, some spiders, like the black widow or brown recluse, have venomous bites that require medical attention.
| Spider | Appearance | Bite Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Black Widow | Shiny black with a red hourglass shape on the abdomen | Muscle pain, cramps, nausea, sweating |
| Brown Recluse | Brown with a violin-shaped mark on the back | Pain, redness, swelling, blistering, fever |
If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a venomous spider, seek medical attention immediately.
Summary
Dealing with baby spiders can be annoying, but it’s usually a manageable problem. By understanding why you have spiders and taking steps to make your home less attractive to them, you can reduce the likelihood of infestations.
Regular cleaning, sealing cracks, and using natural repellents can all help keep spiders away. Remember, most spiders are harmless and even beneficial in controlling other pests. However, if you’re concerned about venomous spiders or have a severe infestation, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control professional.
FAQs
How do I identify baby spiders?
Baby spiders are much smaller than adults and often lighter in color. They may be difficult to see clearly, but you might notice their tiny webs or see them moving in groups.
Are baby spiders dangerous?
Most baby spiders found in homes are harmless. They are not aggressive and rarely bite humans. However, it’s always a good idea to avoid handling spiders directly.
What is the best way to prevent baby spiders?
The best way to prevent baby spiders is to prevent adult spiders from entering your home and laying eggs. Seal cracks and gaps, reduce clutter, and keep your home clean to discourage spiders from taking up residence.
Can I use essential oils to kill baby spiders?
Essential oils like peppermint and tea tree oil can repel spiders but may not kill them. They are most effective when used to deter spiders from entering your home in the first place.
Should I call an exterminator for baby spiders?
If you have a severe spider infestation or are concerned about venomous spiders, it’s a good idea to contact a pest control professional. They can help identify the type of spiders you have and recommend the most effective treatment options.