A spider problem can be daunting. Most of the species that invade human living spaces are reclusive and therefore hard to track down and remove. But when they start reproducing, it can suddenly feel like a horror movie to anyone who’s afraid of arachnids. The truth is that most spiders in Kansas are harmless; still, most of us don’t find them cuddly or cute, and we certainly don’t want to be roommates with them. But effective spider control in Kansas—done safely—is a science, and these uninvited guests can sometimes be difficult to evict with off-the-shelf remedies.
How Do You Stop a Spider Infestation?
If you want to defeat spiders, it helps to have a basic understanding of their behavior. Most of what you need to know is common sense because spiders, like any other animal, are usually looking for food, water, and warmth. You may have noticed there seem to be more spiders indoors during the colder months, and that’s because temperatures drive them into warmer spaces, like businesses, homes, and outbuildings. Once you understand what they’re doing, you can take steps to keep them from setting up housekeeping:
- Seal holes and cracks in and around foundations, siding, weather stripping, utility boxes, windows, etc.
- Clean up clutter that can provide hiding places, like piles of boxes, clothes, and magazines.
- Store unused belongings in sealed plastic tubs rather than cardboard boxes.
- Remove spider webs when you see them. Periodically clean out attics, basements, garages, and crawl spaces, which also offer hidden habitats.
- Fix plumbing drips and leaks. All pests, including spiders, are attracted to water.
- Keep other pests under control; spiders eat other bugs that may also try to take up residence with you, so don’t let them.
- Install screens if you leave doors and windows open.
What Is the Best Pest Control for Spiders?
First, we’ll cover the do-it-yourself spider control:
- If you only see one or two spiders, you can humanely remove them to the oudoors with the cup-and-card trick. If you don’t feel adventurous enough to undertake that method, invest in spider traps or a spider catcher to help you get them outside. Squashing is obviously an option, as well, if that’s how you roll.
- Sticky pest traps are very effective when placed in heavy spider traffic areas, but be sure to keep pets and children clear of them.
- Mixtures of water and vinegar or water and peppermint oil can help repel spiders, but these sprays may also damage some surfaces.
- Over the counter insecticides can be used to create perimeters to keep spiders out of building interiors. They also kill any spiders with which they come into contact. These can be dangerous, so read and follow all instructions, especially if you have children or pets.
- Over-the-counter remedies may not be effective against serious spider infestations because they don’t provide they same chemicals and application methods used by pest control professionals.
Professional Spider Control Methods
If your best efforts at DIY spider control seem to be failing, it’s natural to wonder, “Should I get my house sprayed for spiders?” As mentioned above, the pros have some tools that you don’t have, the most important of which is knowledge. Green pest control technicians study pest behavior, which allows them to anticipate patterns, find nesting areas, and treat problems at their sources.
Secondly, professionals are licensed to use chemicals that are not available to the general public. Many of these are tightly targeted to specific pest species—and even specific life-cycle events. Accurately applied professional chemicals are sometimes necessary to entirely root out a spider infestation.
And finally, green pest pros possess tools and application methods that can place chemicals in the deep, dark places where pests hide. Over-the-counter applicators just don’t have the same reach, which can be a crucial advantage on many properties.
Is It Worth Getting an Exterminator for Spiders?
How much does it cost to have an exterminator spray for spiders compared to doing it yourself? It costs more, but it’s probably cheaper than you think. And if you’re tired of fighting the spider fight, it’s money well spent.
The real value of professional pest control comes when you sign up for an Integrated Pest Management plan with a reputable company. Go Green’s IPM plan costs about $75 per month for a 2,000 square foot home. This provides several distinct advantages against spiders and other pests:
- We’ll establish a pest management plan specifically tailored to your property. This will include consultation and education to help you keep pests outside, plus green pest control treatments to establish a secure perimeter around your home and remove any current problems.
- A pest control professional will visit regularly, usually on a 90-day rotation, to perform inspections and re-treat key areas to keep you pest-free.
- Results are 100 percent guaranteed. When you sign up for an IPM and cooperate with its guidelines, pests will become a non-issue.
- Green pest control treatment is the safest possible way to get rid of spiders and other pests, including do-it-yourself methods. Pest pros are able to apply treatments in areas that affect pest populations without harming humans and pets.
How Dangerous Are Spider Bites?
For the most part, bites from spiders in Kansas are not dangerous. The exceptions are the brown recluse and black widow species, and humans rarely cross paths with these. Most of the nearly 500 spider species in Kansas are harmless to most people. And the old saying, “They’re more afraid of you than you are of them,” is true of all spiders.
With a little forethought and common sense, most people should have no trouble going their entire lives without a dangerous spider bite. To avoid brown recluse spiders, be cautious when cleaning out dark areas, unused spaces, and cluttered areas indoors. To avoid black widows, be careful when turning over brush, wood piles, and debris outdoors.
Why Is Go Green Pest Control Your #1 Choice for Spider Control?
It’s no secret that pest treatments can be dangerous, but Go Green operates according to guideless provided by the Environmental Protection Agency. This means we use the most effective methods available with minimum risk to humans, pets, and non-targeted wildlife species. Learn more about spider control on the Go Green Pest Control website, or give us a call to chat with a professional: (316) 733-0687 in Wichita or (785) 377-0687 in Manhattan and Junction City, Kansas.
