Spiders are obnoxious insects, and having them in your house can be pretty distressing. Spiders can be deadly, particularly if you reside in an area where dangerous spiders such as the black widow and brown recluse live. In the United States, these spiders are fairly prevalent, and their bites can be extremely severe.
Both black widow and brown recluse spider bites can make you feel sick. Spider phobia, also known as arachnophobia, is a prevalent phobia that affects between three and six percent of the world’s population.
Spiders can live in a variety of areas in your home, including the basement. Basements are dark and dingy, and they may also be a haven for spiders and other insects.
Important Note: If you're tired of pests and want a reliable solution, then you should definitely consider seeking help from a professional pest control company. DIY solutions can be effective, but if you're dealing with a significant pest infestation, you don't want to rely solely on DIY methods. Pest control companies typically don't charge huge fees. You can fill out this form to receive free quotes from the top local pest control companies, and compare the quotes and see for yourself. Then, finally, your pest problems will be eliminated for good.
We’ll look at some of the best spider repellents, treatments, and prevention alternatives for getting rid of spiders in your home and basement, as well as how to keep spiders outside where they belong.
Why To Get Rid Of Spiders?
While most cellar spiders are harmless, running into one or stepping into spider webs or cobwebs while working in the basement is not a pleasant experience. Stumbling across egg sacs inside your home is the worst experience.
The worst part is that some types of spiders that live in basements aren’t exactly harmless. Because spider bites can result in a trip to the hospital, it’s critical to understand how to get rid of spiders in the basement in order to avoid these pests.
If not kept clean, most basements become infested with spider webs and a variety of other vermin. If there are spiders in the basement, even a well-lit cellar might be unsettling.
The main aim should be to keep spiders out of the basement, your family, and your entire house. Spider repellents, both natural and artificial, can be used to keep spiders out of your basement. You can also use a variety of strategies and precautions to keep spiders at bay.
However, getting rid of spiders from your basement is a process rather than a one-day event. You should begin by looking for places where they can hide and blocking those areas. Cleaning cobwebs follows next, followed by the application of repellents.
What Kind Of Spiders Are in Your Basement?
Although many people are afraid of spiders in their homes, the truth is that the majority of house spiders are harmless. You might want to learn more about the types of spiders you’re looking for before you start looking for them. There are two groups of common house spiders:
- Hunting spiders
- Web-building spiders
Web-builders make up the majority of spiders seen in basements. Cone weavers, cellar spiders, comb-footed spiders, and crevice spiders are some of the most common spiders seen in basements.
Avoid Dangerous Spiders
Black widows and brown recluse spiders should be avoided at all costs. These two species have the potential to be exceedingly hazardous. They like solitary areas, and while they aren’t usually hostile, they do carry toxic venom and may attack if attacked.
- The black widow has a crimson hourglass-shaped pattern on its abdomen and is black and lustrous. Fever, elevated blood pressure, sweating, and nausea are all possible side effects of this bite.
- The brown recluse’s back is light to dark brown with violin-shaped patterns. Although bites from this spider are uncommon, they can be unpleasant and result in open sores within several hours. A burning feeling at the bite site, restlessness, fever, and difficulty sleeping are all indications of a bite.
Spider Removal Tips
Here are some of our favorite spider-removal tips for your basement:
1. Make use of an ultrasonic pest repellent
This is, in our opinion, the simplest, easiest, and the most effective technique to keep spiders out of the house or basement. All you have to do now is plug it into a power outlet.
Most pests, including spiders, will avoid your home because the ultrasonic and electromagnetic waves from the devices will damage their neurological auditory system, causing them to automatically avoid it.
Years ago, this type of equipment was fairly costly, but now, several of them are available at much lower prices.
2. All little cracks and openings should be sealed.
First, look in and around your basement for any cracks, gaps, or crevices. Those cracks or openings must be sealed because they are the entry points for spiders into the basement.
If the gaps or openings in your basement are rather extensive, you can seal them using any caulk or water-based wood filler, or you can use any spray coating if it’s only a small crack. Fixing the doors and attaching mesh screens to the windows is a fantastic idea.
If you have any portions that are too large for caulk, you may always use expanding foam, which would perform similarly. It’s time to take a careful look at your windows once you’ve filled all the nooks and crannies you can find. Spiders are likely to enter through your windows especially if your windows are ancient or have ill-fitting screens.
3. Keep Wood Stacking to a Minimum
Because of the insects prevalent in woodpiles, spiders like black widows like to creep inside and reside there. It’s time to call it a day if you’re the type who stores wood in the basement. Place the wood in the backyard or another outdoor location. There should be enough space between the woodpile and your home.
4. Clutter-free
Basements are the most crowded rooms in the house. The spiders are drawn to the basements because of this. Because clutter attracts more insects, spiders thrive in cluttered or chaotic environments.
Only by organizing and cleaning the basement can it be decluttered. Begin by removing all of the items that are no longer required. Give them away or sell them at a yard sale.
Keep superfluous items away from the wall to prevent spider webs from forming on it. It is also recommended that items be stored in plastic or other material boxes rather than paper boxes, as paper boxes are prone to cockroach infestations.
5. Get Rid of Other Pests
Basements are commonly used by spiders to look for more food. Mosquitoes, termites, tiny roaches, and other pests are all tasty to spiders. As a result, eradicating these pests from basements reduces the likelihood of spiders residing in the region.
6. Peppermint Oil
Natural oils, such as peppermint, are extremely potent and repel spiders and other insects. Because the smell is too strong for these insects to bear, peppermint oil is an excellent insect repellent.
To make peppermint oil last longer, it is combined with water. This also dilutes the oil, reducing the risk of skin irritation in family members and pets.
Peppermint oil balls can also be made by soaking cotton balls in the oil. Place them in areas of the basement that appear to be spider-prone.
7. Make a Spider Spray at Home
Vinegar combined with peppermint oil is an extremely efficient spider repellent. This will keep not just spiders out of the basement, but also mice and ants.
What you will require:
- 10 drops essential oil of peppermint
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
Procedure –
- Combine all of the ingredients in a tiny spray bottle. Shake vigorously.
- Spray in all four corners of the basement, under sinks, on window sills, and wherever else you believe spiders might congregate.
- Keep in a cool, dry location.
White vinegar is a moderate, DIY-friendly acid that may be used in a variety of ways. Though it doesn’t have the most attractive odor, it’s great for a variety of home tasks, including spider control!
It’s a one-of-a-kind, non-toxic way to keep spiders out that won’t hurt pets or children, making it ideal for families that don’t want to use commercial pesticides.
8. Obtain a Pet
Having pets at home is an excellent way to keep pests such as spiders at bay. Cats are the best of them all since they like to chase after anything that moves quickly. The presence of pets in the home acts as a natural spider repellent.
Bring your pet down to the basement on a regular basis to check for any moving creatures. However, you should take precautions to protect your cat from dangerous spider bites.
9. Lemon Oil should be sprayed
Lemon oil is also effective as a spider repellent, as spiders are known to dislike the citrus scent. You may easily get any lemon oil from a nearby grocery store and combine 5-10 drops with 100 ml of water to spritz over your basement. To achieve the best results, repeat this method every day.
10. Eucalyptus Oil should be made use of
Eucalyptus oil has a strong aroma and a variety of beneficial characteristics. This oil is the most effective at driving spiders away from any location.
Simply soak cotton balls in eucalyptus oil and place them in the corners of the basement, windows, and cracks, for example.
The capacity of eucalyptus oil to repel mosquitoes and snakes is another advantage of using it.
11. Basement should be fumigated.
Apart from the methods stated above, fumigating the basement to kill spiders is the greatest technique to repel spiders. Chemical insecticides or natural treatments such as peppermint oil or lemongrass oil can be used to fumigate.
Keep in mind that chemical pesticides are safe in the basement but not in other parts of the house, such as the kitchen.
12. Make use of spider traps
A spider’s trap is one of the safest ways to kill (or catch) a spider. This type of trap is non-toxic and non-pesticide, making it far safer than using a spider repellent. This type of trap can be used securely if you have children or dogs who visit your basement occasionally.
To get the best results, install this trap in a location where spiders frequently visit or where you discover cobwebs.
House spider exterminators or foggers should only be used as a last option. After all, if you’ve had a spider problem for a long time, there’s definitely a reason for it.
If you don’t treat the source and instead employ an exterminator, you’ll almost certainly have a repeat problem down the line. However, if you want to get rid of a spider infestation, you should probably contact professionals who are better suited to handle such a large-scale problem.
13. Use the zest of an orange or lemon.
Spiders despise citrus scents, which you can take advantage of by scattering citrus peels throughout your basement. These tactics will not only keep spiders out of your basement, but they will also make it smell nicer thanks to the citrus scent.
However, because the scent of citrus zest fades quickly, you’ll need to replace them every 1 or 2 days to keep spiders out of your basement.
14. Plants that Spiders Despise
According to various research, spiders dislike some plants, including lavender, mint, and lemongrass. You can plant one of the plants in the pot and place it within your basement if your basement receives enough sunshine to keep them alive.
Annoying Spiders
Spiders can be a pain if they’re crawling around in places like the basement. Because of the many goods that are frequently stored in basements, they should be kept clean and orderly. Use any of the above-mentioned spider-repelling tactics to keep spiders out of your basement.
15. Use essential oils to ward off spiders.
Several essential oils, particularly peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil, can be effective natural spider repellents for your house. The oil is supposed to be too overpowering for spiders, so when they come into touch with it, they should flee in the opposite way.
In fact, most insects, including spiders, roaches, and ants, dislike the smell of peppermint. As an alternative to conventional bug and spider repellents that contain dangerous chemicals, try this DIY spider and bug spray.
To make the perfect peppermint spray for spiders, combine peppermint oil and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture in any areas where you’ve spotted spiders, especially the entrances and exits to your home, after making sure the components are well blended.
The usual suspects are doors, crevices, and windows. When the aroma fades, you’ll need to reapply it. Peppermint essential oil and eucalyptus essential oil are effective natural spider repellents that are safe for children and dogs.
Furthermore, these essential oils will make your cellar and other spaces smell wonderful! Make a bottle of homemade spider web repellant and keep it on hand in case you come across one of these nasty animals.
16. Diatomaceous Earth As A Repellent
Diatomaceous earth is a safe and natural technique to kill or repel insects of all kinds, even spiders! This unique powder can be used to get rid of roaches, ants, and silverfish, among other pests.
To kill spiders and other annoying insects in the basement or other areas of the home, sprinkle this pest control sediment over any problem areas, on window sills, around doorways, around loose baseboards, or within crevices.
Diatomaceous earth is made up of microscopic, razor-sharp particles that lacerate the exoskeleton of insects and arachnids, quickly killing them. As a result, diatomaceous earth is the finest natural way to kill house flies, and it may also be used to keep cockroaches and other creepy crawlies at bay.
Spread diatomaceous earth around the outside of your house as well if you want to keep spiders out. However, getting this much diatomaceous earth can be expensive, and there’s no guarantee that the wind won’t blow it away or that an animal won’t brush it off. Instead, we recommend strewing it about your basement where spiders are frequent.
How to Get Rid of Cobwebs in the Basement?
House spiders have loved basements for as long as they’ve existed, and it can be difficult to completely eradicate them, especially if you live in an older home. There are, however, a number of ways to get rid of basement spiders that you may use to keep them out of your house in the first place.
When you use our spider repelling remedies, you won’t have to be afraid of going down into the cellar. Our solutions are straightforward and simple to apply. You’ll be okay.
After you’ve learned how to keep spiders out of your basement, the following step is to clear any cobwebs that have accumulated there. Here are a few things to keep in mind when clearing cobwebs:
Make use of the mask
Cobwebs are usually highly dusty, and they can have negative effects on your body, which is why you should use a mask when cleaning them.
Make use of the Vacuum Extension Nozzle
As previously stated, cobwebs are quite dusty, and it is strongly advised that you avoid getting too close when cleaning them. Cleaning them with a vacuum cleaner with an extension nozzle is the ideal method because you won’t have to go near the cobwebs.
Final Words
You can encounter spiders in your basement in a variety of ways, none of which are enjoyable, but you don’t have to live with them in your basement or anywhere else in your home.
If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to get rid of the spiders in your basement, it’s time to call a pest control company.
It’s difficult to remove spiders out of your house and keep them out, but you can do it by following the few simple measures stated above in the article.
