How to keep spiders out of your house in the winter

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures finally begin to drop, we look forward to enjoying the mild outdoor weather. Spiders, however, have other plans. Autumn is when many spiders mate, so they’re more active, and they may come indoors looking for partners. In addition, you may see more webs outside as the spiders try to catch the many flying insects that come out in the fall.

While most spiders do not pose a threat to humans and can be beneficial in controlling the insect population, many people would rather not have these creepy arachnids living on — or in — their homes. Here are some tips to encourage spiders to avoid your home:

1. Try a fragrant plant: Lavender, mint, and citronella are smells you might find appealing, but spiders do not agree. In fact, these plants act as a repellent. Keep these plants on your porch or near doorways to discourage unwelcome houseguests.
2. Lights out: Turn off any unnecessary outdoor lights in the evening so spiders aren’t attracted to your home.
3. Remove hiding places like piles of cardboard and other debris that provide the tight, dark spaces that appeal to spiders for webs.
4. Knock down or vacuum any small webs you see forming near porches, railings, and downspouts.

Unfortunately, there are times when even a homeowner’s best efforts aren’t enough to keep our eight-legged friends at bay. For those occasions, call Monitor Pest. We’ll have you arachnid-free in no time so you can enjoy your fall in peace.