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Every fall, when the days get shorter and the leaves change colors, you know it’s time to bust out your broom for some cobweb cleaning. As soon as you sweep up all of those pesky cobwebs in your house, though, they seem to come back just as fast.
Don’t worry! You’re not alone in this frustrating battle against spider webs – there are several surprising ways that you can keep them at bay for good. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep cobwebs from coming back.
What Are Cobwebs and Why Do Spiders Make Them?
Cobwebs are simply webs that spiders build. Spiders eat flies, mosquitoes, and other insects caught in their webbing. The size, shape, and color of cobwebs vary depending on the species of the spiders that create them.
Cobwebs form in the corners and on the walls of your home because spiders like to hang out there. They typically build their webs during the night, after you’ve gone to sleep.
Furthermore, spiders abandon their webs when they’re no longer helpful and build new ones. For this reason, so many cobwebs in your homes are abandoned webs.
Reasons to Keep Spiders Away From Your Home
Just knowing that there’s a spider in the room is enough to give some people goosebumps and make them feel uneasy. But aside from the fact that cobwebs are just plain unsightly, the main reason for removing house spiders from your home is to prevent spider bites.
While not all spiders are poisonous, spiders can bite you or your pets, and they can pose a significant threat to your health. They can cause complications–sometimes severe. Severe complications from spider bites include heart problems, breathing issues, hypertension, blisters, skin rashes, and neurologic problems.
Why Do Spider Webs Keep Coming Back?
Before we discuss how to control cobwebs, let’s take a quick look at why they seem to come back so quickly. After all, if you know the root of the problem, you can more effectively address it.
Spider webs are incredibly resilient because they’re made from protein-based silk. These sticky traps are powerful and stretchy, allowing them to catch mosquitoes, moths, and other insects as they fly by. Even if a spider web catches its prey, the silk has already stretched so much that it can quickly spring back into place after catching its meal!
So why do these pesky webs from coming back? Spiders gravitate towards dusty and poorly lit areas. Dusty, dark corners will encourage the spiders to build cobwebs. Most spiders will probably break in through cracks in the wall or broken windows as well.
How Can You Remove Spider Webs?
The certainty of cobwebs in your home can certainly be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove cobwebs, many of them DIY methods.
The best way to get rid of cobwebs is by using a vacuum cleaner, wet rag, or broom. Then, you have to keep spiders out of your house entirely. This can be done by using exclusion methods like caulking up cracks in your walls or installing window screens.
You can also use deterrents like eucalyptus or peppermint oil, citrus peels, and vinegar. These items repel spiders from your home. The section below includes more tips on cobweb removal.
How to Keep Cobwebs from Coming Back: 10 Ways
Method 1: Clean Your Home With a Vacuum Cleaner
If you have a lot of cobwebs, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up any loose webs and spider eggs. This may seem like a very obvious solution, but it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent spider webs from coming back.
Make sure to get into all of the corners and crevices of your home – spiders love to hide in these places! If you have a large number of cobwebs to clean up, consider changing the bag on your vacuum cleaner more frequently.
If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, use a broom and dustpan to sweep up any webs or spider eggs that you see in your home. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies, as spiders love to hide in these dark, dusty areas. Catching the eggs is important because if you don’t, the eggs will hatch, and you’ll have even more spiders to deal with!
Method 2: Wipe Them Away
Use a wet rag to remove them. If you don’t want to use any chemicals in your home, try using just water on the webs instead. This is effective because spiders are very sensitive to vibrations and will avoid areas that have been recently rinsed off or exposed to liquids of any kind.
Method 3: Use a Citrus-Based Cleaner
Use a citrus-based cleaner to remove the sticky webs. Spiders hate the smell of citrus, so they won’t form webs on areas that have been cleaned with these cleaners!
You can also fill up a glass jar (about half full of water) with lemon slices or distilled white vinegar. This repels spiders and other pests. Keep this near your windows and doors to help keep spiders from coming in.
Method 4: Install a Spider-Repelling Device
If you’ve tried the above methods and still see a lot of cobwebs around your living spaces, it might be best to invest in a spider-repelling device. These devices use ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves to create an uncomfortable environment for spiders, which will drive them away from your home in search of a more hospitable location.
Method 5: Clean With Vinegar and Essential Oils
Use vinegar and essential oil to prevent spiders from building the webs. These two tried-and-true solutions are perfect for anyone looking for an all-natural pest control solution.
Vinegar is effective because of its high acidity. You can try spraying vinegar around all corners and crevices where you find cobwebs. This won’t harm humans or pets but works by making the environment intolerable for spiders.
On the other hand, peppermint essential oil confuses the spiders’ sense of smell, making it difficult to orient themselves in your home. You can add several drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle half-filled with cold water. Spray the solution around your home or put a few drops on a cloth and wipe down the areas where you find cobwebs.
You can also tea tree or eucalyptus oil for this method. Both will help prevent spiders from infesting your home.
Method 6: Use Daylight to Your Advantage
One of the most surprising ways to effectively fight off spider webs is simply by scheduling regular cleaning sessions during the day! Spiders are nocturnal creatures, so they tend to avoid light. If you clean your home when there is plenty of natural sunlight coming in, it will be much easier for you to prevent spiders from coming back.
Last but not least, make sure that areas in your home you often find cobwebs are well-lit. Spiders hate the light, so they’ll be less likely to build webs in areas where they can easily be seen.
Method 7: Keep Plants Away From Windows
If you have any plants in your house, consider moving them away from the windows. Spiders love to hide in green plants, so they’ll be more likely to build webs near these areas. If fewer plants near the windows, it will be much more difficult for spiders to build webs in your home.
Method 8: Seal Cracks and Crevices
Sealing cracks and crevices is a great way to stop spiders from entering your home in the first place! Use caulk or silicone sealant to fill any openings around doors, windows, pipes, or cables. This will make it much more difficult for them to enter your home.
Method 9: Get Rid of Boxes and Clutter
Remove boxes, clutter, and other things that collect dust. It’s an easy place for spiders to build webs! Make sure that these areas aren’t accessible by pets or children, so they don’t get into any accidental contact with cobwebs or be bitten by spiders.
Method 10: Install Window Screens
Keep window screens tightly closed so that no spiders can enter through these points. This will save you from having to deal with spiders inside the house.
If all else fails, seek the help of pest control professionals. They will be able to eradicate the spider population from your living spaces effectively. While this is the most expensive option, it’s a great way to prevent spiders and other bugs from infesting your home.
How to Prevent Spiderwebs on Your Porch
In addition to trying out the tips mentioned above, you can also take some extra steps to prevent spiders from building webs on your porch.
Install Porch Lighting
Spiders like the dark, so installing porch lighting will help keep them away. Ensure the light is on a timer, so it comes on at night and turns off during the day.
Clean Your Porch Regularly
It is essential to clean your porch regularly. Since spiders love to inhabit areas covered with dust, regular tidying and cleaning sessions will keep the area spider-free. Remove any debris that may be lying around. This could include things like leaves, branches, and other organic matter.
Also, make sure you’re not keeping overgrown plants and shrubs near your porch because this will attract more spiders to your property.
Grow Herbs on Your Porch
Herbs like peppermint, basil, and rosemary all repel spiders. Growing them in containers spread in dark corners of your porch will help keep spiders and their cobwebs from your porch.
Use a Spider Repellent Spray
There are several spider repellents available on the market that you can use to keep cobwebs away from your porch. These products work by emitting an odor that spiders don’t like, so they’ll be less likely to build webs in these areas. Remember to choose one with non-toxic ingredients.
Freshen Your Porch With Essential Oils
Spraying a room spray made with lemon and peppermint oil on your porch, and outdoor furniture will help keep spiders away. Spiders don’t like the smell of these essential oils, so using them will help keep them from building cobwebs.
Light Citrus-Scented Candles
Another excellent way to keep spiders away from your porch and outdoor furniture is by lighting citrus-scented candles. The smell of citrus fruits is unpleasant to spiders and will discourage them from building webs in these areas.
As you can see, there are several ways to prevent cobwebs from invading your porch. Try a few of these methods and see which ones work best for you!
Essential Tips for Controlling Household Spiders
When keeping spiders out of your house, the most important thing to remember is that you should never use typical insecticides. This will only kill the spiders on contact, but it won’t do anything about the webs or any spider eggs in your home. You’ll still see those cobwebs come back over and over again!
There are a few surprisingly effective ways to keep spiders from spinning webs in your home. Here are some of our favorites:
- Place citrus peels near windows and doorways. Spiders don’t like the smell of citrus, so they’ll stay away.
- Hang garlic cloves or onion skins around your house. Again, spiders don’t like the smell, making them build their sticky webs elsewhere.
- Spray vinegar outside of your home and in places where you regularly see webs. Spiders hate the scent of vinegar as well!
- Use a combination of all three. This will be the most effective way to keep spiders from coming back and hanging around your home!
- There are plenty more natural ways to get rid of cobwebs around your house that won’t harm people or pets:
By following these simple spider control tips, you can keep spiders out of your house and say goodbye to those pesky cobwebs!
Easy Spider Web Removal Spray Recipes
Here are two easy spider web removal spray recipes that you can make at home:
Citrus Spray
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- Juice from one lemon or orange
Instructions:
Add the citrus juice to a spray bottle. Fill with water and shake well. Use this solution when cleaning cobwebs in your home. Easy, right? By following these methods, you can eliminate those nasty spider webs that are starting to collect in your home.
Vinegar and Dish Soap Spray
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 tbsp of dish soap
Instructions:
Combine the vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine. Then, spray the solution onto cobwebs to dissolve them. After, wipe everything away with a dry cloth.
Things to Avoid When Removing Pests From Your Home
When removing pests from your home, it’s important to avoid using methods that kill spiders on contact but won’t destroy their eggs or control their numbers. You’ll see those cobwebs come back over and over again!
Here are some of our biggest mistakes when trying to remove spiders in your home:
Using Insecticides
Don’t use regular insecticide sprays that are used to kill bugs. This will only harm the adult spiders and not do anything about their webs or eggs! The cobwebs will keep coming back over and over again.
Using Poisonous Traps
Some people try using poisonous traps to catch spiders. This is not a good idea because the poison from these traps will seep into your house and harm pets or children if they get near them!
Using Unnatural Products
Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or turpentine to kill insects in your home. Try natural sprays instead that won’t damage the health of humans or pets.
Not Removing the Cobwebs
This is a big mistake! If you don’t remove the cobwebs, you’re not eliminating the spider eggs! And when they mature, those tiny spiders will result in more cobwebs. Hence, we’re suggesting you drive them away for good!
These are some of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to get rid of spiders in their homes. By following these tips, you can avoid making the same mistakes and successfully eliminate those pesky cobwebs!
FAQs About Spider Web Cleaning
How Do You Permanently Get Rid of Spider Webs?
The most effective way to get rid of spider webs for good is by using a combination of methods, such as vinegar and essential oils, caulking and silicone sealant, or window screens.
Are Spiders Dangerous?
While not all spiders are harmful to humans, some can bite and cause allergic reactions. It’s best to avoid contact with spiders whenever possible.
Do All Spiders Bite?
No, only a tiny percentage of spiders are known to bite humans. Most spider bites occur when people accidentally step on or disturb the spiders.
Why Do Cobwebs Keep Coming Back?
There could be several reasons why you’re getting cobwebs in your home. One reason might be that spiders can enter cracks and crevices. Another possibility is that you have a lot of plants near the windows, which are ideal sites for b building spiderwebs. Finally, it’s possible that you have a lot of clutter or boxes that can act as a good hiding place.
Another problem with spiders is that they lay eggs. The eggs hatch, and then the baby spiders make their webs around your home when they mature!
Why Do Spiders Spin Webs?
Spiders spin their webs to catch food. The sticky trap of the web also helps to protect spiders from predators.
What Should You Do if You Get Bitten by a Spider?
If you’re bitten by a spider, it’s essential to clean the wound and apply ice to reduce swelling. You may also need antibiotics if the bite becomes infected. See a doctor if you experience any other symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing.
What Should You Do if You See a Spider in the House?
If you see a spider in your home, try to capture it in a container and release it outside. Don’t try to kill spiders as they bite. Also, spiders help to control the insect population.
What Should You Do if You Find a Spider Web in Your House?
If you find spiderwebs, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove the webs quickly and easily.
How to Get Rid of Spider Webs on Outside Windows?
There are a few different ways to get rid of spider webs on the outside of your windows. One way is to create a spider web removal spray made from water and vinegar. You can also use a broom to brush them away. Another way is to use a vacuum with a hose attachment. Finally, you can purchase a unique cobweb duster tool to remove the webs.
Keeping Homes Spider- and Cobweb-Free
Many homeowners have complaints about spiders and their webs invading their homes. While spiders are not that bad, most people want them out of their living areas as the webs are a hassle to clean.
Luckily, with all the tips we provided in this guide, you now know how to keep cobwebs from coming back. By following our simple tips, you don’t have to worry about creepy spiders and their unsightly webs taking over your home ever again!
If you have any thoughts or questions about this article, please feel free to leave a comment below – we’d love to hear from you!
