Spiders may have eight legs, but they rate a full ten on the creepy list. Although we’re not big fans of this particular insect, we understand the benefits they bring to the home. Their insect-eating ways can be good for your garden, your patio, and your outdoor lighting, but how do you restrict them to these areas? Chemicals and insecticides can repel or eliminate them altogether, but some of those products may also harm pets, birds, squirrels, plants, and people. Instead, try some of these eco-friendly tips to keep spiders away from your home.

Wash Away Spiders

Wash spiders out with an annual power washing routine. Power washing eliminates spiders by destroying webs and nests, forcing them to move to a new location.  At Peak Power Wash, we’re known for our eco-friendly soft wash method that uses less water and less chemicals to achieve a similar level of clean. If you’re simply trying to banish spiders, our equipment and aim should encourage them to move along.  After a thorough cleaning, you should still regularly sweep away webs in high activity areas such as under shutters, beneath eaves, and in between siding. Consistent cleaning is one of the best methods for keeping spiders away. 

Don’t Stack Your Clutter

Spiders prefer undisturbed areas, so the more clutter you have, the more living space you’re giving them. Stacks of firewood are true spider magnets.  They’re even known to attract Maryland’s only native poisonous spider, the black widow. By moving wood or other stacked items away from your home, you’ll automatically lessen the chance of these insects moving inside. Additionally, try the eco-friendly option of keeping brush, vines, and trees trimmed, so they don’t actually touch your home.   

Go Green with Plant Protection

While a well-trimmed lawn can keep spiders on the run, some plants can prevent them entirely. Eucalyptus is one of the most effective natural insect repellents, so planting it on your property can create a green pest barrier. Plants such as lavender, lemon balm, lemon grass, and mint are other arachnid deterrents. Cedar emits an aroma that is toxic to spiders and other insects, so placing cedar mulch around your lawn is another environmentally-friendly elimination method. 

More Mint, Please

Peppermint and vinegar are tried and true alternatives for getting rid of spiders. All you need is a spray bottle and a few supplies to mix your owner spider repellent.  We recommend mixing ½ cup vinegar, 1 ½ cups water, and ten drops of peppermint essential oil. You can spray this wherever spiders are active, especially around shutters and eaves. The creepy crawlers will move on quickly, but the effects will wash off as soon as it rains. For maximum efficiency, try to spray this mixture at least weekly. As you go through your kitchen, you can pick up another eco-friendly repellent. Spiders, as well as ants, don’t like cinnamon, so sprinkle this spice around your home to keep them away. 

Better Bugs as an Alternative

Replacing one bug with another might not sound like a great idea, but it sure can get the job done. As far as insects go, ladybugs are generally well tolerated by humans.  Did you know they’re also an eco-friendly spider deterrent? If you release them into your lawn and garden, they’ll actually feast on spiders and other unwanted pests.  While you may not have less bugs in the long run, you’ll certain solve the spider problem.   

Lights Out

Spiders are more active at night since they love to feed on the flying insects that congregate around your outdoor lights. When you turn off those lights, you’re eliminating a natural food source for these arachnids, forcing them to go elsewhere.  If you’re unwilling to go completely dark, though, you can simply replace your standard light bulbs with yellow or sodium vaper bulbs. These are less attractive to flying insects so there will be fewer around during the summer nights ahead.   

Unwanted spiders and insects can be removed without chemicals, and even without killing.  Hopefully, one of these eco-friendly solutions will work for you this summer. Since a clean home is key, give us a call if you need a hand!  At Peak Power Wash, we’ve been washing residences in and around Carroll County for more than 20 years.  Schedule your annual power washing today!