How Do You Get Rid Of Cellar Spiders

How to Get Rid of Cellar Spiders: A Comprehensive Guide

Cellar spiders, those eight-legged creepy crawlies with their long, spindly legs, are a common sight in many homes. While generally harmless, their presence can be unsettling. This guide provides effective and humane methods to control cellar spider populations, ensuring a spider-free home without resorting to harmful chemicals.

Understanding Cellar Spiders

Before diving into removal methods, it's crucial to understand the creatures you're dealing with. Knowing their behavior and habitat helps in targeting your efforts effectively.

Identifying Cellar Spiders:

• Appearance: Cellar spiders, also known as daddy longlegs, have small bodies and extremely long, thin legs. Their color ranges from light tan to dark brown.
• Webs: They create messy, irregular webs in dark, undisturbed corners. These webs are often sticky and can be quite extensive.
• Habitat: Cellar spiders prefer dark, damp areas such as basements, cellars (hence the name!), crawl spaces, attics, and garages. They also thrive in areas with abundant insect prey.

Are Cellar Spiders Harmful?

While their appearance might be alarming, cellar spiders are generally non-aggressive and pose no significant threat to humans. Their bite is considered harmless, although you might experience a mild, temporary irritation. However, it's important to always exercise caution when dealing with any spider.

Effective and Humane Cellar Spider Control Methods

The key to effective cellar spider control is prevention and habitat modification. Here's how you can minimize their presence without resorting to harsh pesticides:

1. Reduce their Food Source

Cellar spiders prey on other insects. By reducing the insect population in your home, you'll naturally reduce the spider population. This can be achieved through:

• Regular cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning regularly eliminates insect hiding places and food sources.
• Sealing cracks and crevices: Prevent insects from entering your home by sealing cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors.
• Proper food storage: Store food in airtight containers to prevent attracting insects.

2. Modify their Habitat

Cellar spiders thrive in dark, damp environments. By making these areas less hospitable, you can deter them. This includes:

• Dehumidification: Using a dehumidifier in damp areas reduces moisture, making the environment less attractive to spiders.
• Improved ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in basements, attics, and other areas to reduce moisture and humidity.
• Removing clutter: Remove clutter and debris that provides hiding places for spiders and their prey.

3. Physical Removal

For individual spiders, you can gently remove them using a jar or cup. Gently coax the spider into the container and release it outdoors.

4. Natural Repellents

Some natural substances are believed to deter spiders. Although scientific evidence is limited, many people report success with:

• Essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint and tea tree oil, are thought to repel spiders. Dilute the oil and apply it strategically around entry points. Remember to always test in a small, inconspicuous area first.
• Vinegar: The strong smell of vinegar might discourage spiders. Spray diluted vinegar in areas where spiders are seen.

Prevention is Key

The best way to deal with cellar spiders is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Regular cleaning, sealing cracks, and maintaining a dry environment are the most effective long-term strategies.

When to Call a Professional

While most cellar spider infestations can be managed with these methods, severe infestations or persistent problems might require the services of a pest control professional.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage cellar spider populations in your home without resorting to harmful chemicals, creating a safer and more comfortable living environment for you and your family. Remember, a clean and dry home is a spider-free home!