Even the word, spider, causes you to look around in fear and begin to feel itchy. And even though most spiders are fairly harmless, that fear we have of them pushes us to kill all of the ones in our home. If you’re wondering how to kill spiders, you can use an insecticide, squish them, or use some DIY methods, like diatomaceous earth or peppermint oil. But the real way you get rid of spiders is prevention.

But, how can you prevent spiders from coming into your home and spinning their webs? In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what you need to do to make your home spider-free for good. It just takes a few simple steps! But before we get into how to kill spiders, if you have a spider problem and you can’t take care of it yourself, call us asap or click here to see our pricing. 

What spiders are dangerous in Texas?

In the South, and here in Texas, there are really two spiders you need to keep watch for: Black widow and brown recluse. And these spiders couldn’t be any more different. But both of these spiders have very harmful venom, which can disfigure or kill humans. If you’re bitten by either of these spiders, you should go see a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

There are a few ways these spiders can be identified.

Black widow

• About the size of a dime
• Black and shiny, with a red marking on their abdomen
• Often seen outdoors in brush or under objects
• Won’t go inside homes unless by accident
• Bite will be painful and can cause vomiting, fever, muscle spasms, and shock

Brown Recluse

• Larger than a quarter
• Brown, with a violin-shaped abdomen
• Often found indoors and outdoors
• Likes to hide in boxes, corners, furniture, and anything dark
• Bite may hurt or go unnoticed but will cause red and swollen bite with a blister in the middle
• Bite can cause necrosis or skin and muscle to rot

How to get rid of spiders in your house

Did you see a spider in your home? If you’re planning on burning and cleansing the whole room, hold on a moment. Even if it was a dangerous spider, you can get rid of them without having to move. Though spiders are scary, the good news is that they often don’t cause any harm. They’re even more scared of you than you are them. But, that doesn’t mean you should coexist with them. To get rid of spiders in your home, you’ll need to do something.

DIY Methods

Looking for some methods you can try at home to keep the spiders at bay? You’re in luck! There are a few methods that have been proven to have some effect on spiders. Here are five DIY spider killing methods you can try:

1. Diatomaceous earth

This product dehydrates the spiders and messes with their exoskeleton. You can buy it in powder form. To use it, sprinkle a fine layer anywhere you’ve seen spiders. However, don’t use this where you prepare food or where kids or pets may accidentally eat it.

2. Vacuum

Okay with getting up close and personal with the spider? Use a vacuum to suck them up! They can’t survive the suction. Use your vacuum wand and go to town!

3. Peppermint oil

Using peppermint essential oil can make spiders avoid the area. They don’t like the smell of it, but be forewarned it’s not a for sure method. Mix peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle with water and spray it around the inside of your home.

4. Vinegar

With vinegar and water mixed together in a spray bottle, spray any spiders you see. Vinegar will kill them, and you can pick them up after they’ve died.

Prevention Methods

Spiders love to hide out, which means that they need somewhere to call home. However, too many times, our homes are littered with clutter that spiders call paradise. As it turns out, a good way to make sure you’re not seeing spiders is to prevent them from coming inside in the first place. Some prevention methods you can use to get rid of spiders include:

1. Clean often

Make sure that you’re cleaning your home often. When things are moved frequently, spiders know that you’ll find them. Vacuuming and sweeping up any eggs or webs that you find will make it so that spiders look for a safer, less-bothered home.

2. Remove piles around your home

Have piles of clothes hanging out in the corner of your room? Time to pick that up. Have piles of wood hanging out outdoors? Get rid of it.

Anywhere that there’s a pile of something for spiders to hide in, you’re asking for an infestation. Plus, the dangerous spiders love to hide, which means that you could be attracting harmful spiders.

3. Pest-proof your home

Make sure that your vents are all covered with a fine mesh screen so that spiders can’t get inside. You should also caulk your windows and remove any holes from the outside. Not only can spiders get in through them, but other pests, like mice, can too.

You’ll also want to store food correctly to keep flies, ants, and other bugs out. When there are other bugs in your home, spiders follow. That’s their food source, so remove their food source and you’ll remove them too!

How to kill spiders summary

If you want to get rid of spiders, you’ll need to call a reputable pest control. Though prevention is important to keep spiders out, you’ll also need year-round prevention pest control so that you don’t attract dangerous spiders. To keep your home pest-free, give Vinx Pest Control a call. We use products that kill spiders on contact and stop the egg cycle so you don’t see more of them. Even better, we guarantee our service.

If you’re in the Dallas – Fort Worth area, we’re ready to help! Our office is located off of I-635 in Carrollton, which is the perfect central location to get everywhere from Euless to Forney. Fill out our form or give us a call today for a free quote—we’re ready to help you kill the spiders in your home!