Get Rid of Spiders
Tips on what you can do to prevent spiders from becoming permanent houseguests
Call us for a free quote on +27875502498
Call us for a free quote on +27875502498
How to Get Rid of Spiders
Spiders are most likely to enter your home in the autumn in search of a warm place to spend the winter.
The best advice, in general, is to leave them alone. This can be difficult for the millions of people who have a real fear of spiders.
Majority of spider infestations are more of an annoyance – particularly their webs. However, on occasions, more serious situations can occur especially when it involves some of the dangerous spiders we have here in South Africa.
Tips on how to get rid of spiders
Although Rentokil does not offer spider control services as part of our pest control service packages, you may find the following tips on how to get rid of spiders useful.
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Vacuum regularly, high and low - particularly sheltered spots such as beneath worktops, backs of cupboards or under/behind large furniture.
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Remove noticeable webs - on a regular basis.
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Fill in gaps - in walls, around pipework and under doors to deter entry.
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Remove sheltering sites - like firewood piles, garden bags, compost piles and general clutter from near your property.
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Deter all insects - use lighting in a way that is less attractive to the insects (flies) that spiders feed on.
Signs of a spider infestation
In general, spiders can be found in dark, secluded areas, both in your home and garden.
- Look for spider webs - The size and shape of spider webs vary by species. Some are orb-shaped while others are funnel-shaped.
- Some spider species live in burrows rather than webs, while others are free-ranging and take refuge in crevices.
- Some species of spiders are attracted to moist environments. Check your basements, walls, sheds and other damp locations.
- Other species can be found in places such as attics, the junction of a wall and ceiling, closets and storage boxes.
- Spiders feed on other insects and prey on ants, flies, woodlice and other spiders, so where there is a plentiful supply of other insects, spiders will wait to find their next meal.
As the temperature drops in autumn, spiders become more active, looking for a mate and come out of their hiding places. Towards the end of autumn many die, but some hibernate until the following spring.
Spider eggs are laid into a silken sac, on average about 100 eggs in each sac, which may be fixed to a surface, hidden in the web or carried by the female. Signs of the sacs fixed indoors indicate that soon there will be more spiders around.
Rentokil does not offer spider control services as part of our services package, unless in extreme cases. If you do experience problems with spiders, your local Yellow pages would be able provide you with details of a spider specialist. If you want more information about spider infestations, call us on 0861 117 852.