Unless you’re trying to create a haunted house vibe, spiders are usually an unwelcome guest in any apartment. Getting rid of spiders once they’ve entered your living space can feel overwhelming or just plain scary; but odds are you may not be taking the proper measures to eliminate these 8 legged visitors.
Sure, you can always call an exterminator, but that could be a costly endeavor for a renter on a budget. Don’t get stuck trying to wait out your lease, consider these 5 easy ways to get rid of spiders in your apartment:
1. KEEP YOUR APARTMENT CLEAN
In general, pesky critters flock to dirty and dusty areas. If your apartment has been in need of a good cleaning for some time, it’s likely that you’re attracting spiders, and potentially a bunch of other pests, without even realizing it.
Specifically, moist areas occupied by old storage boxes or stacks of outdated magazines and junk mail can attract spiders.
Think about prime real estate in your apartment for spiders to congregate and build their homes (webs), then make a point of cleaning these areas regularly. An arachnid infestation is less likely to occur if you keep your apartment clean and uncluttered.
2. OPT FOR REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS
Spiders can be brought into your apartment via paper grocery bags, so avoid giving these unwelcome hitch hikers a comfy ride into your apartment by purchasing reusable bags instead.
Not only will reusable grocery bags help keep spiders from entering your domain, you’ll also be doing a solid for mother nature.
What’s more, reusable grocery bags provide more support than paper or plastic, and are machine washable. By cleaning your bags regularly, you’ll be able to ensure there’s no leftover food crumbs to attract spiders and other creepy crawlies.
3. SPRAY YOUR APARTMENT WITH PEPPERMINT
Rumor has it that spiders hate the smell of peppermint, vinegar, and tea-tree oil; so spraying these scents around problem areas in your apartment could help get rid of your spider problem.
Mix these ingredients together to concoct a super-spider-defender, put it in a spray bottle, then go around your living space targeting areas you’ve had spider-sightings.
Start with areas where spiders may try to enter your home, such as windowsills, doorways, and vents. Afterward, move on to areas where you remember seeing spiders in your apartment.
4. SEAL OFF CRACKS AND OPENINGS
Spraying your windows and doors may help keep spiders away temporarily, but in the long term, you’re going to need a more permanent solution.
Seal off any cracks around your windows, floors, holes in the walls, or other spaces that may be inviting spiders into your apartment. If you have screens, make sure they’re correctly in place and free of holes.
5. INVEST IN TRAPS
If worst comes to worst, invest in spider traps to catch and/or kill these critters. Traps can be placed strategically around your apartment, but, again, specifically target areas of entry such as windowsills and doorways.
Remember to be very cautious of setting up these poisonous traps around kitchen areas where food or drinks are stored or consumed (and absolutely keep out of reach of children and pets!)
If you’re not comfortable killing spiders, feel free to trap them using the good old fashioned piece of paper and glass method, then drop them off outside– happy spider hunting! Love, Adorable Pointe!
