Spiders in living spaces can be an eyesore, especially if you’re terrified of them. They are particularly fond of dark and untidy spaces filled with trash, debris, dust, and dirt.
If you have an awesome patio you care about, you need to keep it free of vermin, insects, and arachnids like spiders.
Here are some simple ways to do that.
Why Do Spiders Lurk In Your Patio?
One of the several reasons you can find spiders on your patio is leftover trash or debris. It could be anything from leftover food to dust and dirt.
These spots attract lots of bugs, mites, and flies which the spiders prey upon.
Additionally, spiders may sneak in through cracks in the floor or walls or under the house or the garden.
They are also attracted to unused and undisturbed spaces. If you leave your porch furniture unused for an extended period, you will find it covered up with cobwebs.
Lastly, you could be living in an area native to some spider species, and your surroundings could be their natural habitat.
How To Keep Spiders Out Of Your Porch Or Deck?
There are several homemade and chemical methods to keep spiders out of your porch. Use what works best for your situation.
1. Introduce Spider-Repelling Plants
You can deter spiders from taking up residence on your patio by planting spider-repelling plants around the perimeter of your house.
These plants include lavender, basil, rosemary eucalyptus, marigold, and mint. Spiders can also be deterred by cedar mulch, citrus, and cinnamon (which also doubles as an ant repellent).
These plants have strong odors that spiders find repulsive. They also impart a pleasant fragrance while conveniently keeping spiders away.
2. Use A Vinegar Mix
Another natural solution to keep spiders away is using a vinegar mix. Just mix one part of vinegar with two parts of water and spray it around.
Spiders are highly sensitive to the acetic acid found in vinegar. It can also double as a cleaning agent for your patio furniture.
You can also apply some of this mix to cotton balls and place them in strategic corners of your patio and along the wall cracks.
It will deter spiders from gaining access through these openings.
3. Use Spider Eliminating Sprays
Insect repellent sprays prevent spiders from living on your patio or spin webs on surfaces around.
These sprays can be purchased online or from local stores. You should read the label for instructions and follow them for effectiveness.
These insecticides are divided into two different categories:
I. Natural Sprays
You can use these around your kids and pets. They are usually made from several household foods or products and are non-toxic.
- Garlic and water mix – This solution can be sprayed on the window sills and in corners and cracks. You can also drop off peeled garlic cloves in strategic places on the patio.
- Citrus – Spiders hate the smell of citrus. You can drop off fresh peels in the corners of your patio or burn some citronella candles.
- Essential oils – 10-20 drops of essential oils such as peppermint, mint, tea tree, cedar, and lavender oil in water when sprayed can effectively keep spiders away.
- Tomato And Cornstarch spray – Blend a few tomato leaves with 2 cups of water and add about one teaspoon of cornstarch. Spray it around the infested spots.
- Salt solution – Dissolve some salt into the water. This saline solution is very potent and can finish off large clusters of spiders when sprayed directly on them. It also destroys their webs.
Be careful not to drop undiluted essential oils on your skin or clothes. They should also be kept out of the reach of children.
II. Chemical Sprays
The chemical sprays should be kept away from the reach of kids and pets. These are further classified into three categories:
- Dust insecticide
- Powder insecticide
- Liquid insecticide
All of these options are effective and can be used separately or together, depending on the circumstances and the degree of spider infestation you’re dealing with.
However, we recommend using them only in the worst-case scenario.
4. Use Electronic Insect Repellent
Ultrasonic pest repellents are electronic devices that produce high-frequency buzzing sounds that effectively repel unwanted household pests like insects and rodents.
The sound emitted by these devices cannot be heard by human ears but is irritating enough for spiders.
They serve best for households with kids and pets as they are entirely chemical-free and harm-free.
You can buy these online or from hardware stores around.
5. Use Natural Repellents
Scents from some natural products can effectively help you get rid of spiders and other unwanted pests on your patio.
- Cedar – Cedar blocks, when sprinkled around, can effectively keep spiders out. They also add a fresh woody scent to your patio.
- Chestnuts – They are effective and last for a long while before turning rancid.
- Diatomaceous Earth – It works by dehydrating the insects of oils and water. Sprinkle some of it along the spider’s pathway or wall cracks. Distribute it thinly and evenly.
- Baking Soda – Sprinkle some of this powder along the routes of spiders and in corners and cracks to keep them out.
- Herbs – Certain herbs, including cloves, ground black pepper, and turmeric, also repel spiders effectively.
6. Get A Spider Catcher
Spider catchers are small vacuum machines operated by a battery that safely pick up spiders.
They are harmless to spiders and prove effective in getting into corners, holes, and cracks to capture them.
7. Place Sticky Traps In Strategic Positions
Source | Wikipedia
Glue traps are also pretty helpful in getting rid of a spider infestation. These glue traps are non-toxic and can be placed anywhere away from the reach of household pets and children.
You can either purchase a premade pack from a hardware store or make one yourself.
8. Apply Mouthwash
Source | Olichel / Pixabay
As unbelievable as it may seem, some mouthwashes repel spiders effectively from your patio.
Pour your favorite one (peppermint works best) into a spray bottle, and sprinkle it around your patio furniture and surroundings, including corners and cracks.
Be aware that it evaporates quickly and would need to be reapplied multiple times.
Other Ways To Keep Spiders Away From Your Patio
1. Organizing Your Patio
Spiders get attracted to dusty and dark choked-up spaces. Keep your patio clean at all times by dusting down and vacuuming it weekly.
Keep away unwanted furniture or boxes. You could also cover up the table using outdoor patio covers.
2. Clean Your Environment
Ensure your home exterior is free of woodpiles, leaves, and grass clippings, as they make for notorious insect hideouts.
Regularly weed your garden and prune away overgrown plants and bushes. It ensures that there is no space for them to grow and multiply, minimizing the chances of an infestation.
3. Seal All The Cracks
Check your window sills and door openings for cracks and gaps. Seal them using silicon or a joint compound to keep spiders and other pests out.
Conclusion
Spiders can quickly infest your home, garden, or patio if you do not regularly maintain and clean them. They also prove pretty challenging to get rid of once they establish themselves.
Thankfully you can keep these insects at bay by implementing the strategies mentioned above. Most involve home ingredients that are entirely safe for your children and pets.
