Spider infestations can be terrifying to deal with, especially if you are phobic. Every household is likely to harbor one or two common species.
Some kinds prefer moist and warm spaces like the basement, bathroom, and kitchen. Others prefer drier spots and will make a home in places like a room’s attic, air vents, and upper corners.
This article will specifically talk about getting rid of spiders in your attic. However, let us first study the various types you are likely to find and their dangers.
What Are The Common Spiders That Invade Your Attic?
The most common types of spiders that are likely to turn up in your attic include:
1. Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are one of the many types that like to be left alone. They feed on pest insects and are completely harmless. They do not spin webs.
2. American House Spider
Also known as common house spiders, they do not cause any harm except building excessive webs.
3. Jumping spider
Jumping spiders enjoy hunting for prey and can be beneficial because they do not pose any threat.
4. Orb Weaver Spider
These are one of the most gentle types of spiders. They do not attack and mostly flee at any sign of danger.
5. Sac Spiders
Sac Spiders often weave silk sacs that house their eggs. These spiders are active hunters. Some species of sac spiders are said to be mildly venomous.
Please note that some of these spiders can bite— the bite isn’t dangerous and, in most cases, will not require a trip to the hospital. However, you should immediately consult a physician if pain and swelling do not recede.
How To Identify Dangerous Spiders?
Before we jump to any of the methods to get rid of spiders in your attic, you should know that some spiders are pretty dangerous, and their bite can be life-threatening.
The top three dangerous spiders that are likely to be in your attic and other areas of your home include:
1. Black Widow
The appearance of a black widow differs with each gender. The females tend to have a red hourglass shape by their side, while the males have a red dorsal mark on their abdomen.
White or yellow lines sometimes surround the print. The different bodily features of both genders are not the only distinction in their appearance.
Female black widows are spherical and have a black body with a notably larger abdomen.
The males have a brownish appearance and are smaller in size. They are less likely to attack than their female counterparts.
Black widows have eight jointed legs, and their bodies are segmented.
How Lethal Is Their Bite?
A black widow will only attack you when they feel threatened.
Their bite can paralyze prey, which is said to be as lethal as a snake’s bite. It feels like a needle prick and will cause red marks and swelling after a while.
After some time, you might notice the pain spread to other areas of your body, like your chest or back.
You should immediately rush to a nearby hospital or a qualified physician before the venom spreads to the whole body and becomes life-threatening.
2. Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider is light or dark brown in appearance. They have eight legs that are about one inch in length.
These non-hairy spiders have a distinct violin shape marking along their back. Another unusual appearance is that the spider has six eyes (others have eight).
Brown recluses have grayish or off-white webs that are sticky and loose.
These spiders mix up pretty well with the surroundings owing to their brown appearance— be careful while removing their webs.
How Lethal Is Their Bite?
Brown recluses like to be left alone and rarely bite unless they perceive a threat. Their bite is harmful to children especially and can take a few weeks to heal.
Their bite symptoms include pain and redness around the area. Blisters may also appear around the site.
Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, nausea, fever, and pain in the back or abdomen. In some cases, it can lead to other extreme symptoms like seizures (it’s very rare).
3. Hobo Spiders
Hobo spiders have often been mixed up with brown recluse spiders, probably why many people fear them. The best way to identify a hobo spider is by its abdomen.
It usually has yellow or brown markings on its abdomen. Also, their webs are funnel-like and non-sticky.
How Lethal Is Their Bite?
According to WebMD, there have not been enough studies to prove that hobo Spiders cause severe harm to humans. They will only bite when they want to catch prey or are trapped against our bodies.
However, when dealing with this spider at home, please do everything you can to avoid it touching your skin. They are more likely to hide from you than attack you.
Their bite symptoms include neck pain, nausea, headaches, numbness around the affected area, itching, and swelling. Although their symptoms are not as serious as the other two, you might want to see a doctor.
Steps By Step Guide To Get Rid Of The Spiders
Once you have identified the type, follow the below steps if the spiders involved are non-harmful.
However, if you come across a dangerous species or the infestation is beyond your skills, it would be best to call a professional exterminator or pest control service.
1. Look For Their Hideout and Entrance Spot
Look out in every nook and cranny of your attic.
Spiders love cramped, dark, and confined spaces such as tight corners, crevices, or cracks in your attic walls or ceiling.
Old furniture, cardboard boxes, or goods lying in your attic also provide a comfortable resting spot for them.
2. Remove Spider Webs and Clear Clutter
Use a vacuum to clear out all the spider webs so you wouldn’t get caught up in them. Empty the trash into a plastic bag and dispose of it.
3. Apply Remedies
Apply any of the solutions and remedies mentioned below around their hideout and entry spots.
Transfer the trapped spiders to a jar and release them at a suitable spot.
Please note that some spiders may find it difficult to survive the harsh outdoor conditions.
4. Clean the Attic
Deep clean your attic and fix it up to prevent another spider infestation. Seal cracks or openings that allow them a passageway inside.
Spray repellents around to prevent re-infestation.
How To Get Rid Of Spiders In Attic?
1. Use Organic Pesticides
Organic pesticides are the most effective solution for spiders in your attic. They carry natural ingredients that repel them without causing long-lasting harm to the creatures.
2. Use Spider Traps
You can place spider traps all around your attic. These traps carry a sticky substance and can catch quite a large population at once.
However, these traps are difficult to place around tight corners or crevices where the spiders usually hide.
3. Use Repellents
There are so many smells that can put off a spider. You can find the ingredients for the repellent in your kitchen.
Some common repellents include:
Fun Fact: Boric acid is an environmentally friendly option that takes out spiders pretty well. Sprinkle a fine layer on the floor and around cracks and openings.
4. Keep Insect Population At Bay
Insects serve as a tasty snack for spiders. Scratch that; they are the breakfast, lunch, and dinner to them.
To keep the insect population at bay, keep your attic free of dust and dirt. Without many food options available, spiders will find it difficult to survive.
5. Declutter Your Attic
If you are someone, who keeps throwing unused things in the attic, you will need to avoid doing that. A cluttered and overstuffed attic will provide a lot of hiding space for spiders. They can also conveniently spin their webs around and trap insects.
Keep your attic nice, tidy, and spacious.
