Pest control is a great way to protect one’s home and family against the many types of insects native to New Zealand. You might be wondering whether or not various forms of pest control will also get rid of spiders.
Pest control will get rid of spiders. This includes traps, certain sprays, and home remedies. There are also professional exterminator services that can take care of a larger-scale spider problem.
Throughout this article, we’ll discuss some of the spiders and pests that are native to New Zealand, the best and most effective ways to get rid of spiders, and what you can do to keep spiders out so that they stay gone for good.
Getting Rid of Spiders: What Works and What Doesn’t
Spiders are both dangerous and bothersome. If you’ve got a current spider infestation or are just preparing for a future one, you’ll want to know how to get rid of spiders as quickly as possible. Fortunately, many methods get rid of spiders quickly and efficiently.
Be careful, though, because some methods are not as effective as you might hope. Each method serves a specific purpose or is best used in a specific setting, so do your research before giving one a try.
Lay Traps and Glue Boards Along Walls
Spider traps and glue boards work by utilizing a sticky residue. When a spider walks onto the glue board, it becomes immobilized and will eventually die on the glue board. These glue boards are similar to those used for cockroaches and can work well within the following areas:
- Basements
- Crawlspaces
- Ceiling spaces
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Wardrobes
- Garages
- Underneath furniture
- Storage Sheds
Glue boards and traps are best placed along walls in any of these high traffic areas for spiders. A few advantages of glue boards are that they are non-toxic, and most don’t use chemicals. They are also inexpensive. They are best used against a small number of spiders, not against higher numbers. If you have a large infestation, you’ll want to find another method.
Instant-Kill Sprays Kill on Contact
Some instant-kill sprays come in a pull-trigger spray bottle, and some come in a continuous spray bottle or can. They use chemicals that kill spiders immediately, so they are best used when you see a spider crawling around your home. Store a bottle or can in your common cupboards for easy access next time you see a pest.
Something to be aware of with instant sprays is that they can sometimes damage fabrics or surfaces or leave a residue. Be sure to check the label or test out the spray before using it on any kind of expensive item. If you have any of the following in your home, you may want to avoid an instant-kill spray or test the spray on a small area first to see what effect it has.
- Area Rugs
- Carpets
- Wooden chair legs and furniture
- Painted surfaces
- Finished or stained surfaces
- Concrete surfaces
- Metal or vinyl siding
Foggers Aren’t Always Effective
Although they are still sold in stores, many users complain that foggers aren’t very effective in getting rid of spiders. You’ll probably want to stay away from these if you see them. Instead, stick to one of the other methods on the list depending on how many spiders you have, your preference for chemical or non-chemical formulas, and your budget.
Lawn Granules are an Outdoor Option
If you have a spider infestation outdoors, for example on your lawn, there are options available as well. You’ll want to steer clear of indoor methods for an outdoor spider problem, as they are not designed for outdoor use and won’t be effective.
Instead, consider a bag of insect-killing granules. These small pellets can be used in a similar way to fertilizer, blanketing your entire lawn and killing spiders that lurk below the grass. A bonus of these granules is that they also kill other types of insects such as:
- Flies
- Gnats
- Ants
- Mosquitos
Hose Sprayers Cover Your Entire Lawn
Another lawn option is a hose sprayer. Hose sprayers attach to the nozzle of the hose and spray a mixture of water and chemicals over the lawn to kill pests. They are particularly effective at covering large areas, but you’ll want to stay off the lawn for a set amount of time after applying. Check the product label for more warnings and details.
Just like with granules, hose sprayers can also target a wide range of other insects. For example:
- Mosquitos
- Grubs
- Ticks
But, before buying a bottle, be cautious as not all hose sprayers are meant to kill spiders. Check the label carefully before you buy.
Natural Remedies for Getting Rid of Spiders (With or Without Chemicals)
There are also a host of natural remedies out there that can kill and prevent spiders without using harmful chemicals. Some commonly used household products mixed with water, while others are more complex or require a less common ingredient. Either way, these methods are great for someone who doesn’t want harmful chemicals around their family or pets.
Diatomaceous Earth is Formed from Fossils
Diatomaceous Earth, also known as DE, is a powder-like substance that is naturally occurring and formed from the fossils of aquatic organisms known as diatoms. This powder breaks down the spider’s exterior, causing it to decay and die upon contact.
Diatomaceous Earth can be harmful to humans, though, so you’ll need to be very careful about how and where you apply it. It is best used around floor joints and baseboards or other low-traffic areas for humans. Do not use it on counters or anywhere that it could be accidentally ingested by humans or pets.
Peppermint Oil and Eucalyptus Oil are Non-Toxic Options
Something as simple as a peppermint essential oil can be turned into a spider repellent when mixed with water. You’ll need about 20 drops of oil per 0.95 litres of water, and you can adjust the ratio and size of the mixture according to your specific needs. Of course, more drops would create a stronger mixture, while fewer drops would weaken it.
Spiders strongly dislike the smell of peppermint and will avoid going near it. So, a couple of options exist to use peppermint oil effectively. You can spray the mixture using a spray bottle, dab it on surfaces using a towel or rag, or even stuff small crevices with cotton balls to discourage spiders from crawling through them.
Interestingly, eucalyptus oil will have the same outcome as peppermint oil. If you prefer the smell of eucalyptus to peppermint, feel free to use it instead. In either case, rest assured you are utilising a safe, non-toxic option that will repel spiders from the area.
Vinegar is Child-Friendly and Pet-Friendly
Vinegar is one of the most common items found in almost every home. Fortunately, it is also effective at killing and repelling spiders. Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Then, spray directly onto any spiders you come into contact with. Because vinegar contains acetic acid, it will kill spiders immediately.
This makes it a great safe, and cheap alternative to instant-kill sprayers. Most folks may also find it more convenient to mix water and vinegar at home than to make an extra trip to the store for an instant-kill spray bottle. Vinegar is safe to use around children and pets as long as it stays out of their eyes and nose.
Scatter Walnuts and Chestnuts Around Your Home
If you prefer a more passive approach to spider control, consider placing chestnuts and walnuts in various areas around your home. Spiders naturally stay away from these types of nuts due to the smell. Simply set the nuts out and forget about it.
Lemon Peels can be Used Before Being Discarded
Before disposing of a lemon peel, consider using it to repel spiders. Spiders don’t like the smell of lemon and will try to avoid it. You can rub lemon peels on any entry point where a spider might try to crawl into your home. Try rubbing lemon peels on and around:
- Door openings, including the top, bottom, and sides of the door
- Window openings
- Vents or air ducts
- Rubbish cans and other food sources
- Cracks along walls and baseboards
- Anywhere you think spiders might be hiding
Another Common Household Item: Baking Soda
Baking soda won’t kill spiders on contact, but it will help repel them. Sprinkle it freely around the perimeter of your home to create a barrier that spiders won’t want to cross. Baking soda is a great scentless alternative to the methods above. Use it liberally in areas where you expect spiders to be if you don’t like the smell of lemons, eucalyptus, or peppermint.
Cats Hunt Down and Eat Spiders
If you’ve been looking to get a pet cat, preventing spider infestations may be the perfect reason to finally own one! Many breeds of cats are quick and agile enough to seek out spiders and turn them into a tasty snack. Sit back and relax while your cat takes care of the extermination duties!
In the end, though, it all comes down to personal preference. We suggest you try a few different methods and stick with something cheap, easy, safe, effective, and convenient.
How to Prevent Spiders from Coming Back Once They Are Gone
Once you’ve repelled spiders from your home or yard, you’ll want to keep them gone for good. Here are some simple steps you can take to make sure spiders stay away.
- Dispose of spiderwebs or eggs if you see them around your home.
- Keep food, drinks, and other items that attract spiders carefully sealed and stored.
- Use mesh nets around the foundation of your home to seal cracks and crevices.
- Remove plants and shrubs from the perimeter of your home.
- Use barrier control pesticides to create an additional protective layer.
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter. Spiders like to hide in dark places and under objects.
- Fix any torn or damaged screens on doors and windows.
- Carefully check outdoor furniture for webs and clean these items often.
- Getting rid of other insects like flies and mosquitos will also help get rid of spiders. Without these insects, spiders have less to feed on.
How Much Does Spider Extermination Cost?
If you have a large spider infestation, you may need to call in the experts. The methods above are designed to handle a small number of spiders and may not work well on a larger scale.
Price among professional spider exterminators can vary. It depends on the agency and the services they offer. It also can depend on the size of the home or building that they will be clearing. A typical range is anywhere from $200-400 dollars plus.
Professional exterminators use a combination of the following methods:
- Sprays can be used in hard-to-reach areas such as crawlspaces.
- Traps can be used in common areas or when pets and children are present.
- Chemical barriers protect the house and keep spiders from entering.
Through years of experience, professionals can identify where spiders are likely to hide and multiply, and where they are likely to enter the home. They’ll focus on these areas the most and may also give the homeowner advice to keep spiders away.
Spiders Common in New Zealand
Fortunately for New Zealanders, there are no lethal or venomous insects or snakes. This is due in part to New Zealand being an isolated country, which means it is very difficult, if not impossible, for plants and animals to migrate there if not brought by humans.
However, that doesn’t mean these spiders and insects aren’t still annoying. Chances are, even though they aren’t lethal, you still won’t want them flying or crawling around your home or office. Here are some of the most common spiders and insects you’ll encounter throughout the country.
The Extremely Rare Katipo Spider
The Katipo Spider is seldom seen, perhaps in part because it is extremely small, but also because they are not very numerous. They are just the size of a pea. The Katipo Spider is recognisable because it has a red stripe near the back of its body.
This type of spider does bite, but its venom will not kill you. Instead, the area may become infected or inflamed, so seek medical help.
The Redback Spider: Brought from Australia
The redback spider looks similar to the Katipo Spider, except the red portion near the back of its body is larger and more defined. This spider prefers the hot Australian climate to the colder temperatures in New Zealand, so even though it made its way across the ocean, it will likely have a hard time surviving.
The Redback spider, like the Katipo, is not lethal. However, a bite can cause serious injury or infection, and an anti-venom is required if you or someone you know happens to be bitten. Seek medical help right away.
The White-Tailed Spider: Generally Harmless
The White-Tailed spider gets its name from the white markings along its body and back. It too came from Australia. Of the three types of spiders mentioned here, it is the least harmful. Its bites will not hurt badly, and a bite from a White-Tail does not require any medical attention unless there are signs of infection or pain.
Be advised that the White-Tail spider likes to hide underneath wood and in small cracks and crevices. In preventing or getting rid of these spiders, you’ll want to ensure that no such objects exist around your home or in your yard. If you do have a wooden shed, for example, keep the area clean and free of opportunities for these spiders to hide.
Does Pest Control Get Rid of Spiders?
Certain forms of pest control are very effective at clearing spider infestations and will keep them gone for long periods. Some methods involve chemicals and will kill spiders immediately on contact. Other methods are non-lethal such as:
- Traps
- Glue boards
- Essential oils
These methods are best used on a few spiders at a time and are relatively cheap, easy, and quick.
Always Check Product Labels
However, not all forms of pest control are effective in getting rid of spiders. Some insect sprays will only kill flies or mosquitos, for example. Be sure to carefully inspect the label on any product to make sure it is effective against the type of insect you are trying to eradicate.
Larger Infestations Require a Professional Service
For larger infestations or places that you cannot reach on your own, it is generally best to call in a professional. They can assess the property for specific problem areas and target the spots where spiders are most likely to hide. They can also give you advice on steps you can take on your own to get rid of spiders for good.
An Annoying but Non-Lethal Pest
Fortunately, none of the spiders mentioned in this article are deadly unless you have a pre-existing condition or an allergy. However, they are certainly still bothersome even if they won’t kill you. Use the methods in this article to maintain a home and yard that you can enjoy free of spiders and other pests.