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Recently, a close friend of mine made the exciting move from an apartment to a house. However, their newfound home came with an unwanted guest: spiders. These eight-legged creatures seemed to be everywhere, spinning webs and laying eggs on their back porch and along the basement windows. Concerned about this arachnid invasion, I decided to tackle this problem head-on.
As summer winds down and fall approaches, spider activity tends to increase due to mating season, with male spiders becoming more active. While most spiders are harmless, having them around is not everyone’s idea of pleasant. In this article, I’ll explore two spider management solutions: Miss Muffet’s Revenge and peppermint oil.
Step 1: Look for spider webs (or nests)
If you’re not a fan of spiders like me, the first step is to summon your courage and inspect your home for signs of spider activity. At my friend’s house, spiders were primarily concentrated around the back door, porch, basement windows, and any nooks and crannies they could find. We meticulously examined light fixtures, door frames, stairs, and drain pipes for spiders, webs, eggs, and nests.
Option A: Miss Muffet’s Revenge
The first option for addressing the spider problem around your home is the more assertive approach: Miss Muffet’s Revenge. This product, brought to you by Wet & Forget, boasts a convenient application process. You simply spray it on and let it work—no need to wipe or rinse. It couldn’t be easier.
Step A1: Attach the Spray Nozzle
Miss Muffet’s Revenge includes a spray nozzle attachment that initially seems short but can extend up to 3 feet. The nozzle works effectively at any angle, and it can spray as far as 12 feet, making it suitable for treating hard-to-reach areas.
Step A2: Apply the Spray
Application is a breeze: create a barrier by spraying Miss Muffet’s Revenge around the problem areas inside and outside your home, ensuring the area is slightly damp but not soaked. On rainy days, wait for the weather to clear up. Keep children and pets away until the repellent has dried. Once it’s dry, remove any cobwebs. The application provides protection for up to a year, although areas exposed to rain may require more frequent reapplication.
To clarify, Miss Muffet’s Revenge acts as both a spider repellent and killer. If you prefer a more spider-friendly alternative, consider option B: peppermint oil.
Option B: Peppermint Oil
Spiders dislike the taste of peppermint, and you can use this aversion to keep them at bay. Here’s a simple solution using peppermint oil and water.
Step B1: Prepare the Area
Before you begin, remove any spider eggs and webs from the affected areas.
Step B2: Apply the Peppermint Oil Spray
Mix 5-7 drops of peppermint oil with 16 ounces of warm water and a squirt of dish soap in a spray bottle. Thoroughly spray this mixture in areas where you want to discourage spiders, especially entry points to your home.
Step B3: Wipe Down Surfaces
After spraying, wipe down the surfaces. It’s a straightforward and effective method to deter spiders from these areas.
Remember that peppermint oil only deters spiders, while Miss Muffet’s Revenge eliminates them. If you’re dealing with a severe infestation, Miss Muffet’s Revenge is likely the better choice. However, if you want to keep spiders around to help control other pests (since they do eat bugs), peppermint oil can maintain a healthy distance between you and these arachnids.
Original Article: How To Treat Your Home’s Exterior For Spiders
