What would happen if you opened your mailbox to find a friendly neighborhood spider crawling all over the place? Chances are you’d drop the mail, turn around, and run back inside your home!
If you’re scared of spiders, you must know how to keep them out of the mailbox.
Even though the world has gone mostly digital, some essential documents and papers are still received and sent via regular mail.
So here are 3 ways you can keep the spiders out of the mailbox:
- First, seal every nook and cranny.
- Clean the mailbox regularly.
- Use spider repellents.
While most spiders pose little to no harm inside a mailbox, their sudden appearance can still be scary!
So let’s find out why spiders inhabit mailboxes and what you can do to prevent them from doing so.
Why Spiders Like To Hide in the Mailbox
Like many other pests and insects, spiders love the dark shadowy corners of the world. So you’ll always find them in isolated corners, weaving webs to catch their prey.
Spiders rebuild their webs every night to ensure that the amino acids that make up the web’s silk remain strong. This also prevents the web from rotting.
But what is it about a mailbox that spiders like so much?
Here are some reasons why spiders choose mailboxes as their hidey-hole:
The Perfect Safe Spot
Spiders seek out spots that will keep them safe from predators. This makes the mailbox the perfect home as the lid mostly remains closed, only to open for the brief seconds or minutes to take out or place the mail.
Even then, the human presence keeps any potential predators at bay.
Weather Protection
Spiders don’t enjoy the rainy weather or like it when it gets too hot or cold. Even though mailboxes are out in the open, they’re built sturdy and withstand the elements.
This makes the mailbox the ideal shelter.
Easy To Find Prey
Mailboxes are a perfect base of operations for spiders. They can weave their webs around the mailbox to catch unsuspecting bugs and insects. Then, while their webs tangle the prey, they can remain safely hidden inside the mailbox.
Spiders can detect even the tiniest of vibrations on their web, giving them detailed information on the exact size, weight, and type of prey. It even alerts them to the presence of any potential predators.
3 Ways To Keep Spiders Out of Mailbox
Spiders can squeeze into the darkest corners of the mailbox. What if you put your hand inside to pick up the mail and an arachnid crawls on your hands?! You’d be scared stiff!
Regardless, you want to keep the spiders out of the mailbox.
So here are 3 ways you can do so:
1. Seal the Mailbox
If the spider has no access room, it won’t be able to enter the mailbox. Unlike other pests and insects, spiders don’t force their way inside or try to make a way. So if the mailbox is sealed all over, they’ll leave it be.
Make sure to shut the lid properly and fix it up if it has gotten loose so there’s no room for entry.
Also, because the mailbox is exposed to the elements all year round, it will corrode and rust. In case of any gaps or holes, seal them shut.
2. Keep the Mailbox Clean
This is simple but may seem like a chore to do every now and then. However, by cleaning the mailbox regularly, like every 2 to 3 days or even once a week, you can keep spiders out of the mailbox.
Arachnids are usually attracted to places that are ignored. So if you keep it clean with a wet sponge and soapy water, the spider won’t consider it as homely.
Make sure NOT to use pesticides or insect killer sprays inside the mailbox. Since you will be handling the mail, you may get both your mail and hands contaminated. You may also use the same hands for other chores around the house, resulting in serious health problems for your family and pets.
3. Use Spider Repelling Sprays
Spiders are an essential part of the ecosystem, so as long as they’re not invading your home or personal space, there’s no reason to kill them. This is why it’s best to use sprays and liquids that keep them from invading your mailbox.
The concoctions you can use as deterrents are as follows:
- A mixture of apple cider vinegar, neem oil, pepper, and liquid dish soap.
- Peppermint oil mixed with water in a 1:4 ratio.
You can also spray essential oils like:
- Citrus extract
- Cinnamon
- Cedarwood
- Tobacco
- Tea tree
These will keep spiders at bay and other pests and insects too.
Conclusion
Unexpected spiders inside mailboxes can give you quite the fright. Even though most spider species are harmless, they’re still creepy-crawly bugs!
The 3 ways to keep them from your mailbox are:
- First, Seal every nook and cranny of the mailbox.
- Clean the mailbox regularly.
- Use spider repellents.
With these simple DIY tips, there’s no way your mailbox will be receiving any spidey visitors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Attracts Spiders the Most?
Spiders are attracted to the bright light, with insects flying around as potential prey. The surrounding area near the light with insects is like a buffet for a spider!
Are Spiders Scared of Humans?
Yes! That’s why spiders choose the dark corners of homes, mailboxes, and other places that are deserted or underused.
What Are Spiders the Most Afraid Of?
Spiders are most afraid of their natural predator, the bird!
Is There a Smell Spider Likes?
Spiders can sense the smells coming from human food. So even though it’s not a part of their natural appetite, they know it’ll attract other pests and insects for them to prey on.
