There is nothing like opening windows to let in cool air in your home when the weather warms up. But there’s one problem. Spiders!
Seeing one might make you panic, but while they are present in every home, they hardly bite. They are beneficial to have around. As they hunt for food, they control pest populations by feeding on bugs that nest on window ledges.
Windows are an essential component of a structural framework, and the bases of windows are some of the most typical locations for spiders and their webs to accumulate within your house.
So, how do you keep spiders out of windows?
Bugs are everywhere, and with so many kinds around, spiders will eventually frequent your home. When the weather warms up, spiders become more prevalent in your attic, basement, windows, and outdoor living areas. But don’t worry!
The measures to ward off spiders while keeping your windows open include:
- Using natural deterrents.
- Inviting predators.
- Maintaining a neat yard.
Spiders are regular visitors to many homes, and while they are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance.
Learn to keep them out of your windows and enjoy your summer more.
7 Ways To Keep Spiders Out of Windows
No one enjoys sharing their homes with spiders on windows.
You can significantly reduce their number by making your environment less inviting.
Some of the steps to keep spiders out of windows are:
1. Cultivate Pest-Repelling Herbs
On your windows, you can grow potted plants. Most plants that deter pests are pleasant-smelling herbs, which are simple to grow in pots throughout the warmer months. Their enticing aroma comes from the essential oils containing molecules.
These particles evaporate the essential oils, transforming them into vapor when the temperature increases.
Insects can’t stand these odors and will steer clear of them even though humans find them appealing. Plants like mint, lavender, citronella, and eucalyptus can deter spiders.
Growing any of these herbs near your windows can help prevent spiders from building their webs because they all have potent aromas that spiders find repulsive.
2. Use Natural Deterrents
The following are some natural deterrents that can be used to successfully keep spiders at bay:
I. Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural treatments with a repelling scent to insects yet soothing to humans.
Because these smells repel insects, spiders will also avoid areas where you spray these scents. Spiders construct their webs on windows because there is a good breeze to trap insects on their webs.
The easiest way to use essential oils is to mix them with water and spray them around your yard, on windows, and in areas where spiders are most likely present.
Chestnut, lavender, citronella, cedar, vanilla, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils are among those you can consider using.
Apply these natural spider repellents after every few days for the best results.
II. Vinegar
If you don’t already keep a supply of vinegar for cleaning, cooking, and many other uses, you should.
You can use vinegar spray to control pests, particularly spiders. Although it is safe for humans, spiders are sensitive to the acetic acid it contains, which gives it a sour flavor and odor.
To use vinegar, mix it with water in equal amounts in a spray bottle. Spray around your home, concentrating on your windows and the surrounding areas.
III. Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
This white powder is an excellent option for repelling spiders, whether you have pets or young children. It is affordable, efficient, and nontoxic.
The silica in this compound draws all the moisture from pests, which results in their dehydration. You can sprinkle Diatomaceous earth around areas where you notice spiders.
Also, you can mix one tablespoon of DE in a spray bottle full of water. Shake it well and spray it around the exterior of your windows or anywhere you have seen spiders.
IV. Cedars
Cedar adds the extra benefit of filling your house with a pleasant woodsy smell.
Scatter cedar blocks and chips inside and around your windows to eliminate spiders.
V. Horse Chestnuts
Horse chestnuts are effective spider repellents.
Spiders hang around less on your window sills if you place a couple of them there.
Chestnuts are long-lasting, and this makes them a good choice.
Read Also: How to Keep Bugs Out of Window Sills
3. Remove Their Webs
This step entails removing spider webs from areas around the window.
Spiders trap their prey and eat insects by weaving sticky webs. The best way to remove spider webs from the areas surrounding your windows is with a hose-attached vacuum, a broom, or gloved hands.
A simple DIY approach to keep spiders out of your windows is to remove new spider webs. Spiders remain unharmed, and eventually, they will make their webs elsewhere.
4. Dust Regularly
Spiders like to hang in dusty, cobweb-filled environments.
Dusting frequently will prevent these creatures from settling down on your windows.
Spiders will find your windows less attractive if you keep them tidy.
5. Attract Natural Predators
One of the simplest ways to spider-proof your home is to rely on predators.
Birds hunt on spiders, so providing them with trees where they may build their nests will assist in your attempts to control spiders.
The best approach to drawing birds is to set up bird feeders close to your windows. Add fresh water and replace it frequently to prevent it from becoming stagnant.
To supplement their insect-based diet, you might also want to include a feeder for birdseed or nectar.
Remember, don’t get discouraged if the birds don’t appear immediately. One bird will show up by giving them a week to locate your birding spot, and others will follow.
6. Switch Off Outdoor Lights
Bright lighting doesn’t draw spiders but attracts mosquitoes, flies, and gnats—insects that spiders feed on.
To catch these insects, spiders construct their webs close to lights on windows.
Keeping the lights off will keep bugs away, and spiders will find other welcoming spots to hang out.
7. Maintain Your Yard
Maintaining your yard will reduce pest infestations, and you can achieve this by following:
I. Reduce Humidity
Spiders thrive in warm, humid environments where there are insects for them to feed on, such as mosquitoes and biting flies.
Clear any standing water from your yard to make it inhabitable. Also, maintaining regular drainage systems such as gutters and drains is crucial.
Keep them clear of leaves, grass clippings, and other debris so they can function effectively.
When not in use, keep your pool chlorinated and filtered. Change the water in your birdbath or fountains twice every week to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching.
II. Tidy Up Clutter
Ensure there are no heaps of leaves, grass, wood, or other common bug-hiding places on the exterior of your property. Cut weeds, and manicure the bushes.
If you keep spiders and insects out of your home from the beginning, they will be less likely to thrive there.
III. Remove Mulch Piles Next to Windows
The buildup of moist mulch next to your windows is one of the main reasons spiders love these areas.
Anything that keeps water close to your windows will attract them, and it won’t take long for them to establish a home on your windows.
Remove mulch close to windows to discourage these eight-legged creatures from making themselves at home.
Spiders and insects like termites, ants, and fleas do exceptionally well multiplying and growing in moist locations.
Protecting your home’s foundation from moisture will make it more challenging for spiders to breed.
Conclusion
While spiders ordinarily keep to themselves, encountering one while opening windows can be startling.
Although they help reduce the number of bugs around homes, sharing your space with them is not ideal.
A recap on the strategies to keep them out of windows is:
- Using natural deterrents.
- Cultivating repelling herbs.
- Dusting regularly and removing their webs.
- Attracting natural predators, switching off outdoor lights, etc.
To enjoy the feeling of fresh air through open windows without the annoyance of spiders, combining these measures proves effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Spiders More Active at Night?
You will probably see most spiders become more active at night. While you will see a few during the day, they prefer to hide.
In the mornings, you will often see spiders making webs. Yet they hide because most of their natural predators, such as birds, are active during the day.
What Scents Keep Spiders Away?
You can easily repel spiders with natural products. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges offend these critters.
They also dislike vinegar, eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint oils. Using any of these will keep spiders away from your house.