Stop Spiders From Making Your Home Their Winter Retreat With An Overlooked Solution

When the cold season comes around, you and your family are not the only ones trying to take shelter indoors from the harsh weather. Pests like rodents, insects, and arachnids are most likely to try and make their way inside your home when the temperatures drop. Whether you have a fear of bugs or not, no one wants pests crawling in and around their home, especially spiders. If you're worried about the possibility of spiders taking shelter in your home this winter, or you've noticed spider droppings around your home, there is one tactic you can try that will ensure they stay out: sealing any gaps that could let them in. 

Whether you have already noticed a few spiders in your home or you want to simply be preventative, ensuring any gaps in your windows, doors, foundation, and walls are sealed is a sure-fire way to keep arachnids from coming inside. Not only will closing these gaps keep spiders outside, but it will prevent other bugs from entering as well, which they tend to follow and prey on. Before you call an exterminator, take care of your home with a simple sealant solution. 

There are a myriad of ways that spiders can enter your house. The most common areas are gaps and cracks in your doors or windows, garage doors, broken screens, and door flaps. Spiders can also come inside on firewood, plants, garden tools, and other items that have been sitting outdoors, so make sure to inspect these types of items before bringing them into your home. If you've noticed some cracks and gaps in your windows, walls, and doors, you can grab a silicone sealant or a silicone caulk, which are both easy to apply to any affected areas. Silicone sealant or caulk is best for any holes or cracks that are less than half an inch. Plus, bugs and pests cannot chew through caulk, making it an excellent option. 

Check for any drafts in your home, as well as any cracks in your baseboards, crown molding, or even behind your kitchen cabinets and appliances. You can use either a sealant cartridge or a squeeze tube. The former can be used with a caulk gun, which makes the application process much easier. Once you've applied the caulk or sealant, smooth it down with a gloved finger to secure it in place. Let the material dry for at least 24 hours. If you are still experiencing spiders in your home, double-check these gaps or contact pest control.