Are you tired of daddy long leg spiders invading your home? These long-legged, fragile creatures may seem harmless, but they can be a nuisance, especially if you have a lot of them. The good news is that there are several effective ways to repel daddy long legs and keep them out of your house. In this article, we’ll explore proven methods for repelling these unwanted guests.
One of the most effective ways to repel daddy long leg spiders is to use essential oils. These natural plant extracts have strong scents that spiders find unpleasant. Some of the most effective essential oils for repelling daddy long legs include peppermint, tea tree, and lavender. You can use these oils in a diffuser, apply them to cotton balls and place them around your home, or add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and spray it around entry points and areas where spiders tend to gather.
Another effective way to repel daddy long leg spiders is to keep your home clean and free of clutter. Spiders are attracted to dark, secluded areas, so keeping your home clean and organized will help to make it less appealing to them. Vacuum and sweep regularly, and be sure to remove any webs that you see. You should also seal up any cracks or holes in your walls or foundation, as these can provide easy access for spiders to enter your home.
Identify Potential Entry Points
Daddy long leg spiders, also known as harvestmen or harvester spiders, are common household pests that can be annoying but are generally harmless. They are usually found in dark, damp areas, such as basements, attics, and closets. To repel daddy long leg spiders, it is important to identify potential entry points into your home and seal them off.
Daddy long leg spiders can enter your home through a variety of openings, including:
- Cracks in walls and foundations
- Holes in window screens
- Openings around pipes and wires
- Gaps under doors
- Holes in siding
Once you have identified potential entry points, you can seal them off using a variety of methods, such as:
| Entry Point | Sealing Method |
|---|---|
| Cracks in walls and foundations | Caulk or expanding foam |
| Holes in window screens | Repair or replace the screen |
| Openings around pipes and wires | Caulk or expanding foam |
| Gaps under doors | Weatherstripping |
| Holes in siding | Caulk or expanding foam |
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Daddy long legs spiders, despite their harmless nature, can be a nuisance when they enter your home. One of the primary ways to keep them out is to seal entry points, effectively blocking their access to your space.
Inspect Thresholds, Windows, and Doors
Examine the perimeter of your home, paying close attention to areas where utilities or pipes enter the structure. Look for gaps around windows and doors. Even small openings can provide entry points for these spiders.
Apply Caulk or Weatherstripping
Use high-quality caulk or weatherstripping to fill in any gaps or cracks. Caulk is ideal for sealing smaller openings, while weatherstripping creates a tighter seal around movable elements like windows and doors. Apply the materials carefully and allow them to cure fully to ensure maximum effectiveness in repelling daddy long legs spiders.
| Area | Recommended Material | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Window and Door Frames | Weatherstripping | Install around the edges of frames to create a tight seal |
| Baseboards | Caulk | Fill gaps between baseboards and floors |
| Utility Entrances | Caulk or expanding foam | Seal gaps around pipes or wires entering the home |
Eliminate Standing Water
Daddy longlegs, also known as harvestmen or harvester spiders, are attracted to moisture. Eliminating standing water sources around your home can help reduce their population. Here are some specific steps you can take:
Inspect Your Property
Walk around your property and look for any areas where water might be collecting, such as:
Remove Standing Water
Once you have identified potential sources of standing water, take steps to remove or eliminate them. Here’s how:
- Empty bird baths regularly: Change the water in bird baths every few days to prevent it from becoming stagnant.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris that can trap water and create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects that attract daddy longlegs.
- Fill in puddles: If you have puddles in your yard, fill them in with dirt or gravel to prevent water from accumulating.
- Grade low-lying areas: If there are low-lying areas in your property where water tends to pool, regrade them to allow water to drain properly.
- Unclog drains: Keep drains clear of leaves, dirt, and debris to ensure proper water drainage.
- Fix leaky faucets: Repair any leaky faucets or pipes to prevent water from dripping and creating moist environments.
Keep Your Home Clean
Daddy long leg spiders, also known as harvestmen or harvester spiders, are not actually spiders but belong to the order Opiliones. They are characterized by their long, slender legs and small bodies. Daddy long legs are not dangerous to humans, but they can be a nuisance when they invade homes. One of the best ways to repel daddy long leg spiders is to keep your home clean.
Declutter and Remove Webs
Daddy long leg spiders are attracted to clutter and webs. To repel them, it is important to declutter your home and remove any webs that you see. Pay special attention to areas where spiders are likely to hide, such as under furniture, in closets, and in corners.
Vacuum and Dust Regularly
Vacuuming and dusting regularly can help to remove daddy long leg spiders and their eggs. Be sure to vacuum all floors, carpets, and furniture, and dust all surfaces, including windowsills, baseboards, and shelves.
Wipe Down Surfaces with Vinegar
Daddy long leg spiders dislike the smell of vinegar. To repel them, you can wipe down surfaces in your home with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. You can also spray vinegar around the perimeter of your home to create a barrier.
Seal Cracks and Holes
Daddy long leg spiders can enter your home through cracks and holes. To prevent them from getting inside, seal up any cracks or holes that you find around your windows, doors, and foundation. You can use caulk, weatherstripping, or expanding foam to seal up these openings.
Reduce Clutter
Daddy long leg spiders thrive in cluttered environments, as the abundance of hiding places makes it easy for them to avoid predators and build their webs. To deter these spiders, it’s essential to minimize clutter throughout your home and outdoor spaces.
Here are some specific steps you can take to reduce clutter:
- Regularly declutter and discard items you no longer need.
- Store belongings in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent dust and debris accumulation.
- Organize and tidy up your closets, drawers, and shelves.
- Remove unnecessary furniture and decorations that can create additional hiding spots.
- Keep floors and surfaces clear of clutter, paying attention to corners and baseboards where spiders may congregate.
By following these tips and regularly maintaining a clutter-free environment, you can effectively reduce the number of daddy long leg spiders in your home and prevent them from becoming an unwanted nuisance.
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils, extracted from plants, are a natural and effective way to repel daddy long legs. Here are some of the most effective essential oils:
- Peppermint oil:Daddy long legs dislike the strong, minty scent of peppermint oil. Diffuse it in your home or apply it topically to your skin.
- Tea tree oil:This oil has strong insecticidal properties and can deter daddy long legs. Diffuse it or add a few drops to a spray bottle with water.
- Lavender oil: The calming scent of lavender oil is not appealing to daddy long legs. Diffuse it in your bedroom or add a few drops to your bathwater.
- Eucalyptus oil:The strong, fresh scent of eucalyptus oil is another effective deterrent. Diffuse it or apply it topically to your skin.
- Citrus oils:Daddy long legs find the citrusy scent of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits unpleasant. Diffuse citrus oils or place citrus peels around your home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Essential Oils for Repelling Daddy Long Legs:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your preferred essential oil from the list above. |
| 2 | Diffusing essential oils: Add a few drops of the oil to a diffuser and turn it on. |
| 3 | Topical application: Dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply a small amount to your skin. |
| 4 | Spraying: Add a few drops of the oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Shake well and spray around areas where daddy long legs are present. |
| 5 | Repeat the process as needed. |
Try Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural repellent for daddy long legs. The strong smell of the vinegar is unpleasant to the spiders, and it can also irritate their skin. To use apple cider vinegar as a repellent, simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around the perimeter of your home, paying particular attention to areas where daddy long legs are likely to enter, such as windows, doors, and cracks in the foundation.
You can also place small bowls of apple cider vinegar in areas where daddy long legs are a problem. The spiders will be attracted to the smell of the vinegar, but they will be deterred by the liquid itself. Be sure to replace the vinegar regularly, as it will lose its potency over time. Here are some additional tips for using apple cider vinegar to repel daddy long legs:
- Use a spray bottle with a fine mist setting to ensure that the vinegar is evenly distributed.
- Do not spray vinegar directly on daddy long legs, as this can injure them.
- Be patient! It may take a few applications of vinegar to repel all of the daddy long legs in your home.
Here are the benefits of using apple cider vinegar as a natural repellent for daddy long legs:
| Benefits |
|---|
| 1. It is a safe and non-toxic solution. |
| 2. It is effective in repelling daddy long legs. |
| 3. It is easy to use and apply. |
| 4. It is affordable and accessible. |
Place Citrus Peels Around Entry Points
Daddy long leg spiders, also known as harvestmen, are harmless creatures that are often found in homes. While they are not known to bite or transmit diseases, some people find them to be a nuisance. If you are looking for a natural way to repel daddy long leg spiders, placing citrus peels around entry points is a simple and effective solution.
Why Citrus Peels Repel Daddy Long Leg Spiders
Daddy long leg spiders are repelled by the smell of citrus fruits. The strong scent of citrus peels masks the natural pheromones that spiders use to communicate and find food. This makes it difficult for spiders to navigate and enter your home.
How to Use Citrus Peels
To use citrus peels to repel daddy long leg spiders, simply peel an orange, lemon, or grapefruit and place the peels around entry points to your home. You can also place peels in window sills and other areas where spiders are likely to enter.
Other Tips for Repelling Daddy Long Leg Spiders
In addition to placing citrus peels around entry points, there are other things you can do to repel daddy long leg spiders:
- Keep your home clean. Spiders are attracted to clutter and debris. Vacuum and dust regularly to remove food sources and hiding places for spiders.
- Seal any cracks or gaps. Spiders can enter your home through even the smallest cracks or gaps. Seal any openings around windows, doors, and pipes to prevent spiders from entering.
- Use essential oils. Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, have spider-repellent properties. You can diffuse these oils in your home or apply them to cotton balls and place them around entry points.
Table of Citrus Peels Effective Against Daddy Long Leg Spiders
| Citrus Fruit | Effective Against Daddy Long Leg Spiders |
|---|---|
| Orange | Yes |
| Lemon | Yes |
| Grapefruit | Yes |
| Lime | Yes |
| Tangerine | Yes |
Keep Spider Traps Handy
One of the most effective methods for eliminating Daddy Long Leg spiders is to use sticky traps. These traps are specifically designed to attract and capture spiders, using a combination of pheromones and visual cues.
To increase the effectiveness of spider traps, place them in strategic areas where spiders are commonly seen, such as corners, baseboards, and near windows. Additionally, you can use multiple traps to cover a larger area and improve your chances of catching spiders.
Tips for Using Spider Traps:
- Choose traps designed specifically for spiders, as they are more likely to be effective.
- Place traps in areas where spiders are commonly spotted, such as corners, baseboards, and near windows.
- Use multiple traps to cover a larger area and increase the chances of catching spiders.
- Monitor traps regularly and empty them when they become full.
- Combine spider traps with other methods, such as sealing entry points and reducing clutter, for a more comprehensive approach.
Call a Professional Exterminator
If the infestation is severe or if you are unable to control the population on your own, it is best to call a professional exterminator. They will be able to identify the type of daddy long legs spider you are dealing with and develop a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. Professional exterminators typically use a combination of methods to control daddy long legs spiders, including:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical treatments | These involve the use of insecticides to kill daddy long legs spiders. Insecticides can be applied as sprays, dusts, or baits. |
| Biological control | This involves the use of natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to control daddy long legs spiders. |
| Habitat modification | This involves making changes to your home or property to make it less attractive to daddy long legs spiders. This can include sealing up cracks and crevices, removing clutter, and reducing moisture levels. |
The cost of professional extermination will vary depending on the size of your home or property, the severity of the infestation, and the type of treatment used. However, it is typically worth the investment to have a professional handle the problem, as they can quickly and effectively eliminate daddy long legs spiders from your home.
How To Repel Daddy Long Leg Spiders
Daddy long leg spiders, also known as harvestmen or harvester spiders, are common household pests. They are not actually spiders, but belong to the order Opiliones. Daddy long legs are harmless to humans, but they can be a nuisance. They are often found in damp, dark areas, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Daddy long legs can also be found outdoors, in gardens and fields.
There are a few things you can do to repel daddy long leg spiders from your home. One is to seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation or siding. This will prevent them from entering your home in the first place. You should also keep your home clean and free of clutter. This will make it less appealing to daddy long legs.
If you do find daddy long legs in your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. One is to vacuum them up. You can also use a broom or dustpan to sweep them up. If you have a lot of daddy long legs, you may need to call a pest control company to help you get rid of them.
People Also Ask
What are daddy long leg spiders?
Daddy long leg spiders, also known as harvestmen or harvester spiders, are not actually spiders, but belong to the order Opiliones. They are harmless to humans, but they can be a nuisance.
How do I repel daddy long leg spiders?
There are a few things you can do to repel daddy long leg spiders from your home. One is to seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation or siding. This will prevent them from entering your home in the first place. You should also keep your home clean and free of clutter. This will make it less appealing to daddy long legs.
How do I get rid of daddy long leg spiders?
If you do find daddy long legs in your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. One is to vacuum them up. You can also use a broom or dustpan to sweep them up. If you have a lot of daddy long legs, you may need to call a pest control company to help you get rid of them.
