How to Deter Spiders in Florida

Although most species of spiders in Florida are not harmful to humans, they can create an unwelcome environment. Spiders don't usually bite humans unless they are provoked, but the state of Florida is home to a number of venomous spiders including the black widow, whose bite can cause death. Knowing how to deter these insects is important. Your target area will determine whether a chemical or non-chemical method is used. It's important to remember that spider sacs also have to be targeted to prevent reproduction, so knowing how to spot lairs can prevent future problems.

Things You'll Need

• Caulk
• Caulk gun
• Glue traps
• Spray insecticide
• Micro-encapsulated insecticide powder
• Ultrasonic pest-control device

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Instructions

• 1

  Monitor your yard to reduce conditions around your house that attract spiders. Turn off outdoor lights at night. Clear the area of weeds, trash piles and stacked wood. Check your property periodically for egg sacs and destroy them as soon as possible. Seal cracks around your home with caulk.

• 2

  Use chemical control. Place glue traps around the edges of doors, windows and any other cracks that can serve as an entryway for spiders. If your Florida home has a problem with black widows, consider using insecticides containing piperonyl butoxide, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrine around areas where you have seen a concentration of them. Apply insecticides around the edges of the home, doors, vents, garage and windows. Apply insecticidal dust on webs as the Florida brown widow spiders chew their webs to recycle silk.

• 3

  Purchase a high-frequency device. Ultrasonic pest-control devices use a high-frequency sound that can be set to deter different types of animals. Remember that ultrasonic sounds stop once they hit a solid object, so it's important to place them in an open area where you can reach the problem spots.

• 4

  Use natural oils. The Florida black widow's sense smell is in its feet. Using strong essential oils like peppermint, lavender, tea tree or citrus mixed with water will deter spiders when sprayed around openings to your home. Add 5 tbsp. of liquid peppermint soap for extra power.