Ants and spiders can show up at the most inconvenient times, making your home feel less comfortable. Most people try simple fixes to keep these pests away, but not all remedies work the way they should. If you want real results, it helps to know what actually keeps ants and spiders under control.
Why Ants and Spiders Invade Your Home
Ants and spiders come inside because your home offers everything they need: food, water, and a cozy place to hide. Ants are always on the hunt for crumbs or sticky spills you might have missed, while spiders cruise around looking for cool, moist spots where they can build webs and catch a meal.
Seasonal changes play a big role, too. When it gets cooler outside, these critters start searching for warmth indoors. Spring and fall, for example, are prime time for ants marching in. Spiders tend to sneak inside during late summer and early fall as they look for mates and shelter. And don’t forget the obvious: cracks around windows, gaps under doors, and vents—basically any tiny opening becomes an open invitation.
Knowing why they show up is half the battle. Now, let’s talk about what you can actually do to keep them from making themselves at home—in yours.
Top Household Remedies for Ant Control
If ants have turned your kitchen into their personal buffet, here are some tricks you can try before calling in the pros:
- Vinegar and Water Spray: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz along ant trails, windowsills, and doorways. The acidity messes with their scent trails, making it harder for ants to find their way back.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE): This stuff looks like talcum powder but works like a tiny sandpaper for ants. Sprinkle it around baseboards and entry points—DE scratches their exoskeletons, causing them to dry out and die. Bonus: it’s non-toxic for humans and pets, so you can use it worry-free.
- Cinnamon or Peppermint Oil: Ants hate strong smells, and these two pack a punch. Dab a little peppermint oil on cotton balls and tuck them into corners or sprinkle cinnamon powder near entry points.
- Seal Entry Points: Ants are notorious for being able to fit in tight spaces, slipping through cracks thinner than a dime. Caulk gaps around windows and pipes near exterior walls to shut down their secret passages.
- Keep Things Clean and Tidy: Ants follow the food trail, so don’t leave them a welcome mat. Wipe counters, sweep floors, and store food in airtight containers. If you cut off their snacks, they’ll have fewer reasons to stick around.
These remedies won’t work overnight, but with patience and consistency, you can seriously cut down on ant activity.
Top Household Remedies for Spider Control
While they can be a bit more helpful and less conspicuous than ants, spiders can still become a nuisance. They require a slightly different approach than ants; here are some easy remedies you can try:
- Essential Oils (Peppermint, Tea Tree): Spiders, like ants, have a sensitive sense of smell, and they really don’t like strong scents. The only problem is that they are not confined to the floor where you could easily place cinnamon. Instead, mix a few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz around windows, corners, and baseboards. Not only does it smell fresh to us, but it sends spiders packing.
- Chestnuts or Citrus Peels: This one’s a classic—people have been putting chestnuts or citrus peels like lemon and orange around their homes for years to keep spiders at bay. It works in a similar way by producing strong smells.
- Clean up Outdoor Areas: Outdoor spiders can easily become indoor spiders when the weather turns. Keep your wood and brush piles clear in your yard, and avoid stacking wood or allowing leaf debris and other clutter to stack against your home.
- Regular Cleaning and Decluttering: Spiders love clutter and dusty corners because they make perfect hiding spots. Keep your home tidy, vacuum up those webs, and clear out piles of clothes or boxes. The less space you give spiders to hang out, the less likely they’ll decide to make a home in your home.
- Sticky Traps: These little sticky pads are a no-mess way to catch spiders and keep track of where they like to roam. Place them near entry points or in dark corners. You’ll catch unwelcome visitors without lifting a finger—except to toss the trap when it’s full.
The Limits of DIY Remedies
Let’s be honest—while vinegar sprays and essential oils sound great, they’re not miracle workers. Household remedies do a decent job keeping small numbers of ants and spiders at bay or stopping new ones from moving in. But once those pests decide to throw a full-blown party in your walls or attic, simple tricks won’t cut it.
Some ants hide their nests deep underground or inside walls, and spiders can set up shop in places you can’t even see. Plus, certain species are tougher than your average kitchen invader—they shrug off natural repellents and keep coming back. When you start feeling overwhelmed and things seem out of control, that’s the time to bring in the experts. Bug Control Specialist knows how to track down those hidden trouble spots and use treatments that actually work—so you don’t have to keep guessing and spraying forever. Contact us today!