Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Get rid of a pest
• Method 2 of 3: Destroy spiders with direct methods
• Method 3 of 3: Destroy spiders with indirect methods
• Tips

Most spiders are harmless and are beneficial to have around your home. However, there are 2 types of spiders in North America that you should be careful with: the Black Widow and the Brown Violin Spider. If you have a plague of Black Widows and Violin Spiders, you need to take immediate action. It's also good to know some ways to kill individual spiders you come across so you can protect your family!

To step

Method 1 of 3: Get rid of a pest

1. Clean possible hiding places. Black Widows make their nests in places that are not often disturbed, such as wood piles, storage boxes, the back of cabinets, etc. Cleaning these places will not only remove potential habitats, it will also remove places where Black Widow's prey can. life.
   • Wear gardening gloves. Your hands will be protected from bites just in case you come across a spider.
   • Clean up. If you have unnecessary boxes, wood, or other items filling your home, getting rid of them can remove potential hiding places.
   • Vacuum. If you have a vacuum cleaner with a hose, you can use it to clean dark nooks and crannies. If you see a web "without" a spider, the vacuum cleaner is best to remove it. Just make sure the bag is closed and toss it away (outdoors) as soon as you're done so that nothing can escape and get back into your house.
   • Spray the outside of your home. Use a pressure washer to destroy webs and egg sacs. Pay particular attention to bay windows, window frames and door frames.
   • Remove vegetation that is adjacent to your house. Ivy and other plant life on or around your home provides shelter for pests.
   • Clean regularly. Chores such as vacuuming and keeping your environment clean will also help prevent spider infestation. Vacuuming is especially important as it removes the dust, spider eggs and the spiders themselves.
2. Prevent spiders from entering your home. The best method of avoiding Black Widows is prevention. By filling your doors and windows, you are taking an important step towards preventing spiders and other insects from entering your home. Weatherproofing your home's exits is also very useful.
3. Call a professional pest controller. If you suspect your Black Widow problem is bigger than you can handle, call a professional who is licensed to use heavier insecticides. If possible, you can ask around a number of different companies for a quote that depends on the size of your home and the suspected severity of the pest.

Method 2 of 3: Destroy spiders with direct methods

1. Spray spiders with an aerosol pesticide. If you see a free-roaming Black Widow you should try to spray it with pesticide first. This is better than trying to knock or stomp him, as the spiders are aggressive and will attack you if threatened.
2. Beat him flat. Grab a shoe or some other flat object and kill the spider the old fashioned way, if you don't have pesticide to hand. Be aware that Black Widows are fast and that they can run towards you instead of away from you (as most spiders do).
3. Hunt them. A little after sunset, say 9 or 10 p.m. (daylight saving time), you should look for places where you know they make their nests. These are indicated by the sturdy webs they make. Arm yourself with a flashlight, glue spray or hairspray (a sticky aerosol), long pants, shoes, etc. Look for them about 12 inches from the ground. When you see one, spray it. This alone will kill the Widows, reduce the numbers and keep you from needing pesticides with a long lasting effect.

Method 3 of 3: Destroy spiders with indirect methods

1. Powder the web. Black Widows spend a great deal of time on their web, whether it is protecting an egg sac or waiting for prey. When you find it, sprinkle the web with a non-repellant insect repellent powder - the powder will eventually kill the spider. Return to the web to make sure the spider is dead, then dispose of both in a sealed plastic bag.
2. Spread a permanent insecticide in dark corners. Using a wettable powder at nooks and crannies will prevent new webs from forming, making it more difficult for Black Widows to catch prey and thrive.

Tips

• If you get bitten but are not 100% sure it is a dangerous bite, don't be afraid to seek medical attention.
• If you are bitten by a Black Widow you should seek immediate medical attention. Although the bite will feel like a small injection and will only show as a slight swelling around the site of the bite, you may experience stomach and muscle cramps an hour or more after being bitten.