Just like many other pests, spiders are also hated not because it is harmful, but the sight of spiders gives an unpleasant feeling. Though most species are harmless, a few are considered dangerous. The first thing that comes to a homeowner's mind on noticing eight-legged creatures is to find ways to get rid of them. There are several ways to kill spiders or prevent their entry into your home, which we discuss later. This blog primarily focuses on natural methods to kill spiders and other preventive tips to stop their entry.
How Does Bleach Affect Spiders?
How Long Does It Take for Bleach to Kill a Spider?
Can Bleach Kill Spider Eggs?
Does Bleach Keep Spiders Away?
- Spiders have a strong sensory system through which they sense their environment. Bleach, once dried, loses its odor, so spiders are unable to sense bleach and leave their web.
- Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, which breaks down as soon as it is exposed to air and light, leaving behind salt and water. As a result, bleach fails to act as a deterring agent.
If your goal is prevention rather than simply killing an existing spider, learn more about whether bleach keeps spiders away.
How Effective is Bleach in Killing Spiders?
Bleach contains hypochlorous acid, which causes an imbalance in the cell activity of spiders. Bleach works in multiple ways, from damaging their exoskeleton, suffocating them, to penetrating and killing spider eggs and stopping their infestation. Bleach breaks down the spider web, leaving almost no way for their comeback.
| Some Tips | It’s recommended to spray bleach in a well-ventilated area to prevent any mishap. Bleach may cause breathing or coughing issues if fumes are inhaled. It can also cause irritation to the eyes, skin and airways. Hence, a cautious move is recommended. |
How to Kill Spiders Using Bleach?
Bleach is considered an effective pest control to keep spiders at bay. Here is the method to use it effectively:
- Prepare a solution by mixing one part bleach and 3 parts water, and pour it into a spray bottle.
- Keep a distance of 6 inches to 10 inches when spraying the mixture on the spider. Spray it directly on the spider for better results.
- Wear protective gear like gloves and eye protection when spraying.
- Remove all the dead spiders and wipe the surface with bleach.
- Spray the mixture once a week in areas where you suspect spider infiltration.
| Some Tips | The mixture can leave a stain, so clean the surface properly. Also, keep the spray mixture away from the reach of kids or pets because it can be harmful to them. |
Better Ways to Keep Spiders Away From Home
Apart from using bleach, there are other ways which can help prevent spiders’ entry into your homes. Here are the alternate methods:
- Maintain Cleanliness in Homes- A clutter-free home rules out the potential hiding spots for spiders. This is because a dirty and untidy home is the place spiders look for to hide.
- Seal Gaps and Cracks Properly- Another effective way to stop spiders' entry into the home is to seal all the cracks and gaps in doors, windows and walls.
- Remove Debris From the Surrounding Areas of Your Home- Spiders usually breed in the surrounding areas of your home in a heap of leaves, grass clippings and woodpiles. So, removing debris will destroy their breeding grounds.
- Regular Trimming of Bushes and Trees From the Home's Exterior- Trees and bushes provide an easy pathway for spiders to enter your home. Hence, regular trimming of bushes and trees can destroy their pathway.
- Remove Other Pests- Spiders get attracted to other pests to eat them. So, if you remove other pests from your home, spiders will have no or less motive to infest your home.
- Use Smell- Spiders don’t like the smell of eucalyptus, so this can be used to keep spiders away from your house. The best way is to sprinkle eucalyptus oil or spread its leaves in the corners, around the furniture and in the closet.
- Remove webs- De-web is an alternative option to show spiders' exit from your home. Spiders tend to form invisible webs inside your home, especially in dark areas such as the point where walls meet the ceiling and the floor. The best way to de-web is to run a vacuum along such hiding spots. Learn how to remove cobwebs with a vacuum cleaner for a detailed step-by-step method
- Store Firewood in the Outdoor Area- Firewood gives spiders easy access to your home, hence it’s advised to only bring in the firewood needed for a day. Storing extra firewood indoors can give spiders an opportunity to invade your house.
- Focus on Moisture Issues- Make sure there’s no leaky pipes or faucets, or standing water. Maintain a clean gutter and remove leaves and other debris from the yard.
Conclusion
It’s a known and proven fact that bleach kills spiders. However, there are certain precautions you should take to prevent damage because bleach may cause irritation to the eyes and skin. Always wear protective gear when spraying the bleach solution on spiders.
