Spiders are relatively easy pests to get rid of, says Emma Grace Crumbley, entomologist forMosquito Squad. “They do not have wings and cannot fly away, and while some spiders are speedy and can jump to avoid threats, most spiders are slow-moving enough to either trap them or squish them.” While it’s true that bug sprays will kill spiders on contact, the risk of spraying and missing the spider now leaves pesticide on the walls, floor, ceiling, or wherever you sprayed it, says Crumbley, so she doesn’t recommend using a chemical aid in your removal plan.
Sans chemicals, here are a few ways you can get rid of spiders that Crumbley approves of:
1. Catch & release
When possible, Crumbley advocates for catching spiders and releasing them back outdoors. “Spiders are beneficial bugs that help control other pest insects such as flies, adult mosquitoes, ants, etc.,” she says. Capture and release can look like using a cup and a piece of paper to trap and move the spider outdoors or handling the spider and manually placing it outside the home (to the comfort of the person), she suggests.
2. The boot method
This one feels pretty self-explanatory, says Crumbley. “My advice, try not to squish spiders on walls or carpets as they may leave a stain,” she says. Also, while this method may be a knee-jerk reaction, remember that spiders are nimble. You may lose the spider in the chase and be left with a greater anxiety about where the spider managed to scurry off to, she warns.
3. The paper towel method
Again, pretty self-explanatory—just replace the word “boot” with “paper towel.” Keep in mind that if the spider is identified as dangerous to human health (like a black widow or brown recluse), then proceed with caution in disposing of it, says Crumbley.
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