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We have quite a variety of spiders in Maine. Some of the most common spiders we see in and around Portland properties are cellar spiders, black and yellow garden spiders, jumping spiders, crab spiders, nursery web spiders, and fishing spiders. None of these species are going to send you to the hospital, though some can deliver a bite that feels like a bee sting. It is best to keep them out of your yard and out of your home. Here are seven helpful tips to get control of Portland area spiders.

1. Reduce Webs

If you see a web, it is best to clean it up as soon as possible. You may think those webs are good to have around because spider webs catch flying insects, but there are better ways to prevent flying insects. Spider webs can have egg sacs in them, and an egg sac can have hundreds of spiders in it. When those eggs hatch, you'll have several hundred new spiders crawling around on your exterior, or interior, walls.

2. Reduce Moisture

A moist habitat is a spider-friendly habitat. Spiders eat the insects and invertebrates that are drawn to moist environments. When you reduce moisture, you reduce moisture pests and the spiders that eat them.

  • Have your gutters inspected and cleaned.

  • Don't overwater your plants.

  • Water your plants in the early morning.

  • Fix leaking sprinklers, hoses, and exterior spigots.

  • Trim tree canopy in areas that are densely shaded.

  • Pick up any containers that capture rainwater.

3. Reduce Vegetation

If you have plants that don't need to be in your landscaping, it is best to remove them. Vegetation can capture moisture from rainwater, especially if it is densely packed. Remove weeds and unnecessary plants, and put space between plants to provide good air flow. This helps to dry topsoil after it rains and after you water your plants.

4. Reduce Insects

When you reduce insects around your home, it will have an impact on spider populations as well. There are a few tricks to reducing insects. Here are our favorites:

  • Reduce exterior lighting around your home. Many insects are attracted to light. If you need light in an area because of security concerns, consider using yellow light bulbs, which aren't as attractive to insects.

  • Keep shades drawn at night. The light that leaks out of your windows can attract insects.

  • Put your trash in covered containers and have trash removed from your property weekly. Clean trash containers if they begin to stink. The scent of rotting organic matter will lure insects in.

  • Remove wood that is rotting and move firewood to at least 20 feet from your exterior. There are many insects that are attracted to sources of wood.

  • Pick up dog waste. If you have a dog that leaves droppings in your yard, those droppings can attract blow flies, house flies, and other insects.

5. Remove Hiding Places

Some spiders will love your yard if you have lots of hiding places. These may be objects in your yard or holes in your yard. It could be a rock pile or wood pile. Don't wait till you see spider webs to remove objects from your yard that don't need to be there. Some spiders don't make webs.

6. Keep Your Interior Clean

When spiders get into your home, they search for food. A home that has lots of insects and invertebrates is a spider's paradise. Use these tips to reduce insect populations inside your home:

  • Clean counters.

  • Store fruit in the fridge.

  • Refrain from stacking dishes in a dry sink.

  • Clean spills up immediately.

  • Clean floors and carpets.

  • Keep pantry foods in sealed containers.

7. Invest In Residential Pest Control

The best way to get control of spiders is to have routine exterior treatments. We can help you with that. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, we help Portland homeowners get control of a wide range of insects, invertebrates, and spiders. We'd love the opportunity to guide you in establishing a pest control plan that works for your specific needs and budget. Reach out to us today to get started.

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