Natural & Effective way to get rid of spiders in home?

[Anonymous]

Okay, so before you all freak out...this is really a small issue.  I have been seeing these tiny, tiny little black spiders in my house since the beginning of summer.  When I say seeing, I have probably seen a total of 5-10, but they all are in the same place, so I don't think they are accidentally wondering in. They seem to be only around my computer desk, as I only have found them creeping across my computer screen or the top of my desk. They are itty bitty little things and even though I have been known to be terrified of spiders, these little guys don't really phase me.

However...I can't help but wonder if they may be accounting for the random allergic reactions 3 of my kitties have all experiencd in the last 2-3 months. Each time I take them to the vet, I am told it seems like an allergic reaction to either an insect, something in the house (new cleaner, etc.) or perhaps even a food allergy. Though, I'm fairly certain it's not food, since all 3 of them had the same thing happen, all my cleaners are natural and plant based and I've been using them for years....so I wonder if it could be these little spiders that caused them trouble? 2 of the 3 kitties end up with a fat lip and the other little patch of fur missing on his front leg.  Never had any problems for years and suddenly... I know for a fact that if they saw one of them, they would go after it and try to catch it, as they do with flying insects that get in or any little thing that blows in the wind. They are pretty silly cats. Addtionally, they al LOVE to sleep on top of my desk and keyboard of course...

Anyhoo...I would like to get rid of these spiders, but since I have pets don't want to bomb the house or use any type of dangerous pestisides. Does anyone know of a natural remedy or a pesticide that is not dangerous to pets that would work on spiders? 

I also must confess that I do worry that one of these days I will pick up a paper from my big pile of papers and momma spidey will be staring right at me. That I will have an issue with.

Message Edited by UpUpUp on 08-29-2008 01:40 PM

[llecs]

I remember looking at a house with my folks when there were moving once. We were greeted by a tarantula. When we asked why did they keep their pet tarantula loose in the house. Their reply: Oh, this is one of about 12 tarantulas here. We use it to get rid of the cockroaches.

So my reply? Get a couple snakes!

Message Edited by llecs on 08-29-2008 07:37 PM

[Anonymous]

Woah!! I just might die if I ever come in contact with a tarantula. And, keeping tarantulas around to eat the roaches....wow. I think it's safe to assume they didn't buy the house!! Eeeewww!!

These little buggers are almost cute. They are about 1/2 the size of my pinky nail. Really little. And, like I said, if I saw 10 all summer it was alot. I just have a feeling they are biting my kitties!

I actually have no fear of snakes, I had a ball python when I was in highschool, though I think that adding a snake to the mix wouldn't help my problem much.

[KingAdrock]

My first thought is that the spiders are likely not the cause of your cats' allergies. If the allergies are due to bugs, it's probably by whatever the spiders are eating. Bug bombing is a hassle when you have cats or dogs, but that really may be the best option.

[Anonymous]

You may be right. I just don't know what else it could be. We've been here a few years and I have never seen any other bugs, ever. We have hardwood and tiles floors, so it's not like there could be anything hiding. I'm a minimalist when it comes to furniture and the likes, so I just can't picture what else it could be. Never seen a flea on any of them and I check regularly. I'm too much of a baby to open windows and deal with the heat, so I keep the air on 24/7, so they aren't getting in through windows...so strange.

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KingAdrock wrote:
My first thought is that the spiders are likely not the cause of your cats' allergies. If the allergies are due to bugs, it's probably by whatever the spiders are eating. Bug bombing is a hassle when you have cats or dogs, but that really may be the best option.

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[Anonymous]

Oh my gosh. I'm so dumb. I think I may have an inkling...

I have been storing some of my office supplies in my attic and then pulling them down when I need them.  I just started doing this at the beginning of the summer. I wonder if I am bringing down the spiders, or some other little bug from up in the attic by doing this? That would certainly explain why the spiders are only around my desk!

[Anonymous]

I'll give you a couple of my scorpions?

[Anonymous]

Hmm, I'm thinking I'll pass on your scorpion offer. Thanks though!

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Timothy wrote:

I'll give you a couple of my scorpions?

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[LouMinotti]

speaking as one who deals with these things on a regular basis, consider that spiders eat smaller insects that you also don't want in the home such as weevils, silverfish,moths, and other spiders. They are actually our friends. They can be found in places that are out of the way and undisturbed such as basements and attics, corners of ceilings and around windows and doors.If you ever look closely at a spider web, you can see little specs that look like poppy seeds on the floor or walls that don't brush away. These are actually "booby traps" planted by spiders to attract other insects into range.

The best way to eliminate them naturally would be to cobwebb (using a cobwebb duster) the areas every other day or so, all the activity discourages them from setting up shop. Also you can make sure all your windows and doors are tightly closed and sealed.

Otherwise you can spray OTC pesticide in the areas you notice them which will discourage the insects, and in turn discourage the spiders.

Depending on where in the country you live, take care that you don't go searching for trouble in a hasty manner. A customer of mine was bitten by a brown recluse here in MD several weeks ago, however she is unsure where this actually happened. Brown recluse spiders have a rather toxic venom which can cause a rather nasty abscess or severe allergic reaction sending you to the hospital. Brown recluse spiders, as with all spiders, make their homes in undisturbed areas outdoors or in, and they don't bite unless they are surprised or threatened ie; a brown recluse may live between a bed and a wall in a room that has no activity.Then smone decides to pull the shets down and climb in bed and, well, you get the idea.

I suggest frequent cobwebbing in your computer desk area and perhaps spraying any corners or baseboards with some OTC pesticide. Keep your cats out of the room while doing so for a day or two.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Lou. I will take all of your advice.  I have a great vac (dyson) and am pretty diligent about getting corners, door ways with the extension wand, etc. but I have greatly neglected the area behind my desk and file cabinet. I'm sure based on what you are saying, it's a field day back there for the spiders. 

I live in NY, so I dont think I need to be worried about the brown recluse, but I appreciate the mention, just incase.