Common Spider Treatment
What Was Done Today & What to Expect
What We Did Today
Inspection — Species, Habitat & Moisture
We assessed the basement and crawl space with a moisture meter and hygrometer, documenting every moisture source. We also inspected for prey insects (silverfish, cockroaches) in the same areas — eliminating spider food is as important as treating spiders directly.
Web Removal & Habitat Reduction
Removed all visible webs from eaves, window frames, basement ceiling joists, and crawl space. Web removal is a direct population control — it destroys egg sacs, disrupts feeding, and forces spiders to relocate. Repeat monthly for best results.
Boric Acid & DE — Crawl Space & Perimeter
Boric acid dust applied inside wall voids and crawl-space perimeter. Food-grade diatomaceous earth along basement baseboards. Both are physical desiccants that also eliminate the prey insects spiders feed on — no synthetic chemicals.
Exclusion — Entry Points Sealed
Foundation cracks, pipe penetrations, window gaps, and door sweeps sealed with silicone caulk and copper mesh. Exterior lighting switched to warm-tone yellow bulbs to reduce nighttime insect attraction near entries.
What to Expect
Noticeable reduction in 2–3 weeks
Fewer webs and sightings as prey populations decline and habitat is reduced. Fall upticks in sightings are normal and don’t mean treatment failed — spiders move indoors seeking warmth.
Moisture control is the long-term fix
Spiders thrive in damp areas because their prey does. If we recommended a dehumidifier, vapor barrier, or plumbing repair, that work is the single most important long-term step.
Your Role in This Treatment
- Address moisture issues we flagged — leaks, poor drainage, high humidity. This is the single most important step.
- Run a dehumidifier in the basement and target relative humidity below 50%.
- Reduce clutter in basement, garage, and storage areas — spiders shelter in undisturbed piles.
- Remove webs monthly — a long-handled duster or broom works well. Focus on eaves, window frames, and corners.
- Switch exterior lights to warm-tone (yellow/amber) bulbs to reduce insect attraction near doors.
- Keep vegetation trimmed at least 12 inches from the house and move firewood 20+ feet from the foundation.
✓ Safe for Family & Pets
Boric acid was applied only inside sealed cracks, wall voids, and crawl-space perimeter — never on open surfaces. Food-grade DE only. No synthetic pesticides. Keep children and pets out of treated areas for 30 minutes to let dust settle.
📞 Call or Text Us If…
You see brown recluse or black widow spiders (send us a photo) · Spider population doesn’t decrease after 3 weeks · New webs appear in previously clear areas · You find a new moisture source or leak · A bite occurs with significant swelling or spreading redness.
What We Don’t Recommend
✗ Don’t apply retail spider sprays — they scatter populations and create pesticide resistance.
✗ Don’t crush spiders if you can avoid it — most Maryland species are harmless predators that eat pest insects.
✗ Don’t ignore moisture — the damp habitat that attracts spiders also attracts the prey they feed on.