What kills spiders instantly? What are the best home remedies? Does killing a spider attract other spiders?

Spiders are horrifying! OK, so there are a few people who are fascinated by spiders, study them, and even keep them as pets – but as for the rest of us, spiders are a terrifying nuisance. The worst part is when they appear in your home and you have no idea how to deal with them. Rather than burn your house down or move country, what can you do to get rid of them? 

In this article, we’re going to look at ways to kill spiders instantly; some of the best home remedies; and answer the age-old question: “does killing a spider attract other spiders?” 

If you’d like to find out more about taking the battle to the spiders and keeping your home pest free, read on and we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

What kills spiders instantly?

So, what kills spiders instantly? If you aren’t particularly fussed about preserving the life of a spider and simply want to end its existence in your home immediately, there are a few things that you can try! 

• Insecticide: using a store-bought bug spray, you can target them from a distance and kill them practically instantly! Just be mindful of how much spray you are using – particularly if you are targeting spiders in areas where you or your small children sleep. 
• Squish the little bugger: it’s not the ideal answer – especially if you can’t stand the thought of going near a spider – but squishing them tends to be the most effective way of killing them instantly. Grab some tissue or kitchen roll or smash them with your shoe. It’s a fast and effective method but just make sure you don’t miss it! Also, be mindful of the species of spider. Certain spiders are tougher than they look and if you make them angry, they might try and bite you as a means of defending themselves. And in Australia, this can be life-threatening.
• Pest control bombs: there are some store-bought bombs that you can use, spraying insecticide in your home, and killing any unwanted pests in the area. Just make sure to keep pets and children away and to air out your home thoroughly afterwards. 
• Hoover that sucker up: strong vacuum cleaners are often quite effective at killing spiders and their eggs – especially from a distance. However, make sure that you empty the vacuum cleaner bag immediately as it’s not uncommon for spiders to survive and crawl back out again! 

These are some of the fastest and most effective ways of killing spiders, but you may want to give them a second thought. Remember, spiders are your best natural defence against other pests in your home – especially flies and mosquitos. Unless they’re present in your bedroom or too close for comfort, you may be better off leaving them alone entirely. 

What are the best home remedies for killing spiders?

If you would like to take care of the spiders in your home yourself, here are some home remedies you can adopt to kill them effectively: 

• Essential oil sprays: if you love essential oils and already have some in your home, the good news is that they’re very effective at killing spiders. There are certain herbs and oils that can kill spiders if they come into contact, so you should place some around the various spots in your home where you’ve been noticing spiders. The following are particularly effective:
  • Eucalyptus
  • Citronella
  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Tea tree
  • Cinnamon
  • Citrus
  • Cedar.
• DE (diatomaceous earth): diatomaceous earth is a natural remedy for killing spiders. It’s a soft sedimentary rock that can easily be crumbled into a fine powder that is poisonous to spiders and other insects (including roaches). Sprinkle a fine layer of this powder around the areas where spiders are present in your home and it will slowly dehydrate and kill them. 
• Vinegar and soap: mixing vinegar and soap into a spray bottle is an easy and effective way of killing spiders. The soap makes it difficult to respire while the vinegar’s acid eats away at it. 
• Drown them: if you have a big spider in your tub or sink, turn the water on full blast and drown them – an effective means of killing them without having to go near them. 
• Hairspray: hairspray is a fast and effective means of suffocating a spider. 

Effective ways to deter spiders from your home 

One of the most effective means of deterring spiders from your home all together is by having certain plants present. Good news if you have a green thumb and love having plenty of green in your home. Here are some plants that are highly effective at keeping them away: 

• Lavender
• Lemon balm
• Lemon verbena
• Eucalyptus
• Lemongrass
• Mint. 

Does killing a spider attract other spiders?

There is a myth that suggests that killing a spider will attract other spiders to your home. This is largely false. Yes, leaving a dead spider’s carcass in your home may attract other visitors, but there’s no scientific evidence to support this. In any case, killing a spider and leaving its carcass will attract other insects, such as ants – who will come for the new food source. 

So, if you are tempted to kill a spider, feel free to do so, then make sure that you get rid of the carcass when you’re done. 

Final thoughts 

Again, killing a spider isn’t always the best solution. Certain species, in certain areas of your home, are worth keeping. However, if you are petrified by the thought of having spiders in your home and would prefer not to have to deal with the problem yourself, your best bet is to contact your local pest control company, like SWAT Pest Control in Brisbane. 

Save yourself the fear and anxiety and call the professionals – then you’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep knowing that those creepy little blighters have been successfully eradicated.