Home Cleaning How to Get Rid of Tarantulas from Your Home

How to Get Rid of Tarantulas from Your Home

By Sophia W. Martin
2K views 1 min read

Hey there, spider warriors! Dealing with a Tarantula invasion? No worriesโ€”Iโ€™ve got you covered. Whether you’re a bit creeped out by these eight-legged giants or just want to reclaim your space, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about kicking tarantulas out of your home for good.ย 

From natural repellents to professional tips, let’s turn your place from spider-friendly to spider-free! So, let’s get started on how to get rid of tarantulas from your space.

Understanding Why Tarantulas Enter Homes

Before tackling the issue, itโ€™s important to understand why tarantulas might enter your home in the first place. Tarantulas are typically drawn indoors for a few reasons:

  • Searching for food: Tarantulas primarily feed on insects, so a home with an abundance of bugs can attract them.
  • Seeking shelter: These spiders often seek out dark, quiet places like basements, garages, and attics to hide during the day.
  • Mating season: Male tarantulas are more likely to wander during mating season, increasing the chances of encountering one indoors.

What to Do If You Encounter a Tarantula

If you do encounter a tarantula inside your home, stay calm. These spiders are not aggressive and will not attack unless provoked. You can remove them using a container and a piece of cardboard to coax the spider inside gently, then release it outside far from your home.ย 

Avoid handling tarantulas directly, as their bite can be painful, though not typically dangerous to humansโ€‹. So, letโ€™s get started. 

Natural Methods to Repel Tarantulas

If you prefer to avoid chemicals, there are several natural methods you can employ:

Keep Your Home Clean: Regularly vacuuming and dusting can reduce the number of insects, which in turn reduces the food source for tarantulas. Pay special attention to corners, basements, and other secluded areas where spiders might hide.

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and other entry points, especially around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these openingsโ€‹.

Use Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, tea tree, and citrus, are natural spider repellents. Mix a few drops of oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it around entry points and common tarantula hiding spots. This will not only work for tarantulas but also sun spiders, hobo spiders, brown widow spiders, and other spiders in your home.

Remove Outdoor Clutter: Tarantulas often hide in piles of wood, rocks, or debris in your yard. By keeping these areas tidy and clutter-free, you can reduce the likelihood of spiders finding their way inside.

Chemical and Physical Removal Methods

For a more direct approach, consider these options:

Spider Traps: Sticky traps are a non-toxic way to catch tarantulas. Place them in areas where youโ€™ve seen spiders before, such as basements or garages. Check and replace the traps regularlyโ€‹.

Insecticides: If the infestation is severe, you may need to use chemical sprays specifically designed for spiders. Be sure to follow the manufacturerโ€™s instructions carefully and keep the area well-ventilated during applicationโ€‹.

Professional Pest Control: If natural and DIY methods arenโ€™t sufficient, it may be time to call in the professionals. Pest control experts have the tools and knowledge to handle tarantula infestations safely and effectively. They can also provide advice on how to prevent future infestations.

Preventing Future Infestations

The best way to deal with tarantulas is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

Maintain Cleanliness: Regular cleaning reduces the insect population inside your home, making it less attractive to tarantulas.

Install Screens: Ensure all windows and doors have screens that are in good condition, without any holes. This simple barrier can keep many pests, including tarantulas, outโ€‹.

Outdoor Lighting: Reduce the use of outdoor lights at night, as they attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. Consider using yellow or sodium vapor lights, which are less attractive to bugsโ€‹.

Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your home for signs of tarantulas, especially during their active seasons in late summer and early fall. Early detection can prevent a small problem from becoming a larger infestation.

Now, remember, when dealing with tarantulas, especially if using chemical methods, always wear protective clothing and ensure proper ventilation. 

Tarantula Venom and Its Effects

Tarantulas are indeed venomous, but their venom is generally not dangerous to humans. While a bite can cause localized pain and swelling, the effects are typically mild and comparable to a bee sting. 

Tarantulas have urticating hairs that they can release when threatened, which can cause irritation if they come into contact with your skin or eyesโ€‹.

Symptoms of a Tarantula Bite

Additionally, if bitten, a person may experience:

  • Mild to moderate pain at the bite site
  • Redness and swelling
  • Itching or irritation
  • In very rare cases, severe allergic reactions, which can include difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat.

Most individuals will only experience mild symptoms. Severe reactions are uncommon, and fatalities from tarantula bites have never been reported in humans. The severity can depend on the specific species of tarantula and the individual’s sensitivity to the venom.

What to Do If You Get Bitten by A Taratula

If bitten by a tarantula, the following steps are recommended:

  • Clean the Bite: Wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection.
  • Manage Pain and Swelling: Apply a cold compress and consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  • Monitor for Allergic Reactions: If any severe symptoms occur, such as difficulty breathing or swelling, seek medical attention immediately.

Wrapping UP

And there you have it! Whether youโ€™re going the DIY route or calling in the pros, youโ€™ve got all the tools you need to send those tarantulas packing. 

Remember, a consistent approach is your best friend hereโ€”stay on top of it, and youโ€™ll keep those creepy crawlies out for good. Ready to reclaim your home? Let’s do it!

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