“Oh, the blooming, bloody spider went up the spider web,
The blooming, bloody rain came down and washed the spider out,
The blooming, bloody sun came out and dried up all the rain,
And the blooming, bloody spider came up the web again.”
Did you know that the words Itsy Bitsy Spider were different when it was first introduced in 1910? Back then, spiders were nothing but trouble.
So, don’t be alarmed if you spot one on your balcony. However, you do need to come up with a plan to get rid of them.
Certain spiders are harmless and but they are quite bothersome. Others can kill you with a single bite.
Some common harmless household spiders include the American house spider, wolf spider, daddy longlegs, jumping spider, orb weavers, and grass spiders.
Some of them prefer to hide than confront their prey, which happens to be you, while a bit from the rest will only cause a rash and itching.
The problem with spiders is that if you give them a little leeway, they will invade your house. Due to their hideous appearance, people usually refrain from interacting with them.
This way, they can make it to your balcony and spin webs between the grills and corners.
The good news is that you can boot these spiders out of your balcony with a few tactics. But first, you need to understand their behavior.
What Attracts Spiders?
Spiders love areas that give them free access to water and food. So, they prefer high, dark spots.
Spiders like to eat flying insects like mosquitoes and flies, making a balcony appealing. This is where they get the opportunity to have a feast.
Some spiders are attracted to dampness. Here, they make camps in crawl spaces and basements. Others like dry areas and gravitate towards attics, ceiling corners, and air vents.
They prefer a secluded spot where they cannot be disturbed. Since common household spiders are quite small, they easily hide in the corners of your balcony, making it impossible to spot them until it’s too late.
A spider’s main source of survival is insects. Without them, they will die. So, before we list down the tips you can try to get rid of spiders, let’s take a look at how to set the scene for the kill.
- Clean Up
No insect likes a clean place. So, the first order of business is to declutter. If your balcony is used for storing furniture or cardboard boxes, remove them immediately.
Spiders creep into a corner that’s hard to reach, making it difficult for you to see them. Moreover, the web they create hides them pretty well.
Everybody likes to decorate their balcony with potted plants. Spiders create webs in plants, which leads to an infestation. So, better remove the plants and place them somewhere else.
When you spot cobwebs, clean them with a cloth tied to a stick. Make sure you are a safe distance away from the line of attack because the spider might jump at you.
- Treat Your Balcony for Pest Infestation
Spiders are carnivorous. So, to cut them off, you need to get rid of any insects that come to your balcony. Search about common household insects and their infestation sign.
Once you have confirmed the type of insect you are dealing with, search online for tips on getting rid of it.
Tips on Getting Rid of Spiders
Treat the Perimeter with Insecticides
“Perimeter Treatment” is a control method that allows you to stop spiders from coming to your balcony.
Buy a commercial insecticide and spray it on all the entry points where you have spotted spiders. Make sure to cover the perimeter of your house.
A great way to ensure that the spiders die is to spray directly on their web and victim. This way, they will die right after feeding.
You can also spray directly on them or spray on the route they take to your balcony. The chemical-covered walkway will weaken them, and they will die within a few minutes.
Consider an Electronic Repellent
Making a homemade repellant can be tricky, and not all of them give you the results you are hoping for. Hence, we think a commercial repellant is a better solution.
The time repellant we are talking about works with electricity.
An electronic repellant emits an ultrasonic sound that only spiders can hear. This eliminates the need for chemical solutions with a strong, unbearable smell.
Make sure the repellant has access to electricity 24/7. One of the best things about this device is that it allows you to get rid of other insects as well.
Use Citrus Peels
The acetic acidic property of citrus keeps spiders away from your property forever. Spiders hate the slight mint-like smell and cannot form webs in spots sprayed with orange or lemon water.
You can also rub the peels of these fruits on the balcony’s railing and grills. So, save the peels next time you make fresh orange juice or squeeze lemon on your salad.
Use Tobacco
Many people believe that sprinkling tobacco on the plants placed on their balconies will help them eliminate spiders. This hack has some truth to it.
Yes, tobacco is effective in keeping spiders away. However, it needs to be utilized correctly. Tobacco leaves don’t kill spiders, but it keeps them at bay.
Stuff the tobacco leaves in spiders’ hiding spots. Distribute them on the floor evenly.
Another way to use tobacco is to make balls of this herb by combing it with flour and water. Make sure they are not in plain sight if you have dogs and children.
Garlic Spray
Spiders don’t like the smell of garlic. This herb too can be used to keep spiders at bay. Peel a couple of cloves and crush them in a blender.
Add in a little water, strain the mixture, and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray this solution on your balcony and let the magic work.
Scents
There are dozens of scents that spiders hate. Here are some most effective in keeping them away from your balcony:
Vinegar
Vinegar has a strong smell that many insects hate, and spiders are no exception. It is similar to peppermint oil and needs to be diluted with water.
Combine both liquids in a spray bottle and cover every corner of your balcony with it. On hot and humid days, use the solution every day.
Cedar
If you have a seating area on your balcony, cedar can be used to prevent spiders from invading the corners of chairs and tables.
Use the same trick as mentioned above. Combine water and cedar oil in a spray bottle and apply it everywhere on your balcony.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a strong scent that repels all kinds of pests. Compared to other scents, spiders can’t stand this one.
Again, combine peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and cover everything from the walls to the floor, corners, and grill. You can also soak cotton balls in this solution and place them in the corners of your balcony.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is derived from its tree and drives spiders out of your home. Use the same technique mentioned above to mix liquids in a spray bottle and spray it on your balcony.
You can also soak cotton balls in this solution and place them in the corners of your balcony. It will help repel mosquitoes and snakes.
If you don’t have the time to take the DIY route, you can place eucalyptus sprigs on your balcony.
Use Hedge Apples
Many homeowners swear by this method that helps get rid of spiders from your balcony for good. Hedge apples grow on the Osage orange tree.
They are an ancient technique to keep spiders away. Since these apples are poisonous, wear gloves when planting them. Make sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Use Borax
Borax repels ants and spiders. This powder even has the potential to kill them. Sprinkle borax in areas where you have seen spiders entering your house and balcony.
Make sure to cover the frame of your windows and the door thresholds.
Final Thoughts
Insects are attracted to light, so make sure that none of them are turned on your balcony. Spiders particularly love moisture.
Giving them access to the balcony allows them to create a permanent home because they get to feed on incoming mosquitoes. Your wet furniture will provide them with the perfect corners to hide in.
The best way to stop them from invading your house is to cut off their food source. Once you have gotten rid of the other pests, you can use the above methods to keep them out of your house for good.