How To Get Rid Of Harvestmen Spiders Naturally?

In the realm of household pests, harvestmen spiders, also known as daddy longlegs, often elicit a mix of curiosity and apprehension. While these spindly creatures are not venomous, their long, slender legs can be unsettling to some.

If you’re seeking a natural and effective way to rid your home of these unwanted guests, you’re in luck. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into a treasure trove of eco-friendly methods to keep harvestmen spiders at bay.

From sealing entry points to utilizing essential oils and diatomaceous earth, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and tools to reclaim your home from these eight-legged inhabitants.

So, how to get rid of harvestmen spiders naturally?

Here are some natural ways to get rid of harvestmen spiders, also known as daddy long legs:

• Vacuum them up: Regularly vacuum your home, especially dark and damp areas where these spiders tend to nest.
• Use sticky traps: Place sticky traps in areas where you frequently spot these spiders.
• Boric acid: Sprinkle boric acid in areas where you see these spiders.
• DIY harvestmen repellent: You can make a repellent at home using essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, or cedar. Mix 5-10 drops of any of these essential oils with ¼ tsp of dish soap and 12 oz of distilled water. Spray this mixture in areas where you see the spiders.
• Natural sprays or pesticides: Use natural sprays or pesticides that are safe for use around your home.
• Clean your garden: Regularly clean your garden to remove potential hiding spots for these spiders.
• Repair your home: Fix any cracks or holes in your walls where these spiders might nest.
• Reduce lighting: Spiders are attracted to light, so reducing lighting can help keep them away.

Prevention is Key: Seal Cracks and Gaps, Keep it Dry, and Remove Clutter

Absolutely, prevention is indeed the key when it comes to dealing with harvestmen spiders. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Regularly inspect your home for any cracks or gaps. These can be potential entry points for spiders. Use a good quality sealant to close these gaps.
• Keep it Dry: Harvestmen spiders prefer damp environments. So, try to keep your home, especially the basement and bathroom, as dry as possible.
• Remove Clutter: Spiders love hiding in clutter. Regularly clean your home and remove unnecessary items. Pay special attention to storage areas like garages, basements, and attics.

By taking these preventive measures, you can make your home less inviting to harvestmen spiders and reduce the chances of an infestation. Remember, a clean and well-maintained home is your best defense against these creatures.

Natural Repellents: Essential Oils, Vinegar, and Diatomaceous Earth

• Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut, or almond oil, before applying to the skin.
• Test the vinegar on a small area of skin before using it on a larger area.
• Avoid using essential oils on children or pets.
• Do not use vinegar on open wounds or irritated skin.
• Store essential oils in a cool, dark place away from children and pets.
• Dispose of vinegar properly by pouring it down the drain or composting it.

DIY Traps and Barriers: Humane Ways to Catch and Release

There are several DIY traps and barriers you can create to catch and release harvestmen spiders humanely. Here are a few methods:

• Sticky Traps: You can create your own sticky trap using a flat piece of cardboard and double-sided tape. Place these traps in areas where you frequently spot these spiders. Check the traps regularly and release any caught spiders outside.
• Jar Trap: Cut a small hole in the center of a piece of paper or cardboard. Place this over a jar filled with water until it reaches the level of the hole. Secure the paper or cardboard tightly on the jar2. Spiders will be attracted to the water, fall into the jar, and get trapped.
• Pitfall Traps: This is an effective method for trapping spiders outside. Dig a small pit and place a container inside it. The container should be level with the ground. Spiders walking by will fall into the container. Check the trap regularly and release any caught spiders.
• Cardboard Traps: Cut a piece of cardboard into a 4″x9″ rectangle. Draw lines at 3″ intervals along the long side. Paint the middle section with a non-toxic adhesive, such as Tangle-Trap sticky coating.

Remember, these traps are meant to catch and release spiders humanely. Always handle spiders with care and release them in a safe environment away from your home. Also, consider wearing gloves while handling these traps for your safety.

Vacuuming and Cleaning: Regular Cleaning to Deter Harvestmen Spiders

Regular vacuuming and cleaning are essential in deterring harvestmen spiders from entering your home. These spiders are attracted to dirt, dust, and other debris, so keeping your home clean and free of clutter will help to reduce their numbers.

• Vacuuming: Vacuum your floors, carpets, and rugs at least once a week to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may attract harvestmen spiders. Be sure to vacuum along baseboards, in corners, and under furniture.
• Dusting: Dust your furniture, window sills, and other surfaces regularly to remove any dust or cobwebs that may be present.
• Mopping: Mop your floors every two weeks to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.
• Decluttering: Declutter your home regularly to remove any unnecessary items that may be providing hiding places for harvestmen spiders.

Maintain a Healthy Home: Reduce Moisture and Eliminate Food Sources

Seal Cracks and Gaps

Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.

Seal these openings with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent harvestmen spiders from entering.

Reduce Humidity

Harvestmen spiders thrive in humid environments.

Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in your home, especially in basements and crawl spaces.

Keep Gutters Clean

Clogged gutters can cause water to pool around your home’s foundation, creating a moist environment that attracts harvestmen spiders.

Regularly clean your gutters to ensure proper water drainage.

Eliminate Food Sources

Harvestmen spiders feed on insects and other small pests. Keep your home free of these pests by sealing food containers, cleaning up crumbs, and removing pet food bowls overnight.

Store Firewood Properly

Firewood provides a hiding place for harvestmen spiders and other pests.

Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate it off the ground to prevent spiders from crawling inside.

Use Natural Repellents

Certain scents, such as peppermint oil and vinegar, are known to repel harvestmen spiders.

Spray these solutions around your home’s exterior to deter spiders from entering.

Encourage Natural Predators: Welcome Spiders and Insects That Feed on Harvestmen

Spider	Insect
Wolf spiders	Beetles
Jumping spiders	Wasps
Orb-weaving spiders	Ants
Crab spiders	Flies
Sac spiders	Lacewings

These predators are all common in gardens and fields, where harvestmen spiders are also found.

They play an important role in controlling the population of harvestmen spiders, which can become a nuisance if their numbers get too high.

Conclusion

In the battle against harvestmen spiders, your home is the fortress, and you, the fearless defender. This comprehensive guide has armed you with an arsenal of eco-friendly tactics to repel these spindly invaders. From sealing entry points to employing the power of essential oils and diatomaceous earth, you now possess the knowledge to reclaim your home, room by room. Remember, prevention is key, so keep your fortress dry, clutter-free, and well-maintained.

Should any spiders breach your defenses, humane traps and barriers await, ensuring their safe release back into nature. Regular cleaning and decluttering will maintain your home’s sanctity, while natural repellents and predators will serve as your loyal allies. Together, you will transform your home into an impenetrable fortress, where harvestmen spiders dare not tread.