I've been dealing with a long-term invasion of brown recluse and black widow spiders in my basement, and I haven't had much luck getting rid of them. I've heard that food-grade diatomaceous earth can kill spiders, but I'm curious if anyone has really tried it or found anything effective for a more long-term solution. I also have cats and dogs at home, so I'd like to avoid anything harmful to them. Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic option that won't harm your pets or family. It's not really a poison; it works more like tiny shards that cut up the insects when they crawl through it. I haven't used it specifically for spiders, but it sounds like a viable option! Just make sure to apply it where they typically travel.
Exactly! DE works better if you can place it where the spiders roam, which can be tricky since both brown recluses and black widows prefer to ambush their prey. You might also want to try spraying something like lemon pledge or Fabuloso. Some folks swear by it as a spider deterrent—citrus and mint scents can be quite effective against them, plus there are also various chemical deterrents available.
Have you thought about using bug bombs? They can really help with pest infestations. Just make sure to follow all safety precautions, especially with pets around.