Quck answer
Camel spiders, also known as wind scorpions, are not true spiders but belong to the order Solifugae. They are commonly found in dry regions and can become a nuisance if they infest your home or garden. To get rid of a camel spider infestation, follow these steps:
1. Identify the infestation: Look for signs of camel spiders, such as their distinctive appearance and fast movements.
2. Remove their hiding places: Clear clutter, debris, and vegetation where they may hide.
3. Seal entry points: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and walls.
4. Reduce moisture: Camel spiders prefer dry environments, so fix any leaks and ensure proper ventilation.
5. Use insecticides: Apply insecticides specifically labeled for camel spiders to affected areas, following the instructions carefully.
6. Regular cleaning: Keep your home clean and free of food debris to discourage camel spiders.
By following these steps, you can effectively eliminate a camel spider infestation and prevent their return.
Camel spiders are commonly found in deserts in the southwestern United States. Normally, an increase in the number of spiders in your area indicates mating season, so the spider population will decrease once mating is over. However, if the number of spiders around your home is overwhelming, there are steps you can take to reduce their presence.
It is unlikely that liquid chemical pesticides bought from a grocery or hardware store will be effective against arachnids. While these pesticides may kill spiders if applied directly, other spiders will quickly move in and repopulate the area. Additionally, spider egg sacs can survive pesticide applications. Since camel spiders feed on insects and scorpions, controlling a spider infestation requires reducing the presence of other pests in and around your home.
Materials Needed
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Sticky traps
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Broom
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Vacuum
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Pest-control dust
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Chemical spider repellent
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Caulk
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Self-adhering weather stripping
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Draft guards
Locating the Spiders
Step 1: Placing Sticky Traps
Put sticky traps in corners and under furniture around your home to determine if camel spiders are living inside and if their numbers are significant.
Step 2: Sweeping and Vacuuming
Sweep or vacuum rooms and closets that are rarely used, paying close attention to corners and creases where the walls meet the floor.
Step 3: Checking for Spider Activity
Recheck the same areas a few hours later to see if there are signs of recent spider activity.
Controlling the Spiders
Step 1: Killing Live Spiders
Eliminate any moving camel spiders you find during your recheck.
Step 2: Using Effective Pesticides
Apply pest-control dust in all cracks and crevices in your home, especially in areas that are lightly used and outside of your normal traffic patterns.
Step 3: Removing Hiding Spots
Clear away vegetation and trash, as these are places where camel spiders can hide, from around the foundation, doorways, and window wells of your house.
Step 4: Applying Outdoor Repellent
Use insect and scorpion repellent around your house, particularly at windows, doors, and other areas that provide easy access for spiders into your home.
Step 5: Sealing Entry Points
Use caulk to seal any cracks, gaps, or joints around window and door frames to prevent camel spiders from entering your home.
Step 6: Adding Weather Stripping
Apply self-adhering weather stripping to doorjambs to close gaps between the door and the door frame.
Step 7: Using Draft Guards
Attach draft guards to the bottom of your doors to eliminate gaps between the floor and the door.
Step 8: Getting Rid of Clutter
Remove clutter, such as boxes and clothes, from your basement and attic. Keep items off the floor and away from walls to reduce hiding places for camel spiders.
Step 9: Treating the Premises Again
A week or two later, reapply pest-control dust and insect repellent to your home to prevent or limit new infestations.
Tip
If you have a severe infestation of insects or scorpions, you may need to contact a professional pest exterminator to eliminate them before addressing your spider problem.
Caution
Exercise caution when retrieving objects from the ground, such as garments, after initiating your spider-control measures. Ensure to shake out your clothing, even if it has been recently laundered, in case a camel spider has sought shelter there. Take care when handling your shoes and give them a thorough shake before wearing them. Spiders might relocate and conceal themselves in different areas as they attempt to evade pesticides and repellents.
