Are you wondering if bleach can help rid your home of spiders? If you’re not keen on using pesticides, yet still looking for an effective way to control the number of spiders in and around your home, it’s only natural to explore alternatives.
So does bleach kill spiders or is that a myth?
Yes, bleach can kill spiders! This is because bleach contains an ingredient called “sodium hypochlorite” which is actually considered poisonous and lethal to spiders.
But, with most household products “including bleach” they are not designed for killing spiders. Some products can take hours to kill a spider and some can also be risky to use especially if you have pets!
This brings us to the question, should you really use bleach to kill spiders? Let’s find out…
Should You Use Bleach To Kill Spiders?
Although bleach is very effective at killing spiders it’s not recommended as it’s seen as a cruel method and may cause unnecessary suffering to spiders. Now you may be thinking that exterminators use Insecticide sprays so it’s the same thing right?
But, the problem with this is the Insecticide sprays that exterminators use are designed to kill spiders and other insects. However, bleach is not designed for this purpose and is more for disinfecting surfaces and killing bacteria.
There are more humane ways to deal with unwanted spiders in your home. With that said, if you still want to know more about using bleach on spiders then keep reading!
Does It Kill Spiders Instantly?
So does bleach kill spiders instantly? Bleach is a powerful disinfectant and cleaner that is known for its ability to kill bacteria and viruses. However, when it comes to spiders, the answer isn’t as straightforward.
This really depends on the amount of bleach you use and the size of the spider! It’s a fact large spiders are at times harder to kill and sometimes require a higher dose of Insecticide.
But, even with small spiders spraying one directly with bleach, given its ingredients like sodium hypochlorite, it would cause more of a burning sensation due to its corrosive nature.
The damage bleach can do to their exoskeleton would take several minutes “if not” hours for the spider to die. So while bleach will eventually kill spiders this may not happen instantly.
Is Bleach Strong Enough To Kill Spider Eggs?
When it comes to removing spiders, the real concern isn’t necessarily the spiders themselves, but rather the spider eggs. These eggs can contain dozens of baby spiders that will actually hatch leaving you in a worse position.
So is bleach strong enough to kill spider eggs? As we know, most spiders protect their eggs by spinning a silk sac around them. This sac provides a physical barrier against predators or environmental conditions and in some cases, even harsh chemicals.
However, if you use bleach neat without diluting it this can work! Although some do recommend mixing bleach with water when using it as an insecticide this can, in fact, weaken the solution becoming less effective. Something to keep in mind!
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Are There Any Risks When Using Bleach?
So at this point, your properly thinking about using bleach to kill the spiders in your home “but” before reaching for this cleaning agent, it’s important to consider the potential risks. These risks can include the following:
- Ineffectiveness: Bleach is not an effective method for controlling spiders. It might kill spiders if it comes into direct contact with them, but it won’t deter other spiders from coming into your home.
- Health Risks: Bleach can be harmful or fatal if swallowed, inhaled, or come into contact with skin and eyes. It can cause irritation to your eyes, mouth, lungs, and skin.
- Damage to Property: Using bleach can also risk damaging your property. It can discolor fabrics and surfaces, and even cause corrosion on metal surfaces.
- Environmental Risks: Bleach can be harmful to the environment. When mixed with wastewater, it can form harmful compounds.
- Risk to Pets and Other Animals: If you have pets or other animals around your home, bleach can be harmful or fatal to them.
It’s generally better to use methods that are specifically designed for spider control, such as spider traps, insecticides specifically made for spiders, or professional pest control services.
Remember if you do decide to use bleach always use bleach in a well-ventilated area, and wear protective clothing such as gloves and eye protection when handling it. And always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
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Alternatives To Bleach
After reading this article your first instinct would be to reach for a bottle of bleach to kill them off quickly. “But” fortunately, there are many alternatives to using harsh chemicals like bleach when looking to deal with spiders
Vacuum Cleaner: A vacuum cleaner can be used to remove spiders and their webs from your home. This is a quick and easy method, but remember, it’s important to empty the vacuum bag outside to prevent the spiders from escaping back into your house.
Jar Method: If you’re comfortable doing so, you can trap the spider under a jar or cup, then slide a stiff piece of paper underneath to trap the spider inside. You can then carry the spider outside and release it.
Sticky Traps: Sticky traps or glue boards can be placed in areas where you frequently see spiders. The spiders will walk into the trap and get stuck. These traps also allow you to monitor the types of spiders invading your home.
Insecticides: There are several over-the-counter insecticides specifically designed for spiders. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products
How To Remove A Spider Without Harming It?
Are you in a situation where you need to get rid of a spider, but don’t want to harm it? Maybe you’re just not comfortable using chemical-based insecticides or sprayers when dealing with spiders.
Whatever the reason, there are thankfully humane alternatives to getting rid of spiders without killing them. So, below we’ll show you some simple and effective ways to make sure that pesky spiders can exit your home safely.
The Cup Method
The best way to trap a spider is with a cup and a stiff piece of paper or cardboard. Simply place the cup over the spider and then slide the paper or cardboard underneath to trap the spider inside.
Carefully lift the cup whilst keeping the paper secure, then take the spider outside to release it
Broom Method
If the spider is hanging or located at a high point in your room, you can use a long-handled broom to gently sweep it down. Then, use one of the previously mentioned methods (like the cup and cardboard technique) to capture the spider and safely release it outside.
Be careful not to harm the spider while doing this
Natural Remedies
Many natural substances, such as essential oils (peppermint, tea tree, citrus, and eucalyptus oil), are known to repel spiders. You can spray these around your home as a natural deterrent.
Tips For Preventing An Infestation
Preventing a spider infestation in your home can be achieved by taking the following steps:
- Seal Windows and Doors: Spiders often enter homes through cracks and crevices, so thoroughly weatherproofing the windows, doors, walls, and foundations of your home can help prevent them from getting inside.
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping your home clean and tidy can discourage spiders from settling in. They prefer cluttered environments where they can easily hide and find food, so regular cleaning can help keep them at bay.
- Spider Traps: Setting out spider traps or catchers around your home can also help control the population. These traps use scents to attract spiders, trapping them once they step onto the sticky surface.
By adopting these measures, you can reduce the likelihood of a spider infestation in your home.
Conclusion
So does bleach kill spiders yes! but as you’ve just read in this article there are far better and humane alternatives. If you enjoyed this article don’t forget we have more like this one simply go over to the home page. Thanks for reading!
