Arachnophobia (fear of spiders) affects over 3.5% of the population.
If you are an arachnophobe, you will not be happy about having a spider in your home.
The good news is there are many ways to reduce the chances of getting spiders in your home. But what about those that do get in? What can you do with those? There are 3 options:
- Run around screaming until someone comes to help
- Catch and release
- Kill it
If you go for option 3, there are many ways you can achieve it. I usually find the underside of my boot does the trick, but some people are a little more creative.
Take vinegar, for instance. Does vinegar kill spiders? Let’s take a look.
Does Vinegar Kill Spiders?
If you were ever wondering whether vinegar will kill spiders or not, the answer is yes. This is because vinegar comprises acetic acid, which is caustic to arachnids. However, different types of vinegar have varying degrees of acetic acid.
But the one with the strongest amount is white vinegar.
That said, larger spiders may not take to a few sprays of a vinegar solution. You will have to devise something even stronger for those guys.
If you are dealing with a venomous spider, call in a professional. They will know precisely how to handle it without the situation becoming life-threatening.
There are several ways to use vinegar to remove almost all arachnids from your premises. The following suggestions and recipes are for average-sized spiders.
How Vinegar Kills Spiders; Its Effectiveness
Since white vinegar has the highest percentage of acetic acid, it’s the most effective for ridding an area of spiders. This is because spiders are sensitive to the sour constituents that make up vinegar, particularly acetic acid. Their bodies cannot handle the components, destroying them from the outside and working its way to the inside.
Apple cider vinegar has the second-largest percentage of acetic acid. So, while you can kill spiders with it, you’ll have to use a higher concentration. All other types of vinegar will not be nearly as effective.
How to Use Vinegar to Kill or Repel Spiders
Vinegar is excellent because it’s an all-natural pest treatment and safe for children and pets. You can use it as much as necessary, and it shouldn’t damage your woodwork or other architectural elements.
The best and quickest way is to make a solution of vinegar and warm water, 50% each or a ratio of 1:1. Put this in a clean spray bottle and apply an even layer over cracks, crevices, nooks, and crannies around the area in question.
Make sure the spray bottle’s nozzle has a reasonable distance and force.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar
If you want to use pure apple cider vinegar, you will have to double up on the amount of vinegar related to the water. For instance, you should use a 2:1 ratio for apple cider vinegar.
But if you have raw apple cider vinegar with the pulp/mash still in it, it may be better to use cotton balls. Just soak them in the apple cider vinegar and set them strategically. Not only will this kill spiders, but it will also repel them.
Frequency
Your spray will depend on your arachnid problem and which type of vinegar you use.
For infestations, thoroughly spraying a white vinegar solution will be ideal every two weeks. But, for apple cider vinegar, you will have to spray each week faithfully.
Covering the Stench of Vinegar
If you don’t like the scent of vinegar, you can add some orange peel or essential oil. However, add this about a day before so the fragrance has time to infuse throughout the vinegar.
For Large, Venomous Spiders
For larger and more venomous spiders, I recommend you call a professional, especially if a bite could be life-threatening.
When it comes to life-threatening situations, please leave it to a professional.
Ridding Spider Eggs
If you’re looking to get rid of spider eggs, not all vinegar types will kill them. This is because the egg sac comprises a kind of silk.
Different spiders produce various kinds of silks. For some species, vinegar works effectively. But it does little for other types of spiders.
Unless you’re an entomologist, it’s challenging to identify and know what these are in exact terms.
So, as a general rule of thumb, white vinegar should be effective if the egg sacs look thin, small, and weak. Anything that looks big and thick may not take to the treatment.
Conclusion
Most spiders aren’t dangerous, and if possible, you should look to catch and release them back into the wild. If you cannot do this, you can use vinegar to kill spiders.
Plus, an infestation of spiders is not only unsightly, but it creates a mess of webs. In these instances, using a little vinegar to take care of the issue will usually work like a charm.
Just mix it with a bit of water and spray.
Vinegar is a wonderful, inexpensive product that kills spiders and helps to keep them away. Remember, white vinegar will be your best bet.
While you can use apple cider vinegar to get rid of spiders, understand that all others will not nearly be as effective.
Also, vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner, so you can use it to clean up where spiders have been.
Good luck!
