Spiders are some of the most despised and feared pests in the United States. While they are not as disastrous as termites or as dangerous as bacteria-carrying roaches, spiders are still creepy.
They can invade our homes regardless of the time of year. Worse yet, there are a few species of spiders that are venomous in the United States.
While many spider problems can be taken care of using natural remedies and products, some infestations can get out of control and require the use of insecticides and spider bombs. Since you’re here, you’re probably wondering about spider bombs in particular and are curious about how they work and which spider bomb products are the best.
If so, you’ve come to the right place. Join us today as we learn more about spiders and talk about the best spider bomb products on the market.
Contents
But Before We Begin, Let’s Talk About Spiders
Spiders may be frightening to look at, but they are extremely beneficial.
Spiders certainly get a bad rep, but it’s not entirely their fault. For hundreds of years, these creepy crawlies have been associated with witches and haunted houses, and have even had starring roles in several arachnophobia-inducing horror movies.
But the truth is, spiders are one of the most highly beneficial creatures on the planet. Belonging to the arachnida class, spiders are not insects and are instead related to other arachnids like scorpions and mites. They are valuable animals that help keep our ecosystem healthy and thriving.
In fact, without spiders, populations of pest insects like flies mosquitoes, and more would get largely out of control. Furthermore, spiders are also an important food source for beneficial animals like birds.
Still, spiders can be problematic, especially when they get into our homes. Because they prefer dark, secluded spaces, many spiders can hide away in attics and basements and go unnoticed. When this happens they can reproduce rapidly and, if conditions are ideal, spiders can quickly infest our homes.
We should also note that a spider infestation in your home may be a sign of another, more serious pest problem. Why? Because spiders will only stick around if there is an ideal food source for them.
And while most spiders are more annoying than dangers, there are a few poisonous spiders you need to watch out for here in the US.
According to scientists, there are only three medically important spiders in the United States. These spiders include:
- Black Widow Spiders
- Brown Recluse Spiders
- And Hobo Spiders
While the bite of the above three spiders can be dangerous under the right circumstances, getting bitten by a poisonous spider in the United States is rarely considered deadly. In fact, it is estimated that over 80% of diagnosed spider bites are diagnosed incorrectly. This is because so many different types of insect bites, infections, or even reactions can look similar to a spider bite.
That said, even if you’re not dealing with poisonous spiders, having spiders infesting your home is never ideal. Not to mention that a large infestation likely means you also have other pests roaming about.
And this is where a spider bomb comes in handy.
What Is A Spider Bomb?
Spider bombs are typically used for very large spider infestations.
Are you considering using a spider bomb? If you have a massive spider infestation in your home, a spider bomb will certainly help. Spider bombs are a form of pesticide or insecticide used either by a professional or home owner to eradicate a pest infestation inside the home.
Also called foggers, spider bombs work by fumigating the home. Once they are set, they are able to reach nearly every crack and crevice inside the room, effectively killing and repelling any pest no matter where it is hiding.
A spider bomb is generally used as a last resort form of pest control when people find they are unable to get rid of spiders using traditional methods or when people find they are already in the midst of a severe spider or insect infestation.
The reason we don’t recommend using spider bombs to get rid of one or two spiders in the home is because these products use harsh pesticides and chemicals that spread throughout the home and can be dangerous to people, pets and the environment. Furthemore, there is often a waiting period you must abide by before reentering your home after setting off a spider bomb.
Before you use a spider bomb, you are also advised to clear kitchen counters, remove any foods, eating utensils, plates, etc, and seal refrigerators, microwaves, cabinets and more. You are advised to turn off any ignition sources like stoves or water heaters as well, and we also suggest removing children’s toys, high chairs, and covering tables.
The below video talks more about how to use a spider bomb safely and reminds you to keep your spider bomb away from any ignition sources.
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Best Spider Bomb Products
The best spider bomb products will be designed to work indoors and reach spider hiding places.
Using a spider bomb is not right for everyone, but very large infestations may require the use of professional help or foggers, like the ones listed below. If you do choose to use a spider bomb, remember to use it only as directed and to follow any instructions for before and after the spider bomb is set.
If you have decided a spider bomb is right for your home and situation, you’re in luck. We have listed some of our favorite spider bomb products below that will not only work to get rid of the spiders infesting your home but also the other insects they are preying on.
Raid Max Insect Fogger
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This spider bomb by Raid Max can do more than just get rid of spiders – it can also gets rid of ants, roaches, fleas, and even mosquitoes. The spider bomb works to reach up to 7,000 square feet and includes a three pack of foggers so you can use one in different rooms and spaces if needed.
That said, do not use more foggers than necessary and use them only as directed. The above spider bomb is designed to be used as a treatment for current spider or insect infestations but can also be used as a preventative to help keep more pests from returning.
Hot Shot Fogger
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Another spider bomb that works well to eradicate spider infestations is made by Hot Shot. While the above product only reaches up to 2,000 square feet, it does come in different counts, meaning you can order up to 25 bottles if you need to.
The fogger also comes with a odor neutralizer and does not leave behind a chemical smell or stain furniture or carpeting. It also works to kill and repel roaches and ants. You can use this spider bomb inside as well as in outside garden sheds, trailers, crawl spaces, basements, attics and more. Once applied, the spider bomb should continue repelling pests for up to two months.
Harris Indoor Insect Fogger
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Harris is a well known pest control brand that offers many different types of pest control products. We like this particular spider bomb above because it can be ordered in different pack counts and is specifically designed to be used indoors and in smaller spaces like attics, basements, apartments, cabins, trailers, campers, and more.
This spider bomb is also effective against fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and roaches. In fact, it can work to continue killing and repelling the common German cockroach for up to 12 weeks after it is applied.
Spectracide Bug Stop Fogger
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Another fogger or spider bomb we recommend for severe spider infestations is the Spectracide Bug Stop Fogger above. It kills on contact and is designed to reach hiding places of common pests like spiders, roaches, ants, fleas, ticks, flies, silverfish, and many more.
It is made to be used indoors and reaches up to 2,000 square feet per can. Of course, remember to keep this fogger and all foggers out of reach of children and to use it only as directed.
Black Flag Indoor Fogger
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Last on our list of best spider bomb products is a fogger by a company called Black Flag. This fogger kills spiders and other pests on contact using a concentrated mist that reaches common insect hiding places. It works for spiders, ants, roaches, flies, silverfish and even fleas.
That said, this fogger will not work against brown recluse spiders. If you have a brown recluse infestation we recommend using one of the other above foggers or a spider bomb specifically designed for poisonous spiders.
Other Products You Can Use In Place Of A Spider Bomb
Spider bombs can be toxic to people and pets if not used correctly, so many people opt to use other forms of spider control.
If you feel a spider bomb is too intensive of a treatment for your current situation, don’t worry. There are several other types of products you can use to protect your home from spiders and reduce a spider infestation.
Some of the products we have listed below include sprays, natural remedies, and even ultrasonic pest repellents to help rid your home of a spider infestation. Take a look.
Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
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Ultrasonic pest repellers are commonly used by those who not only want to help eradicate an infestation but also prevent one from recurring. There are a number of ultrasonic pest repellers on the market, but we like the one above by Neatmaster because it is designed to handle and repel a number of pests from spiders to roaches to rodents.
These pest repellers work by releasing ultrasonic sound waves and vibrations that are harmless and even go unnoticed to people and pets but are highly irritating to pests like spiders.
However, keep in mind that this pest repeller may not be able to completely eradicate a large spider infestation on its own, so we suggest using it alongside a spider bomb product or one of the other products listed below.
Ortho Home Defense Perimeter Spray
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If you are looking for a less intensive treatment that can effectively get rid of spiders and other pests, we suggest using a perimeter spray like the above insecticide by Ortho. This spray can be used both inside and outside to kill and repel pests like spiders, roaches, earwigs and ants.
We suggest using this insecticide spray as a perimeter defense alongside the perimeter of your home outdoors and inside near entry and exit points like along door frames and window sills.
Mighty Mint Natural Spider Spray
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As we mentioned above, for very large spider infestations, a spider bomb may be necessary. However, if you are only dealing with a few spiders here and there, we recommend using natural spider sprays and repellent because they are safer for people, pets and the environment.
We are big fans of the above spider spray known as Mighty Mint. This product is safe for children, dogs, cats and the environment and can be used both inside and out.
The spray repels spiders and many other pests using essential oils like peppermint. The product can even be used in gardens, flower beds and lawns to keep garden-destroying insects at bay as well.
Hot Shot Spider and Scorpion Killer
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For anyone dealing with poisonous spiders, you may want to have an aerosol spray on hand along with your spider bomb. The above spray by Hot Shot works against a number of different types of spiders and can even kill and repel scorpions.
While it kills on contact, it also continues repelling and killing returning pests for up to 16 weeks. Along with spiders, this spray can kill and repel crickets, roaches, silverfish, and ants.
Wondercide Perimeter Spray
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Another perimeter spray we would recommend for use during and after you use your spider bomb is a natural outdoor perimeter spray by Wondercide. This natural insecticide uses plant based ingredients and essential oils like peppermint oil, rosemary oil, cedar oil and lemongrass oil to repel pests like spiders, roaches, fleas, ticks, earwigs, and ants.
It is safe for people, pets and the environment and can be used along the perimeter of your home, in gardens, sheds and even in areas where children and pets play.
How To Make Your Own Spider Repellent
You can make your own spider repellent using essential oils and other home ingredients.
Even though we know they are beneficial, it doesn’t stop many of us from feeling that spiders are just plain creepy. If you’re looking for ways you can go about keeping spiders from bugging you without using a spider bomb or purchasing insecticides or over the counter products, you’re in luck.
In this section, we are going over some do it yourself pest control remedies and recipes you can use at home to get rid of spiders without using a spider bomb or other toxic or expensive products.
Essential Oils To Repel Spiders
Essential oils are a popular form of natural pest control for those looking to use organic methods to rid their homes of spiders. Some of the best essential oils to get rid of spiders and keep them from coming back are listed below.
- Cinnamon Oil
- Cedar Oil
- Citronella Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Citrus Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
In order to make your own spider-repellent spray using essential oils, all you need to do is add five to ten drops of the above oil of your choice to two cups of water. Mix the solution in a spray bottle and spray the solution around your home. Pay special attention to basements, attics, crawl spaces, and beneath appliances and behind cupboards.
NOTE: Many people find that the best three oils to use to repel spiders are peppermint oil, cedar oil, and citrus oil.
White Vinegar and Liquid Dish Soap Spider Spray
White vinegar will repel spiders while dish soap will kill them on contact. You can make your own spider spray using vinegar and dish soap by following the ingredients list and directions below.
Ingredients:
- 1 spray bottle
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 pump of liquid dish soap
Directions:
Mix the above ingredients into the spray bottle and shake the bottle until the solution is foamy. Then go about spraying it as needed. As a repellent, spray the solution in corners, crawl spaces, attics and basements. You can use what is left over or make more to keep on hand in case you come across a spider you want to kill on contact.
Spiders In The House – When To Call A Professional
Poisonous spider infestations can be dangerous and may require professional help.
Pretty much every American household is also a home to spiders. These pests often seek out our homes because they provide shelter, water, and an abundant source of food. Even if you don’t see spiders in your home often, you likely still have them lurking somewhere near by.
While there are those who don’t mind a spider or two in their home, (especially considering spiders are so beneficial and can help keep other pests away), a very large infestation of spiders may be an indication of a secondary pest problem.
Furthermore, poisonous spiders like the brown recluse, black widow or hobo spider can have dangerous bites, especially for small children and pets.
If you have an overwhelming spider problem in your home and are not sure if you are dealing with a large infestation of poisonous spiders, it may be wise to contact a professional. Most professional pest care experts charge around $100 to $500, but they can cost more depending on your region and the severity of your infestation.
Expert Tips On Preventing A Future Spider Infestation
Clean and declutter often to help keep spiders and other pests at bay.
Getting rid of and controlling spiders in and around your home is not going to be a one and done job. Regardless of if you use a spider bomb, natural products, sprays or home remedies to get rid of the spiders in your home, you should continue using other forms of pest control, including preventive measures year round.
Let’s take a look at some of the best ways you can reduce the number of spiders in your home along with using a spider bomb or other form of pest control.
Practice Routine Home Maintenance
While it is true that nearly every American home is going to also be home to spiders, you can help reduce the number of spiders in your home and reduce the chances of facing an infestation as long as you keep up with routine home maintenance.
This means making sure cracks and crevices are caulked and sealed and that entry and exit points shut and seal securely. Make sure there are no gaps in doors or windows and that any ill-fitted or ripped screens are repaired.
Declutter Your Home And Clean Often
Clutter can lead to dust and a build of decay, which can in turn attract other insect pests, which can attract spiders. Furthermore, clutter gives spiders an ideal place to hide and build their webs.
Brown recluse spiders in particular like hiding beneath clutter like boxes, storage, and baseboards. They also hide in closets, clothing, and shoes so keep that in mind.
Keep Food Properly Stored
Spiders are not attracted to human foods, but the pests they prey on are. You can help reduce your chances of encountering spiders by ensuring you properly store any pantry food. We recommend storing foods in airtight containers that are made of sturdy plastic or glass.
We also recommend keeping perishable foods refrigerated and try not to allow fruits on counters to get overly ripe as this could attract flies and other pests spiders find tasty.
Remove Debris and Excess Clutter From Around Your Home’s Perimeter
Spiders often find their way into our homes simply because they got too close to our home perimeter. Hedges and other vegetation around our home’s siding can lead to an increase of pests in the house from spiders to earwigs to ants and more.
To keep pests at bay, we recommend keeping vegetation at least three feet from your home’s perimeter.
Use A Form Of Perimeter Protection Around Your Home Year-Round
Remember, while spiders can seem to become more active during certain times of the year, they are not technically a seasonal pest and can enter your home during any time. In order to prevent spiders from becoming a problem, it is always wise to use a form of pest control around the perimeter of your home year round.
So, what are your thoughts? Would you use a spider bomb if you had a large spider infestation? Or have you ever had to use a spider bomb in the past to get rid of a spider infestation inside your home?
We would love to know what you think about using a spider bomb in comparison to other types of spider or pest control methods. Leave us your thoughts in the comment section below.
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.