Razhie

"This is the true joy in life - being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances." --George Bernard Shaw

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My official name is Manda, but I've been Razhie for almost as long. I'm a 28 year old woman who didn't use to be half as confident or brazen as she is now.

My advice is pretty good, not always perfect and rarely censored.

I can read what is written. I cannot read your mind.

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Razhie. Advicenators Member Since: June 13, 2005. Answers: 5077. Visitors: 211514.

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The Question
Hello,

We just moved to a new ground floor apartment. There is a terrace and a hedge which attracts a lot of unwanted wildlife.

Does anyone know any proven tips to get rid of spiders? People tell me just to get used to them because they eat other insects, but I really don't like walking and being caught up in webs, or spiders the size of my fist running across the floor.

I've read citrus, mint, lavender etc oils, but does anyone have any tried and tested things? These oils can be pretty pricey so don't want to keep getting things that don't work.

I should add that the apartment itself is very clean and uncluttered.

Thanks a lot, :)

The Answer
The best way to get rid of spiders, is to not let them get in.

Check your baseboards and windows for cracks. Talk to the landlord about sealing anything you find. Make sure your screens don't have holes, and that everything that needs a screen has one.

Once you make sure they can't get in, your best bet is just to make life miserable for the ones you've got. Clean dishes and remove recycling immediately. Take a broom and knock down any webs you find.

Also remember that the last tenants might have been careless, and left old furniture or garbage that the spiders love.

I don't know anything about oils discouraging them. I'm pretty skeptical that they'd work, since spiders are a hugely diverse group of insects. I'd put my time and energy into making sure they can't get in, ruining the spots they like, and waiting them out.
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(Rating: 4) Thanks for the answer & apologies for the delayed feedback. Already made sure that they can't get in and the apartment and surrounding areas are very clean. Although didn't make that clear in the question!

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