Mix These Two Powerful Ingredients Together To Defeat Spiders

Sharing our living spaces with the eight-legged invaders that are spiders (particularly the venomous species like black widows and brown recluses) is a frightening prospect. Infiltrating through openings (think windows, vents, and doors) and wall cracks, these intruders often find our homes as a safe haven offering food, protection, and mates. Factor in the swarm of insects they love to prey on and the enticing, damp, dark spaces your house unwittingly offers, and you could be facing a full-scale arachnid invasion. But before you even think of surrendering to the call of potentially dangerous pesticides, why not consider getting rid of spiders with a household staple like ammonia solution?

Though formidable in its pure form and hazardous to inhale, this powerful alkaline substance becomes an effective spider adversary when diluted with water. How so? It compromises the spider's respiratory function, leading to their death. Another reason ammonia deserves the spotlight in this situation is that the likelihood of spiders developing resistance against it is minimal.

But remember, just like any potential superhero, careful handling and application of ammonia are of utmost significance to prevent unintended harm. For example, you shouldn't blend it with bleach, as that generates the respiratory-irritant chloramine gas. Next, let's see how you can safely harness the might of this homemade spider-repellent spray to ensure harmony reigns in your living space once again.

Kick off this battle by reorganizing and decluttering your room to expel the creepy eight-legged warriors' most preferred hide-outs, making targeting them in the later stages easier. Next, equip yourself adequately. Ammonia is an adversary to you as much as to the spiders due to its high toxicity and pungent smell. Therefore, wear goggles, a mask, and chemical-resistant gloves.

Unleashing ammonia spray in a room without adequate ventilation is like fighting a dragon in its den — it can turn out deadly. So, open the windows and keep your four-legged furballs and kids at a safe distance, too, as the odor can be overwhelming. Next, concoct the homemade spider-repellent spray: Ammonia diluted with an equal amount of water, all in a spray bottle. But even magic potions come with fine print. Ammonia can dull your shiny tiled floor, so it's advisable to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.

With your weapon prepped, it's time to bombard. Target corners, window sills, baseboards, and any sneaky spot where spiders may lurk. Remember, consistency is key: a weekly application is recommended. Or, if spraying doesn't tickle your fancy, you could instead wipe around the spider's entry spots with an ammonia-dampened cloth. Or try other natural spider repellents like vinegar, peppermint oil, or diatomaceous earth. If you have an underlying respiratory ailment, like asthma, please keep off ammonia spray, as it can trigger flare-ups (per the Connecticut Department of Public Health).