Foolproof Ways To Get Rid Of Camel Spiders In Your Home

Camel spiders, also known as wind scorpions, are commonly found in the Southwestern United States and thrive in hot, dry environments like deserts. If you've ever encountered one of these arachnids, their intimidating appearance and fast movements may have left you a bit rattled. Yet, despite popular misconceptions, these creatures are not venomous. In fact, they typically don't pose a threat to humans (though allergic reactions to bites are of course a possibility, so seek medical attention if you experience serious symptoms). 

Regardless, their presence in your home can still be unsettling. Instead of calling in pest control right away, remain and figure out how they're entering your home in the first place. Simple steps like sealing cracks, using repellents, and keeping your home tidy go a long way in keeping these beasties out. This will also help you monitor the whereabouts and patterns of these critters. If your camel spiders are the determined sort and aren't put off by your initial efforts, sticky traps may be one of the most humane and foolproof solutions out there.

There are many humane ways to keep critters out of your yard, and sticky traps are a great nonlethal approach. They come in various forms, from flat adhesive sheets to enclosed sticky boxes, and are used to catch everything from veggie-munching insects to rodents. Place them strategically in areas of your home where camel spiders are likely to roam — such as along baseboards, doorways, or near cracks — so that you can catch them before they settle. The spiders will become lodged to the surface but remain alive, allowing for safe removal. Sticky traps offer the benefit of a hands-off approach — you don't have to chase the critters around your home or risk startling them.

Just be aware that if left unattended, the trapped spider may die, creating an unpleasant odor. Avoid this by regularly checking and replacing the traps. Also, consider that releasing a spider from the sticky contraption can be tricky, as it requires some care to ensure you don't injure the creature while freeing it. Another potential issue is that these traps might attract other critters, leading to a messier cleanup if multiple pests get stuck. Nevertheless, sticky traps remain one of the most humane ways to manage camel spiders without killing them outright. And we're here for that.

There are insects you should avoid killing at all costs, but camel spiders aren't one of them. If sticky traps aren't enough to manage them in your home, try using diatomaceous earth — a natural powder that works by dehydrating camel spiders and other insects. You can sprinkle it around doorways, windows, and other potential entry points to create a barrier that is both safe for humans and pets but deadly for spiders. If you try to avoid chemical sprays, this may be an ideal solution for your home. Just make sure to reapply it regularly, especially after cleaning or vacuuming the house.

There are also several insecticides designed to target arachnids, but they should be used cautiously as they can be harmful if not applied properly. Apply the repellant on areas where the critters are likely to hide, such as corners, under furniture, and behind appliances. Also remember that when breeding season strikes, you will have a new population of camel spiders to contend with.

Don't forget that essential oils also offer a natural alternative. In fact, the efficacy of mint oil and chestnut-fruit oil as spider repellant was established in a 2018 study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology. Mix a few drops with water and spray the solution around windows and door frames. These oils not only smell great but also serve as a deterrent to many critters, keeping your home fresh and pest-free.