How to stop Joro spiders getting inside your home – 5 simple steps to a spider-free space
Pro tips to keep Joro spiders at bay
If you've spotted large, colorful spiders around your property, you’re might be dealing with Joro spiders – an invasive species known for their striking yellow and blue-striped bodies and long, spindly legs.
While these web-weaving arachnids aren’t dangerous, they can be an unsettling presence, especially when they start making their way into your home during spider season, when arachnids come indoors in search of a mate.
So, armed knowledge to help you identify pests, here's how you can stop Joro spiders from becoming unwanted residents in your home.
Step 1: Seal entry points
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep Joro spiders out is to seal any potential entry points.
Joseph Passalacqua, CEO of Maid Sailors, says, 'The first line of defense against Joro spiders is to eliminate their entry points. Spiders can squeeze through tiny cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and other potential openings. Regularly inspect your home's exterior and seal any cracks or openings you find.'
Tommy Mello, founder and CEO of home services giants, A1 Garage Door Service, recommends Gorilla Rubberized Waterproof Patch & Seal from Amazon. He says, 'This versatile caulk works indoors and outdoors to prevent entry from pests.'
Passalacqua recommends Great Stuff Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealant, available from Amazon, adding, 'This handy product expands to fill gaps and cracks, providing an effective barrier against Joro spiders and other pests. Its flexibility makes it ideal for sealing small crevices around your home.'
Step 2: Install mesh screens
Install fine mesh screens over windows, vents, and other areas where spiders might enter.
Zahid Adnan, founder of The Plant Bible, says, 'One effective solution is to install fine mesh screens on windows and doors. Joro spiders are often drawn to indoor lights at night, but screens act as a barrier that prevents them from getting in while allowing airflow.
'A product I really recommend for this is the Saint-Gobain ADFORS Fiberglass Screen from Amazon which offers durability and efficient protection.'
An added benefit of mesh screens is that they also help keep other pests out, which could otherwise attract spiders into your home. Remember to regularly check for tears or gaps in your existing screens, as even small holes can allow Joro spiders, which are at their largest, one in in body size, and four finches on leg span wide, to get inside.
Eco-friendly
This affordable, fiberglass, charcoal-color window mesh is ideal for keeping flies and Joro spiders out of your home. The mesh is highly transparent, providing excellent visibility and good ventilation so you won't stop light coming in while keeping spiders out.
Waterproof
This super-strong sealant is great for stopping Joro spiders from creeping into your home. Ready for water exposure in just 30 minutes, this waterproof sealant is mold and mildew resistant. Plus, it won't yellow, shrink, or crack over time and is affordable.
Cordless
This high-power leaf blower is perfect for clearing your yard by blasting away hiding spots and shelter. It boasts variable speed settings and up to 30 minutes of continuous power. A cleaner yard is less appealing for Joro spiders which can help reduce the amount reaching your home.
Step 3: Use natural repellents
Certain natural scents act as repellents for spiders, including Joro spiders. Passalacqua says, 'Certain natural repellents are great for deterring spiders from entering your home. Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus are known to repel spiders. Create a simple spray using these oils and water, and apply it around windows, doors, and other entry points.'
Passalacqua recommends Majestic Pure Peppermint Essential Oil from Amazon and Sally's Organics Glass Spray Bottles from Walmart, while Mello rates Wondercide Peppermint Indoor Pest Control Spray from Amazon, saying, 'This offers a natural and safe solution to keep spiders at bay without the need for harmful chemicals.'
Importantly, these oils are safe for use around children and pets, and can help deter spiders without using harsh chemicals.
For information on Joro spiders can impact your backyard, check out our guide on how Joro spiders can affect your plants.
Minty scent
Peppermint oil is a great choice for pest control that smells great. Sourced in India, this peppermint oil can also be used in your hair to combat a dry scalp; for a fresh scent around the home; and for repelling unwanted insects, including Joro spiders.
Herbal scent
Prefer something a little earthy? Eucalyptus oil has a bold, herbal smell that many find relaxing. It's great at repelling Joro spiders and other bugs. The amber glass bottle keeps out UV rays, protecting the oil from degrading in sunlight.
Lemony scent
Citronella is a great choice if you're looking for a bright and fresh lemony aroma that helps repel insects, including Joro spiders. This bottle from Handcraft Blends is Amazon's #1 bestseller in essential oil singles with over 100,000 ratings averaging at 4.5/5 stars.
Step 4: Use lower lighting
Joro spiders are attracted to insects, which are drawn to bright outdoor lights.
Reducing outdoor lighting, or switching to yellow "bug lights," can help minimize the number of insects around your home and, in turn, reduce spider activity. This LINKPAL Bug Pest Fly Trap Night Light from Wayfair is an effective trap that will help to remove insects that might lure Joro spiders towards your home.
Keeping lights off near entry points at night can also discourage spiders from coming close.
Step 5: Maintain cleanliness
Spiders like dark, cluttered areas, so maintaining a clean, clutter-free home can help keep them away.
Passalacqua says, 'Spiders are attracted to clutter and dark – undisturbed areas where they can build their sizeable webs. Keeping your home clean and free of clutter can significantly reduce the likelihood of a spider infestation.
'Regular vacuuming, dusting, and decluttering are essential steps in maintaining a spider-free home. The Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, available from Amazon, is my personal favorite. This powerful vacuum cleaner reaches into tight corners and under furniture, removing dust, dirt, and spider webs with ease.'
Passalacqua also recommends Swiffer Dusters from Amazon, adding, 'Ideal for dusting hard-to-reach places, Swiffer Dusters effectively trap and lock dust and spider webs, leaving your surfaces clean and clear.'
Keeping outdoor areas, such as your porch or garage, clean and free of debris can also help. Check out these expert-approved backyard cleaning tips and our guide to how to declutter a backyard.
Laser illumination
This stunning vacuum's combination of suction power, 60-minute run time and tools means it's perfectly engineered for whole-home deep cleans, including for houses with pets. Its precisely-angled laser illumination makes microscopic dust visible, while its LCD screen calculates collected particles in real-time. An ideal tool to help keep spiders and insects away.
For
- Piezo sensor and LCD screen indicate dust particles collected
- Anti-tangle hair screw keeps hair from getting stuck
- Incredible suction
Against
- Green laser harder to see in daylight
- For constant activation, you need to hold the trigger
Extendable handle
Ideal for a deep clean, this incredible duster extends to 6 feet, allowing you to access more areas of your home, especially hard-to-reach places such as on top of closets. Its 360-degree specially-coated fibers are uniquely designed to trap dust from every direction, with the unique swivel head pivoting to lock in four different positions. Perfect for maintaining a clean home unappealing to insects and Joro spiders.
Hydrosteam technology
This brilliant Bissell steam carpet cleaner is ideal for deep cleaning your home – especially if you have kids or pets prone to making a mess. Offering three distinct cleaning modes, it’s the only upright deep cleaner with the power of hydrosteam technology to remove the toughest stuck-on and sticky messes. By regularly using this fabulous machine to keep your carpets and upholstery in great condition, you'll send a clear message to bugs and spiders: 'stay away'!
FAQs
Are Joro spiders dangerous to humans?
No, Joro spiders are not dangerous to humans. Their venom is not harmful, and they are generally non-aggressive.
What attracts Joro spiders to homes?
Joro spiders are attracted to insects, which are often drawn to light. Reducing outdoor lighting can help prevent them from coming close to your home.
Can Joro spiders climb walls?
Yes, like most spiders, Joro spiders can easily climb walls and other vertical surfaces.
What time of year are Joro spiders most active?
Joro spiders are most active in the late summer and early fall, when they are fully grown and looking to reproduce.
So there you have it – how to stop Joro spiders getting inside your home in five simple steps. By sealing entry points, installing mesh screens, using natural repellents, lowering lighting, and maintaining cleanliness, you can greatly reduce the chances of Joro spiders becoming unwelcome guests.
Next, check out how to keep spiders out of your garage.
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With more than a decade of experience writing news, lifestyle, consumer and human interest articles for a wide range of national and international publications, Andy is a highly-qualified journalist who trained in the UK, writing features for the national press. From front porch to backyard, Andy has written about every area of the home, specialising in bringing together the best industry expertise to answer all of your most pressing home and garden questions.
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