What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you see a spider at home? Most homeowners will try to find ways to either kill them or prevent their entry. Although some spiders are highly venomous, not all are harmful. Even though most of them are not dangerous, the eight-legged crawler often evokes a creepy sensation in your body. While there are several ways to keep spiders away from home, bleach is the best way to kill an existing spider.
Can Bleach Kill Spiders?
Bleach is one of the most effective ways to kill spiders, as the hypochlorous acid in bleach reacts with the spider’s cellular activity. In fact, bleach can work in different ways, such as damaging the bug’s exoskeleton or suffocating it. Also, bleach can damage spider webs to clear out the nest completely.
Does Bleach Kill Spiders Instantly?
Yes, bleach can kill spiders instantly because of its corrosive nature. However, the time depends on several factors, including the amount of bleach used, the spider's size, and whether the bleach was applied directly or indirectly. If you consider a standard household bleach with about 6% sodium hypochlorite, it can kill a spider within a few seconds if it was sprayed directly on the spider’s body. The bleach reacts with its exoskeleton within seconds and kills the spider instantly.
However, if you spray bleach on a surface where a spider may crawl later, its effectiveness decreases. This is because spiders can become resistant to surfaces they have been exposed to for a while. They die only when the bleach penetrates their exoskeleton to react with their cellular activity.
How Much Bleach Can Kill a Spider?
It is quite normal to react when you see a big spider in one corner of your house. But this does not mean you should use too much bleach to kill them. Bleach is toxic and can damage walls, furniture, and you. Moreover, just a small amount of bleach is enough to kill the spider. The only trick is to spray the bleach directly on the spider’s body to kill it instantly.
How to Kill Spiders Using Bleach?
You can safely kill spiders using bleach by following a few simple steps.
Step 1:
Mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts water, then pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Step 2:
Wear protective gear, such as gloves and eyeglasses, to avoid direct contact with the bleach while spraying.
Step 3:
Spray the mixture directly on the spider from about 6 to 10 inches away.
Step 4:
After a few minutes, dispose of the dead spiders and clean the surface to prevent stains.
Step 5:
You can spray this mixture weekly around the places where you notice spiders most.
Keep the spray mixture away from kids and pets, as it can be extremely dangerous.
Will Bleach Kill Spider Eggs?
Bleach will affect spider eggs similarly to how it affects spiders. The toxic chemical will suffocate the spiderlings in the eggs and will kill them instantly. A small amount of bleach spray is enough to kill these eggs. Make sure that you do not spray too much, as the toxic chemical can damage the surface on which the spider eggs lie.
Other Ways to Keep Spiders Away from Home?
Once you have killed spiders using bleach, you can always try out other alternative ways to keep spiders away from home.
- Maintain a clean, organized household, as a cluttered, dirty interior is a favorite hiding spot for spiders.
- Seal any cracks that can become the entry point for spiders, including doors, windows, and walls.
- Clear out organic debris, such as piles of leaves or damaged wood, around your house, as it can be a breeding ground for pests like spiders.
- Trim your garden bushes regularly to disrupt potential pathways for spiders to enter your home.
- Try to get rid of other pests, as spiders often feed on insects including mosquitoes and flies.
- Spiders cannot tolerate the soothing smell of essential oils, including eucalyptus, lavender, and others. So, another great way is to spray such essential oils at possible entryways and corners of the house.
- Keep firewood outdoors and bring it in only on the day you want it, because firewood is another great way for spiders to invade your house.
- Moisture also attracts spiders; therefore, repair any leaking faucets, clean gutters, and address any standing water.
Conclusion
Spiders are among the most common and most hated pests in any household. Even if you keep a clean and well-maintained house, you may find one spider or the other crawling somewhere. A bleach solution is considered one of the best and fastest ways to kill spiders along with their eggs and webs. However, bleach may not stop them from entering your house, so you may need to try other alternatives.
