How To Get Rid Of Fishing Spiders

how to get rid of fishing spiders
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How To Get Rid Of Fishing Spiders

Fishing spiders (often Dolomedes species) are large semi-aquatic spiders that live near water, but they sometimes wander into homes or business areas. While they are generally not dangerous to humans, they can be alarming due to their size. Here’s how to manage them yourself:

Prevention – Stop Them Before They Enter

  • Seal Entry Points: Check windows, doors, vents, and cracks in foundations or walls. Use caulk or weatherstripping to block entry. Fishing spiders are excellent climbers and may enter through small gaps.

  • Reduce Attractants: These spiders hunt insects near water, so limit standing water near buildings. Empty birdbaths, clean gutters, fix leaks, and minimize damp areas.

  • Outdoor Lighting: Insects are attracted to lights, which then attract spiders. Use yellow “bug lights” outdoors to reduce insect populations.

Manual Removal

  • Catch and Release: Use a jar or container with a piece of stiff paper or cardboard. Gently guide the spider into the container, then release it away from your property.

  • Vacuuming: You can vacuum spiders you see indoors, but immediately empty the vacuum outside so they don’t crawl back out.

Environmental Controls Indoors

  • Dehumidify: Fishing spiders are drawn to damp areas. Using a dehumidifier or fixing leaks in basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms reduces appeal.

  • Clutter Management: Remove piles of wood, boxes, or debris where spiders may hide. This is especially important for basements, garages, and sheds.

Natural Deterrents

  • Essential Oils: Spiders generally dislike peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and citrus oils. Mix 15–20 drops in a spray bottle with water and spray along entryways, baseboards, and corners.

  • Diatomaceous Earth: Food-grade diatomaceous earth around foundations, window sills, or damp indoor areas can deter spiders. It’s abrasive to their exoskeletons and dehydrating.

Chemical Options (If Necessary)

  • Targeted Insecticides: Use spider-specific sprays along baseboards, window frames, and entry points. Choose low-toxicity options if pets or children are present.

  • Residual Barrier Sprays: Spraying around the exterior perimeter of your home can prevent spiders from entering. Focus on cracks, under eaves, and near water sources.

Ongoing Monitoring

  • Check Indoors Weekly: Remove any wandering spiders promptly.

  • Outdoor Maintenance: Keep vegetation trimmed back from buildings and avoid overwatering lawns or gardens.

Fishing spiders are actually beneficial outdoors because they control insect populations near water. The goal indoors is prevention and safe removal rather than eradication. If infestations are frequent or large, our professional pest control team can provide treatments that are more effective and long-lasting, especially in damp basements or commercial buildings.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Fishing Spiders

Our professional spider control is the most effective solution for fishing spiders, especially for homes or businesses, because of the unique challenges these spiders present:

Expertise in Identification

Fishing spiders (Dolomedes spp.) can be mistaken for other large spiders. Our professionals can correctly identify the species and its habits, ensuring the treatment targets the right pest. Misidentifying a spider can lead to ineffective DIY methods, repeated infestations, or unnecessary use of chemicals.

Comprehensive Assessment

Our professionals will inspect both the interior and exterior of a property to identify:

  • Entry points (cracks, vents, gaps)

  • Damp or high-humidity areas that attract spiders

  • Prey populations (insects) that sustain spider populations

This holistic approach addresses the root causes of infestations, not just the visible spiders.

Safe and Effective Treatments

  • Our professionals use EPA-approved insecticides and residual sprays that are effective against spiders but safe when applied correctly around humans, pets, and food areas.

  • We know where and how to apply treatments to reach spiders in hidden or hard-to-access areas, such as crawl spaces, attics, or behind exterior siding.

  • DIY sprays often fail because they do not penetrate these hiding spots or are applied inconsistently.

Long-Term Prevention

Fishing spiders are attracted to moisture and insects. Our professionals don’t just kill spiders—we provide preventive strategies:

  • Sealing entry points

  • Reducing outdoor moisture

  • Managing insect populations that serve as food sources

This integrated approach significantly reduces the likelihood of repeat infestations.

Handling Large or Persistent Infestations

  • Fishing spiders are fast, large, and can be intimidating, making DIY capture stressful.

  • If spiders are entering in large numbers, or in commercial spaces where safety and liability are concerns, our professional treatment is faster, safer, and more thorough.

Peace of Mind

  • Our professionals guarantee results and provide ongoing inspections and treatments.

  • This eliminates guesswork and saves time, effort, and frustration compared to repeated DIY attempts.

Our professional spider control is not just about killing the spiders you see—it’s about targeting the source, preventing reinfestation, and ensuring safety for everyone in the home or business.