How To Get Rid Of Fishing Spiders

how to get rid of fishing spiders
|

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.

Get Rid Of Fishing Spiders With Miche Pest Control

Hiring our team of professionals at Miche Pest Control is an investment in long-term protection, expertise, and peace of mind. Here’s why:

  • Personalized Service and Local Expertise: We know the specific pest pressures in the area—such as seasonal rodent activity, regional ant species, or local termite threats. Our technicians understand the environment, climate, and building types common to the area, allowing them to provide targeted, effective treatments.
  • High-Quality, Comprehensive Solutions: As a full-service provider, we doe’t just treat surface problems; we address the root causes. From inspections and prevention to exclusion and ongoing maintenance, we deliver complete, integrated pest management (IPM) programs designed to both eliminate infestations and prevent future ones.
  • Accountability and Reliability: We live and die by our reputation. We rely on trust, referrals, and repeat business, meaning we're committed to doing the job right the first time and providing exceptional customer care.
  • Faster Response Times: We respond quickly to emergencies and schedule services sooner than large, national chains. Especially when you’re dealing with urgent pest issues like rodents or wasps, that speed matters.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our services to your property’s specific needs instead of using one-size-fits-all chemical treatments. This results in safer, more effective pest control that minimizes environmental impact and reduces unnecessary pesticide use.
  • Highly Trained, Experienced Technicians: We invest in training, certification, and continuing education for our technicians. We stay current on the latest pest biology, control techniques, and safety standards.
  • Long-Term Prevention and Value: Our focus on providing quality service means fewer callbacks, longer-lasting protection, and better value over time. Instead of repeated, temporary fixes, you get strategic solutions that protect your home or business for the long run and provide better peace of mind.

Hiring our team means you get expertise you can trust, faster service, safer and more effective treatments, and long-term results that protect both your property and your peace of mind. Contact us today!