Top

DIY Danger Zone: Why Store-Bought Spray Isn’t the Answer

|

DIY Danger Zone: Why Store-Bought Spray Isn’t the Answer

Spiders have a way of showing up in all the wrong places — bathrooms, closets, even tucked into your kid’s shoes. And when that happens, it’s tempting to reach for the nearest can of spray and blast them into oblivion.

But here’s the catch: Most sprays don’t actually work on spiders. At least, not in the way you think.


Why DIY Sprays Fail

Most over-the-counter pest sprays are contact killers. That means they only work if you hit the spider directly. But spiders aren’t like ants or roaches. They don’t groom themselves with their mouthparts, and they’re not social insects that carry product back to a colony. If you don’t make a direct hit, that spider isn’t going anywhere.

Even worse, some sprays repel insects without killing them. That might sound like a good thing until you realize that pushing pests deeper into your home can make them harder to treat later.


The Real Problem: It’s Not Just the Spider

Spiders are hunters. They don’t eat crumbs or garbage. They eat other bugs.

So if you’re seeing spiders, what you really have is an insect problem. Flies, ants, mosquitoes: if it’s crawling or flying, it’s food. And as long as the food is around, spiders will be too.


What Actually Works

If you want long-term results, your strategy needs to focus on:

  • Reducing the food supply: Get rid of the insects, and you get rid of what’s attracting spiders.

  • Sealing the entry points: Most spiders enter through gaps around windows, baseboards, siding, or attic vents. Sealing those areas keeps both spiders and their prey out.

  • Targeting hidden activity: A professional treatment doesn’t rely on lucky spray hits. It uses targeted applications in the cracks and voids where insects and spiders are already nesting.


When to Call for Backup

If you’re tired of seeing webs pop up overnight, or if DIY just isn’t cutting it, we’re here to help.
Paragon Pest Control offers tailored treatments that tackle the real issue — not just the symptoms. That means fewer pests, fewer spiders, and a lot less stress.