Cobwebs are abandoned spider webs often found clinging to the exterior of homes, particularly around eaves, porch lights, and window frames. Their presence is a natural occurrence where spiders find shelter and insect prey. Managing these webs requires a two-part approach: physically removing the existing silk and modifying the environment to discourage future spider activity.
Immediate Physical Removal Techniques
The initial step in clearing an exterior is a dry sweep focused on safely and completely detaching the existing silk structures. Specialized cobweb brushes, which feature dome-shaped heads with stiff, angled bristles, are highly effective for this task. These tools are often paired with long, telescoping handles to reach high gables and second-story eaves.
For webs located in accessible areas, a long-handled broom can be used, but the technique is important for success. Instead of simply pushing the web, employ a “wrap and roll” motion to gather the sticky silk onto the bristles, preventing it from tearing and falling. For areas with a high volume of webs or difficult-to-reach crevices, an outdoor-rated shop vacuum with a hose attachment can quickly remove the bulk of the material.
Safety is a primary consideration when working on the exterior of a home, especially in elevated areas. Always ensure that ladders are placed on stable, level ground and follow manufacturer’s guidelines. Wearing protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, is advisable to guard against falling debris and potential contact with spiders.
Deep Cleaning and Residue Management
Once the physical webs are removed, the next phase addresses the sticky residue, spider droppings, and hidden egg sacs left behind. Spider silk often leaves behind a faint, tacky film that attracts dirt and dust, requiring a wet cleaning process to ensure the surface is clean and less appealing for future web construction.
A mild solution of warm water and dish soap is generally sufficient for most exterior surfaces like vinyl siding, painted wood, and stucco. For tougher stains or concentrated areas of spider guano, apply a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. This solution provides a gentle acidic action that helps break down the organic matter without damaging most finishes.
Application should be done using a soft-bristled brush or sponge, working the solution into the surface to lift the remaining film. For large areas, a low-pressure garden hose or a power washer set to a wide, low-pressure fan can rinse away the cleaning solution and debris. Removing egg sacs is particularly important, as a single sac can contain between 100 and 300 eggs, and their removal breaks the reproductive cycle before a new population can emerge.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
Modifying the exterior environment after cleaning is the most effective way to reduce future cobweb formation. Spiders are attracted to areas that provide shelter and a reliable food source, often flying insects drawn to exterior lighting. Switching traditional white or blue-spectrum outdoor lights to yellow or sodium vapor bulbs can significantly reduce the number of insects attracted to the home.
Insects are less attracted to yellow light because it emits longer wavelengths that fall outside the typical range of their vision. Reducing the insect population around the home’s perimeter diminishes the food source for web-building spiders, making the location less desirable for them to establish a presence.
Exclusion is another effective strategy, focusing on eliminating the small entry points spiders use to access sheltered areas. Sealing cracks and gaps around window frames, door jambs, and utility line penetrations removes potential anchor points for webs and limits access to the structure. Even small openings can provide a secure, undisturbed location for a spider to build a web and lay egg sacs.
Reducing harborage sites near the foundation also aids deterrence by removing places spiders prefer to hide during the day. Move woodpiles, stacks of debris, and dense vegetation away from the house walls. Natural deterrents, such as a spray solution made with water and peppermint oil, can be applied to non-porous surfaces around entry points, as spiders dislike the strong scent.