top of page
Search

Why is my lawn full of spiders? Should you kill grass spiders? How do I get rid of a grass spider infestation? What kind of spiders live in the grass?

Writer's picture: Esteban MaraboliEsteban Maraboli

The Great Grass vs. Spider Showdown: Does a Lush Lawn Keep Out the Eight-Legged Tenants?


Discover why your lawn may be teeming with spiders, including grass spiders, which are common in grassy areas. Learn why it's not recommended to kill these spiders as they control pests and are generally harmless. Find out effective ways to manage a grass spider infestation without harming your lawn's ecosystem, and get to know the various types of spiders that might be living in your grass

Many homeowners dream of a picture-perfect lawn, but what about the creepy crawlies that might come with it? The truth is, both a healthy lawn and a neglected one can attract spiders, but for different reasons. Let's unravel the web of truth about spiders and their connection to your yard.


The Allure of a Thriving Turf

Grass spiders, the most common yard dwellers, love a well-maintained lawn. Their funnel-shaped webs are built close to the ground, nestled amongst blades of grass. A healthy, dense lawn provides them with ideal camouflage and easy access to their prey – insects that munch on your green haven.

However, here's the good news: spiders in a healthy lawn are beneficial predators. They help control mosquito populations and other bothersome insects.


The Weeds and Seeds Dilemma

While a healthy lawn attracts grass spiders, a neglected one becomes a haven for a wider variety of creepy crawlies. Here's why:

  • Overgrown yards:  Tall grass, weeds, and leaf litter create a tangled mess that offers hiding places for various spider species. Wolf spiders, for instance, hunt on the ground and seek shelter in damp, overgrown areas.

  • Insect smorgasbord:  Weeds and unhealthy grass attract a wider variety of insects. More insects mean a bigger food source for spiders, making your yard more attractive to them.


Finding the Balance: A Spider-Free (or Friendly) Yard

So, how do you create a yard that's both spider-discouraging and beautiful? Here are some tips:

  • Maintain a healthy lawn:  Regular mowing, watering, and fertilization promote a dense, healthy turf that's less attractive to a wider variety of spiders.

  • Trim vegetation: Keep shrubs and hedges trimmed to eliminate hiding spots for spiders near your house.

  • Remove debris:  Don't let leaves, firewood, or other debris pile up. These create perfect spider havens.

  • Targeted repellents:  For specific spider concerns, consider natural repellents like peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth.


Remember, most spiders are beneficial predators. If you see a few grass spiders in your yard, it's not necessarily a cause for alarm. By following these tips, you can create a yard that discourages unwanted spider guests while still maintaining a healthy ecosystem for the beneficial ones.


How to get rid of spiders in your grass?


Discouraging Spiders from Your Property:

Altering Their Environment:


  • Remove shelters: Wolf spiders seek refuge in moist, untidy spaces. Clear away leaf litter, eliminate debris, and cut back any dense plants near your home’s base.

  • Control moisture levels: Insects are drawn to dampness, which in turn lures wolf spiders. Solve any water pooling problems and be cautious not to water your plants excessively.

  • Maintain lawn edges: Establish a distinct separation between your grass and garden areas. This minimizes potential hiding places at the perimeter.


Employing Natural Deterrents:

  • Diatomaceous earth (DE): This powdery substance is derived from ancient algae. It’s harmless to humans and animals but lethal to insects and arachnids through desiccation. Safety tip: Always wear protective gear like masks and gloves when applying DE to prevent respiratory exposure.

  • Cedar chips: The aroma of cedar naturally repels spiders. Use cedar chips as mulch near your home’s foundation or in garden beds. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of cedar may diminish over time.


Setting Traps:

  • Glue traps: Distribute these sticky sheets in areas of your property, especially where wolf spider sightings are common. The spiders will become ensnared on the gluey surface.


Using Chemical Controls (Adhere to all instructions on the product label):

  • Granular pesticides: These substances aim at the insects that serve as prey for wolf spiders. A diminished food supply makes your yard less appealing to them.

  • Boundary sprays: Apply a chemical spray designed for spiders around the base of your home to deter their entry.


Safety Reminders:

  • Handle pesticides with care: Always prioritize your safety by thoroughly reading and following the instructions on pesticide labels.

  • Be mindful of beneficial species: Remember that some spiders are advantageous, helping to keep other pests in check.


By implementing these strategies, you can make your outdoor space less inviting to wolf spiders, prompting them to relocate elsewhere.


11 views0 comments

Comentarios


  • The Complete Sod Services on Instagram
  • The Complete Sod Services on Twitter
  • The Complete Sod Services on Youtube
  • The Complete Sod Services on Reddit
  • The Complete Sod Services on Pinterest
  • The Complete Sod Services on Houzz
  • The Complete Sod Services on Nextdoor
  • The Complete Sod Services on TikTok
  • The Complete Sod Services on Facebook
  • The Complete Sod Services on Yelp
  • The Complete Sod Services on LinkedIn
  • The Complete Sod Services on Whatsapp

14 Gaston St.

Melville, NY 11747

© 2023 by Fox Lawn Care.

Powered and secured by E&L

bottom of page