A Sticky Situation: How to Get Rid of Cobwebs5 min read

If the inside and outside of your home look like you started decorating for Halloween early, you may have a problem.

Cobwebs and spider webs mean one thing: You have some creepy crawlers living in your home. For the record, spiders aren’t all bad. They help get rid of other pesky bugs like mosquitoes and flies, which can decrease bug bites and the spread of disease. But when it comes down to it, spiders just aren’t pleasant to encounter. They creep into tiny cracks and crevices and build webs that capture fresh meals and collect dust—leaving unsightly messes in their wake. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of cobwebs and keep them from coming back.

So What Are Cobwebs?

Unlike spiderwebs, which spiders use to catch and trap their prey, cobwebs are vacant “homes” spiders have abandoned to move onto better pastures—in this case, usually just a new area of your house. The stray spider web left behind is sticky and a magnet for pollen, dust particles, and other debris. But these transient house guests also leave behind other dust collectors.

Spiders spin a little safety line as they move from one surface to another. These leftover strands collect pollen and dust and result in the wispy streamers you may see around the house.

What Causes Cobwebs?

Although the term “cobweb” and “spider web” are often used interchangeably, “cobwebs” refers to a specific type of web made by cobweb spiders. These home-abandoning spiders get their name from the disorganized construction of their webs. Different species of cobweb spiders have different disorganized patterns of web-building, but they are all designed to capture prey.

So are cobwebs and spider webs the same thing? Yes and no.

Let us explain further…

What Is the Difference Between a Cobweb and a Spider Web

The cobweb vs. spider web issue is more than a matter of what we call these unsightly messes. You probably don’t care what kind of spider made the web, or how neat or organized it is. You just want it gone! But it’s good to know what to expect before we begin cleaning out all those cobwebs.

For most of us, spotting a cobweb means it’s been there long enough to collect dust. If the web is tattered and full of dust, there’s a good chance it has been abandoned. If you have a keen eye and notice a spider web that looks almost transparent and strongly constructed, there’s a good chance there’s a spider close by. So the important difference between a cobweb and a spider web is that cobwebs usually don’t have spiders roosting in them!

How to Clean Cobwebs

Combating the sticky strands is not that tough, but most people don’t want to get up close and personal with spider graveyards. Luckily, getting rid of cobwebs can be done with some distance between you and the abandoned critter homes.

The best spider web cleaner is something you already use—your trusty vacuum cleaner. Attack the corners of ceilings and any other nooks and crannies, especially around windows and doors. Soft dusters with long handles work well, too—plus, using an extension will keep you off wobbly chairs as you strain to reach the ceiling. You can also get creative and attach an old sock or cleaning cloth to the end of a broom or yardstick and swipe away any webs lurking in the corners.

If cobwebs have found their way onto curtains or other fabric, follow the vacuum method and use a lint roller to pick up those remaining sticky strands. Always wash the fabric if you are able to—you don’t want spider leftovers on your old winter coat, right?

How to Get Rid of Spider Webs

Windows are one of spiders’ favorite ways to get into your home. After getting rid of your corner cobwebs, check out your windows. There’s a good chance you’ll find webs with and without spiders. Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to suck up whatever webs you can. Then grab a spray bottle of water or a hose.

Spiders often make webs in the corners of windows, between screens and windows and in other common hiding places. Spray down the window and screen from the inside with your water bottle. If you’re using a water hose, use the spray nozzle and soak the window and screen from the outside.

By spraying your windows, you get rid of more spider webs and send any spiders still hiding out on their way. Clean the window and wipe down screens with a cloth to remove any remaining residue from the spider webs.

How to Prevent Spider Webs and Cobwebs

The best way to stop spiders from leaving their mark is to prevent them from ever coming in. Fall is the perfect time for spiders, insects and other critters to seek shelter, so stay one step ahead of them and block their access. Seal cracks in windows and door frames and cover your vents with insect screens.

While you’re outside covering up the cracks, move any of your potted plants a few extra feet from the house. Spiders love to hide inside shrubs and leafy vegetables, so if you’re going to give them a home, keep them away from yours.

An additional line of defense to prevent cobwebs from forming in your house is to dab your home with scents that drive spiders away. Most spiders won’t enter an area that has traces of tea tree, lemon, peppermint, or eucalyptus. Dab some of these essential oils onto small cotton balls and hide them inside the cracks you can’t seal, or spray the scents directly in the corners of your home to deter the creepy creatures.

With those pesky little creepers at bay, you can focus time and energy on making your home welcoming for all your guests. Just remember, if you need help cleaning cobwebs or anything else, The Maids is here for you! We do everything from one-time cleaning to holiday cleaning. Call us at 1-800-THE-MAIDS today!