Get Rid of Spider Webs

Since a lot of people suffer from arachnophobia, getting rid of spider webs can be frightening.

Fortunately, there are ways of getting a web out of nooks and crannies without the surprises and scares.

Steps

 * 1)  Check for live spiders or insects in or around the web. When you clean out the web, the insects and spiders will skitter everywhere if they're not removed before cleaning, making your job much harder. If you suspect a spider is venomous, check the Related Tips and Stepsbelow for tips on how to deal with it.
 * 2)  Bring all the things you need to remove the web, such as a chair to stand on, gloves, and paper towels.
 * 3) Decide which method you wish to use to remove spider webs. There are at least four methods you can use, which are detailed next.

Method 1

 * 1)  Use a paper towel. If a spider is inside the web and you could not remove it, grab it quickly with a paper towel and throw it away or set it free outside, if it's still alive.
 * 2)  Wipe the web away with a paper towel. You can wear gloves if you don't feel too comfortable.

Method 2

 * 1)  Use a stick to remove the web. The size of the stick depends on the size of the crevices. For example, if you were cleaning a bicycle, use a small twig or chopstick. For the ceiling corners, use a broom.
 * 2)  Wrap the stick with something to grab the web more efficiently. Duct tape works well with brooms and such if wrapped with the sticky side facing out. Toilet paper works adequately for twigs and smaller devices. Small pine branches with lots of needles work very well.
 * 3)  Grab with the stick. Simply use the stick to grab all of the webs from a comfortable distance.
 * 4)  Throw the stick away or, if it is a broom, rinse it with a hose when you have finished to get the webs off.

Method 3

 * 1)  Use a small, handheld vacuum to quickly get rid of web in the open. This will not work with everything that needs cleaning, such as bicycles.

Method 4

 * 1) Mist the web with a dilute bleach solution such as Clorox Cleanup.

Tips

 * Normal water will have little effect on the web, since it will pass right through them. Instead, spray the web with pressurized water. This will work better, but may still leave some web. Only use this outdoors.
 * Some companies sell large, thick brushes for web removal, usually called "websters".
 * Spiders are where they are because there is food. If you remove all webs, but the food remains then spiders will move back into the area.  While the spider population is lowered the other insects will increase in their population.  Lots of spiders in an area mean lots of food in the area.  It would probably be better to learn to make peace with the spiders as they are helping keep the bug population down.
 * If you are really mortified by these hairy 8-legged creatures, don't be shy to ask a family member/friend if he/she is nearby.
 * Fly swatters work just as well for spiders as they do for flies. You probably already have one; so get it out and use it.

Warnings

 * Although all spiders are venomous, most are harmless to humans. The small amount of venom they carry is usually too little to hurt a human, and most species are extremely docile and unlikely to bite in the first place. However, some spiders such as the Black Widow, Brown Recluse, Redback, Funnel Web, etc. can be dangerous to humans. Identify any unfamiliar spiders you encounter, and avoid close contact with species that might be dangerous.
 * Spiders provide a natural balance to insect overpopulation. They should be treated with more respect than the average bug. Get rid of their webs only if you absolutely have to. When possible, it is best to capture the spider and release it outside, where it can continue to prey on insects. Capturing the spider is easy with a brush and a cup or bowl. Direct contact with any spider should be avoided.
 * If it necessary to kill a spider, avoid methods that place you in direct or close contact with the spider, especially if it is of a dangerous species. A vacuum cleaner extension is usually sufficient, providing a quick and easy way to get rid of the spider without getting too close.
 * Do not become frustrated when attempting to rid the area of spiders and their webs. Spiders have moved into your house because they have found food (insects) there. Eliminating the spiders will not eliminate the food source (it will actually encourage the food source to grow), and other spiders are likely to take their place.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Get Spiders Out of Your House Without Killing Them
 * How to Remove Spiders from Your Home Safely
 * How to Overcome the Fear of Spiders
 * How to Kill a Venomous Spider
 * How to Get Rid of Spiders
 * How to Care for a Tarantula