Author - Fantastic Team

There’s nothing worse than having a nicely trimmed lawn with perfect edges that shows thinning grass in places and bare brown patches. Somehow these “bald” areas have appeared and now, give your lawn an eyesore type of look. The main symptoms of a thinning and unkempt green area are spots with scarcely growing grass along edges, pavings or near garden features, such as the bench you like to rest on with a book or along the raised veggie bed, which needs weeding on a regular basis. Also, it’s not uncommon to have randomly located brown patches in the middle of your lawn for no apparent reason. This post will look into the main causes behind the issue and the ways of how to fix your patchy lawn. The most common reasons for a patched lawn Before we get to the effective remedial solutions, let’s see what may have caused your patched-looking lawn. After all, without understanding what’s gone wrong, it’s unlikely that you’ll succeed in fixing the problem. The main reasons for the unsightly lawn patches are: [bullet_list] Insect pests and disease - Be it chafer grubs, other larvae, such as leatherjackets, or worms that may eat the grass roots, insect pests can cause patches on your lawn. Ant nests can also displace grass in places. Furthermore, lawn diseases, such as Dry Patch can provoke discolouration of your turf, due to the soil becoming hydrophobic (unable to sufficiently absorb moisture) and thus, failing to support grass health. Not enough sunlight - If you notice that your lawn is all over on the thin side, this is most likely caused by too much shade. Trees and structures may deprive the grass of enough sunlight, resulting in unhealthy looking turfed area. Lack of nutrients - Poor soil conditions will, of course, affect grass development. Wrong lawn feeding practices that don’t provide the right balance between potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus content in the soil can be also the reason behind a patchy lawn. Compaction - Some soil types compact more easily than others and need regular amendment and care. If the lawn doesn’t get aerated properly, as well, the grass roots will get hard-cased in compacted soil. They need air and unobstructed access to water to promote healthy grass growth.   General lawn care neglect - The lawn may have been established in the most perfect conditions. But maintenance neglect (insufficient irrigation and incorrect mowing) can also cause patches and browning areas on your lawn. Foot traffic - If areas on your turf are affected by constant foot traffic, this will result in unsightly patches. For instance, the grass under your washing line, next to the rainwater collection barrel or near your specially built barbeque may get trodden over on a regular basis, so its growth will get stunted. Pets’ misbehaviour - Both cats and dogs may get into the habit of peeing on your lawn, causing burnt grass patches. Your pet’s urine contains concentrated nitrogen and various salts that can overfeed and damage the turf in spots. Your dog’s love for digging the lawn can also harm the root system of the grass. Wildlife activity - Moles and squirrels are usually the culprits behind the need for small grass repair jobs, sometimes. Moles’ tunnel systems and any overground digging done by squirrels will, of course, disturb the uniform texture and green look of your turf.[/bullet_list] What about seasonal dieback? Most people don’t go for annual types of grass that will naturally die in the winter. But even perennial sorts of turf will experience seasonal dieback in certain times of the year, usually in the cold months. Reduced sunlight exposure, frost or overly wet conditions in late autumn and winter will affect the grass health in one way or another. Furthermore, mild, overcast and wet weather in winter can cause moss to displace the grass plant in small or large areas of your lawn, as well. And even though moss is green and your turfed plot still looks pleasing to the eye from a distance, attempts to get rid of the moss build-up will cause brown patches to appear that will need fixing at some point. In the summer, dieback can happen, due to extreme heat when the grass becomes scorched and yellow. Or lawn areas near trees may start looking thin and patchy, due to the lack of enough light and moisture. The tree’s branches cast shade over the grass throughout the day, for instance, and their roots absorb all the water in the soil, causing distress to the grass nearby. When is the best time to repair your lawn? Spring and autumn are the ideal times of the year to fix your lawn when temperature extremes are somewhat rare. The damp and cooler weather during these seasons will give the grass the best chance to recover. What you should also know when it comes to repairing bare spots on your lawn is that the smaller the patch the bigger the possibility for it to fill in on its own. You see, grass can spread vegetatively and small bare patches may well repair themselves gradually, especially if you water, feed and mow the lawn properly. Larger bald areas, however, will need some attention on your part. Read on to find out what you can do, in order to resolve various grass growth issues with your turfed area. How to fix minor lawn damage As we’ve mentioned above, tiny bare spots on your turf may mend on their own. But if you don’t want to wait around to see if this happens at all and put up with the patchy look of your lawn, you can fix this minor lawn damage in two easy ways. Repair minor lawn damage with seeds Follow the steps below to repair the lawn with grass seeds: This is optional but it’s better to germinate the seeds, first, in a container with moist compost, covered with cling film, in temperature no higher than 15°C (60°F) .Once the seeds show small white roots, you can sow them over the bare patch.Prepare the area, first, by breaking gently the soil with a hand fork and mixing in some compost.Then, sprinkle generously the seed mixture and mix well with the soil. Don’t worry if some of the seeds remain exposed.Tap carefully the freshly sown patch with the back of the fork.Water the area if you’re confident that no rain has been predicted anytime soon.To avoid birds nicking your seeds or a cat disturbing them, place a mesh over the patch.In a couple of weeks or so, you’ll probably fail to discern where the bald patch was. Repair minor lawn damage using turf Next, we’ll share with you how to patch a lawn with turf. It’s an easy process in a few simple steps: Make sure to cut out the damaged lawn area into a regular shape, ideally a square. Lift it with a spade or a flat tool.Till the soil with a fork to relieve any compaction.Place a piece of turf, cut out into identical shape/size from an inconspicuous area of your lawn or use a new piece.Once fitted over the patch, add some topdressing sandy mixture by brushing it gently over the edges of the patch.Press down the new turf with a tool to ensure that its edges merge nicely with the rest of the lawn. Water the area carefully in a light manner, best, with a fine rose spray can. As you can see, fixing small lawn issues is rather straightforward but what should you do if your grassed plot suffers from more serious problems, related to scarce grass growth? How to fix a patchy, weedy lawn Repairing a lawn that is covered in bare patches of various sizes will require a bit more work and an attention-to-detail approach. Gather the following tools and proceed as explained below: Tools you need:[bullet_list] Lawn mowerDethatcher (Scarifier)Leaf rakeWheelbarrowAeratorShovelSpreader[/bullet_list] Some of the above tools come in various operational designs. Depending on the size of your lawn, you can use either manual tools or power equipment that you can buy, rent or borrow. Also, as we’ve mentioned earlier in the post, overseed your turfed area to fix patchiness in the spring or autumn, depending on the type of grass you have. Here are the steps on how to fix a patchy lawn: First, mow the lawn so that grass blades are no longer than 1½ inches.Dethatch your grassed plot with a scarifier to remove thatch build-up, moss, dead grass and leaves. For small-sized lawns, you can use a manual scarifier.Rake all the debris, produced after the dethatching process and collect them in your wheelbarrow.Then, aerate the turf with a power/manual core aerator or hand aerator, depending on the size of the area.Clear up the soil plugs, again, with a rake.Distribute evenly a layer of compost, mixed with sand, over the lawn that is about ½ an inch thick with a shovel. Then, rake it lightly into the core holes.Feed the lawn by applying fertiliser with a spreader. Walk-behind broadcast spreaders are suitable for small and medium sized lawns.Then, overseed the area with a mixture of blended seeds. It’s a good idea to shake the bag of seeds prior to sowing. Also, to achieve an even and more controlled distribution of the seed material (approx. 7 pounds of material per 1000 sq.ft), use a shoulder bag or hand-crank broadcast spreader.Work gently the seed into the lawn by using the backside of a leaf rake.Make sure to water lightly the lawn a couple of times a day to encourage germination and rooting. As you don’t want to overwet the seeds, check daily the weather forecast for possible rainfalls. Get an expert to fix your thinning or patchy lawn Well, not everyone has the time, tools or confidence to repair a patchy grassed area in their front or back garden. This is where Fantastic Services can help by providing you with expert lawn care assistance when you need to. We work with professional and experienced gardeners and lawn maintenance specialists, who know their trade and have the right equipment to provide the service. Furthermore, to save valuable time and effort, you can have all the materials needed for fixing your patchy lawn delivered, upon request. Takeaways As you can see, having a patchy lawn is not the end of the world, right? There are various remedial solutions, depending on the extent of the problem. In addition, you can take note of our final thoughts below that feature some cause-related lawn repair tips on how to eliminate bare spots on your turf: To remedy burnt grass and bare patches, caused by pet’s urine, flush generously the damaged areas with plenty of water. If needed, consider applying pH balancing additives and of course, keep your pet off the lawn.Thinning grass, caused by too much shade, can be repaired by enhancing light exposure. Prune nearby trees and shrubs and avoid placing large umbrellas or marquees over the lawn in the summer.Insect pest problems and fungal diseases need to be addressed by employing a targeted approach. Just overseeding or turfing the bare patches on your lawn won’t resolve the issue.The same goes if you’re troubled by wildlife activity on your property. You can always seek professional advice on how to get rid of moles in your garden, for instance, to put a stop on the critters damaging your lawn. ***Did you find our article on fixing a patchy lawn helpful? Why not share your thoughts with us in the comments below? Header image source: Shutterstock / By Michael Moloney

Everyone knows that practising good home hygiene is vital for the health of your house. With that being said, there is an item in your property that hides many unwanted surprises like pollutants, grime, and germs. Your favourite living room carpet. So, if you: Have bought a beautiful new carpet and wonder how often you should wash it.Have never cleaned your rug until now and want to know what cleaning intervals to follow.Are just curious whether you are taking care of the carpeting in your home as frequently as required. You are at the right place. In this article, we are going to discuss how often you should deep clean your carpet depending on your lifestyle and the benefits of doing so. How often should you have your carpets cleaned? The golden rule of proper carpet maintenance is to vacuum twice a week, and have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year. For heavy-traffic areas or for households with children, pets or smokers, we recommend vacuuming your carpet anywhere between three and seven times a week and having it deep cleaned every three to six months. BUT... As simple and easy as it sounds, this doesn’t apply to every household on earth. In order to figure out how often you should clean your carpet, let’s take a closer look at the factor we mentioned above, plus some additional ones: [bullet_list] Are there children in the house?Do you own any sort of pet?Is there a  family member with allergies or respiratory issues in the house?Do you have smokers in the property?How much foot traffic does the carpet receive?Do you wear shoes inside the house? [/bullet_list] To make things easier, we came up with this chart that shows you how frequently you should clean your carpet depending on the foot traffic in your home and the number of family members, smokers, and pets. Traffic Soil Rating Vacuuming Spot Cleaning Deep cleaning Light Soil 1 x per week Daily or as soon as spots are noticed Traffic areas every 12 – 18 months Medium Soil (families with children, elderly) 1 to 2x per week Daily or as soon as spots are noticed Traffic areas every 6 to 12 months Heavy Soil(families with pets, smoking) 2 to 4x per week Daily or as soon as spots are noticed Traffic areas every 3 to 6 months Extreme conditions(large families, multiple pets) Daily Daily or as soon as spots are noticed Traffic areas every 2 to 3 months IICRC Standard & Reference Guide for Professional Carpet Cleaning (IICRC S100) My carpet doesn’t look dirty. What do I do then? You see, your carpet may not look dirty, but in reality, the base of its fibres are most likely soiled. It just takes a bit more time for the dirt to become visible. Note that the more heavily soiled your rug is, the less chance you have of getting its original, nice colouring and texture back. Here is some more detailed information if you have: Children Children and carpets have a very special relationship. Raise your hand if your little kiddo has spilt their juice on your rug or has left a track of muddy footsteps on it from playing in the garden, at least once. For those of you who are parents, make sure to take care of the high-traffic parts of your carpeting every six to twelve months. Also, we advise you to get your entire carpet professionally cleaned once a year. Pets Pets are awesome but they don’t have your carpet’s best interest in mind. You know what we are talking about - muddy paw prints, dog/cat hair, nasty pee, etc. In case you have pet companions strolling in your house, clean the high-traffic parts of your rugs every three to six months and hire an expert carpet cleaner to wash them twice a year. Children and pets Both children and pets in a single household mean only one thing - a very dirty carpet. We recommend getting your rug professionally cleaned a bit more often - every two to three months. Carpeting that is under a guarantee If you just bought a nice, new carpet, it most probably came with a guarantee. Check the warranty for any specific instructions, related to the rug’s maintenance. Most warranties will say that you need to get your carpet cleaned by a professional about once a year, still, to be on the safe side, take a look at yours before booking the service or cleaning it yourself. The benefits of getting your of professional deep carpet cleaning Dangerous particles are destroyed Like we said earlier, your carpet may look clean on the outside, but deep, in between its fibres, dangerous particles may be lurking. We are talking about bits of food, dirt, dust and even pet dander for that matter. All of the described can cause your rug to smell bad and to start to look bad with time. If that isn’t enough to convince you, the same particles can spread germs and bacteria throughout your house, which can lead to health issues. Get your carpet deep cleaned when needed and protect your family and pets from health risks. You prolong the life of your carpet You see, as time passes, the fibres of your carpet start to collect nasty stuff like dirt and grime. Such build-up can both affect your respiratory system and destroy your rug. If you don’t take care of your carpet, the dust and grime will slowly degrade the carpeting’s fibres, which leads, as you can guess, to a damaged carpet. To prevent this situation, make sure to get your rug deep cleaned at least once a year. The rugs will look and smell good The more time you spend cleaning your carpets, the better they will look. Vacuum them as frequently as possible so you can enjoy their nice appearance as long as possible. After all, who doesn’t like a fresh smelling, bright and fluffy carpet? Professional carpet cleaning by Fantastic Services As you can see, regular carpet maintenance plays a very important role in ensuring the health of your home. Especially if you are a parent or have allergies. To make sure you live in a clean and healthy environment, Fantastic Services offers professional carpeting cleaning solutions. Depending on the material of your rug, you can choose our hot water extraction method or our dry cleaning solution. HWE will both restore the initial state of your carpeting while killing all living bacteria in between its fibres. On the other hand, if you own a piece, made from more delicate material, our dry cleaning services are definitely the way to go. Both treatments are performed by certified and fully-insured carpet cleaning experts, who use completely eco-friendly products. [cta_info_box cta-title="more" cta-href="https://fantasticservices.com/carpet-and-rug-cleaning/"]Time to clean your carpet? We've got your covered! Click more to learn about our carpet cleaning options and to find out how to arrange your service.[/cta_info_box] Takeaways Regular carpet maintenance is vital for the health of your home.In order to choose the correct carpet cleaning method, you need to know what the rug is made out of, first.If you aren’t sure about the type of rug you own, expert carpet cleaners can consult you on site and advise you on the type of treatment it needs. *** We hope our article on how often to deep clean your carpet has answered all of your questions. Please, share your carpet cleaning experience and tips in the comment section below! Image source: depositphotos / phillyo77

Any living room can easily get cluttered if there is not a good organisational system for all items. And that can be a bit tough since we spend a lot of time in there and tend to leave a lot of items scattered around. (more…)

Have you ever stared at the cleaning products section in the supermarket and wondered what the actual difference between various window washing products is? Each promises to make your windows as good as new, but at what cost? Sometimes, information about all the different active ingredients, included in the cleaning mixture, is omitted from the product label. Some of these chemicals may cause mild irritation, while others can lead to potentially long-term health issues. Moreover, buying these detergents often takes a toll on your pocket and taking care of your windows becomes not only tedious, but also very expensive. In this blog post, you will find out how to stay healthy, save money and declutter your washing products cabinet by mixing a homemade window cleaning solution. Read on… [post_walkthrough title="Table of Contents:"] Why switch to homemade window cleaning solutions? How to make your own glass cleaner? What everyone forgets about when cleaning [/post_walkthrough] Why Switch to Homemade Window Cleaning Solutions? There are many benefits of choosing a DIY window cleaner; the most important being your health and well-being. The British Allergy Foundation estimates that half of the child population in the UK suffers from one or more allergic disorders, including skin, respiratory, drug, and food allergies. At the same time, 33 per cent of the adults are also affected by one or a combination of these maladies. That’s why it is important to keep track of the chemicals, used in detergents, as they can trigger or exacerbate an existing health problem. Although regulators take great strides in controlling solvent ingredients, there are still manufacturers and distributors, who employ various tactics to circumvent health regulations. One common method is using an umbrella term on the product label, for example: fragrance. Many different compounds can be mixed, in order to add a nice smell to the cleaning solution, such as phthalates, which are known to have a damaging effect on the reproductive system. These ingredients may also trigger an asthma attack or an allergy. Other frequently-used chemicals include chlorine bleach and ammonia, which are known to cause skin irritation, respiratory and neurological problems, and can be fatal if exposed to high doses. In addition to the health benefits you get with making your own homemade window cleaning solution, the DIY method is low-cost and easy to make. All of the recipes consist of mainly natural compounds, making them non-toxic and environmentally-friendly. As an added bonus, the homemade window cleaner can help you tackle dirt build-up, streaks from previously-used washing detergents, and in some cases - mold and mildew. This way, you won’t have to purchase a different product for each cleaning issue and you can declutter your washing products cabinet. How to Make Your Own Glass Cleaner? Depending on your window washing needs, there are various combinations of ingredients you can mix, in order to achieve the desired results. Here are some of our successfully tested recipes: The First-Time Wash Recipe [bullet_list] cup of white vinegar ½ tsp. dishwashing detergent or liquid 2 cups of water spray bottle [/bullet_list] Mix all of the listed ingredients in a spray bottle and use directly on the windows. If the windows are dirtier than usual, you can leave the glass cleaner for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a mop or a window scrubber, and rinse with water. Adding dishwashing liquid is necessary, because it helps with removing any leftover residue from commercial chemicals. [note type="tip" icon-text="true"]Always label your spray bottles![/note] The All-Purpose Cleaning Solution [bullet_list] ½ cup of vinegar 2 litres of water ¼ cup of baking soda spray bottle [/bullet_list] This homemade window cleaner uses only natural components and is perfect not only for cleaning windows, but also bathroom chrome fixtures, mirrors, and wet-room/shower screens. What makes this mixture ideal for everyday use are the white vinegar and baking soda. This strong combination deals with grease stains, mildew, and wax build-up. It also removes any foul odours, dissolves sticker glue and softens hard water. [note type="tip" icon-text="true"]Wash sills and blinds first, in order to prevent additional dirt from falling on the window glass.[/note] The Regular-Use Window Cleaner [bullet_list] 1 cup white vinegar 1 cup of water spray bottle [/bullet_list] It is as simple as that. Once you’ve tackled the first thorough wash, you only need water and vinegar to maintain your windows’ streakless appearance. [note type="tip" icon-text="true"]Always use lint-free fibre cloths! Preferably old cotton ones or microfiber cloths.[/note] The Heavy-Duty Cleaning Recipe [bullet_list] 1 cup of distilled white vinegar spray bottle [/bullet_list] If you need something strong to deal with stubborn grime, paint spots or hard-water mineral build-up, you can use warmed-up distilled white vinegar directly on the window glass. Leave it for a few minutes, scrub gently and rinse thoroughly with water. [note type="tip" icon-text="true"]You can add lemon juice and use the mixture to clear any mold and mildew.[/note] The Scented Eco-Friendly Window Cleaning Solution [bullet_list] white vinegar water citrus peels a jar [/bullet_list] If you’re worried about the strong vinegar smell, just add citrus peels! You can use any citrus fruits, but the best results are achieved by using lemons or limes. Put the citrus peels in a mason jar until it’s full (or add as many as you want). Pour white vinegar to fill the voids and cover the peels, then, seal and store in a cool and dark place for 2 to 3 weeks. Afterwards, remove the citrus peels, mix the remaining solution with equal part water and put it in a spray bottle. If you want the mixture to be stronger and more acidic, just add more lemons! If you want to skip the peeling fruits step, you can use a few drops of essential oils as an alternative. This concoction is also ideal for washing window screens. [note type="tip" icon-text="true"]You can use the peeled fruits to make a nice and cold lemonade![/note] What Everyone Forgets About When Cleaning The most important rule when it comes to any kind of washing solution is to use it responsibly. Over-cleaning, i.e. cleaning meticulously every day, or trying to maintain a sterile environment can aggravate an ongoing illness, allergies and asthma problems, because good bacteria is removed along with any harmful bacteria. This is where the homemade window cleaning solutions come in handy. And if sometimes, you find yourself unable to make a homemade concoction of your own, Fantastic Services offers professional window cleaning service performed using purified water. Who knew that looking after yourself can be so rewarding and environmentally-friendly?! *** Have you tried any other recipes? Share with us your homemade window cleaning ideas in the comments below! Images source: Depositphotos / by geo-grafika and anna.pustynnikova

Every house has spiders. These small, 8-legged protectors survive by eating flies, mosquitoes, ants, along with other insects and are mostly harmless to humans and pets. Yet many people get the willies each time an arachnid passes by them and even more so when there is a full on spider invasion. That is completely understandable, of course. Any pest infestation is dangerous and as soon as you notice the start of one, you should always call a professional exterminator. [post_walkthrough title="Table of Contents:"] How to get rid of spiders naturally How to get rid of spiders using chemicals How to keep spiders away [/post_walkthrough] So keep reading if you are someone who: has noticed an increasing number or spiders in the house lately.has seen a couple of webs in the corners and wants to know if there are more of them.has a garden and feels afraid that spiders might come from the outside. ...keep reading as we will share with you some easy and useful tips on how to get rid of spiders. Common spiders in the UK There are around 650 species of spiders in the UK with only 12 of them are recorded of actually biting people. Unless you have specific allergies, these bites shouldn't cause anything serious. The most common spiders in your home are the Daddy Long Legs, Giant House Spiders, Lace Web Spiders, Money Spiders, Cupboard spiders, and False Widow Spiders. What attracts spiders in your house? Spiders are attracted to your house when they are looking for food, which in their case, consists of insects. A number of species are also drawn to areas with high humidity levels, such as bathrooms, attics or basements. And lastly, just like with many other creatures, severe weather conditions can also force spiders to take refuge in your home. This is the main reason why sometimes you’ll find an outdoor species inside your house. So, find out what the spiders from your local area prefer to eat, for example, ants or flies, and get rid of the source. Here are some helpful resources on getting rid of ants and moths around the house. Why there are more spiders during Autumn season? You have probably noticed an increasing number of spiders during Autumn. But what is the reason if they are not coming from the outside? Well, the answer is pretty simple. Daddy Long Legs is out looking for a Mommy Long Legs. In other words, it’s mating season. This usually happens at the end of the summer, but it varies for the different kinds of spiders. How to get rid of spiders naturally Before you go straight for the kill, our advice is to always try and relocate the spiders in a peaceful manner. If they are somewhere near an exit, such as a window, or a door, push them gently with a stick or a ruler for some motivation. If you’re brave enough, you could also just pick them with your hand and release them in the backyard. However, if you are a bit squeamish and you just want them out of your sight, here is how to get rid of spiders by yourself. Vacuum the spiders along with their webs If you only need to get rid of a few spiders in the corner and not a full infestation, use a vacuum. It’s the best method for people who don’t want to get anywhere near to those little crawlers. Go through the egg sacks and webs carefully, so you don’t miss anything. You can use a broom as well. Place spider glue traps Glue traps are usually used for capturing cockroaches and mice, but they will also work for a larger spider infestation. They are in the form of flat sheets, without any edges. You should place them in areas where you have seen a lot of spider traffic. However, if the infestation is big enough for you to use glue traps, maybe it’s time to call for a professional. They will be able to track down the source, not only remove the visible parts. Use a mixture of vinegar and peppermint oil Mix a solution of ½ cup white vinegar, 1 ½ cups of lukewarm water, and, finally, add around 10 drops of peppermint oil. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle and apply the remedy to the corners, windowsills, and any other place where you see spiders. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth Diatomaceous earth has many useful applications for your home, health, and even pets. It’s made from the fossilized remains of single-celled organisms called “diatoms”, which is where the name comes from. Apply the powder-like substance on the areas where the spiders walk on. To us it’s harmless, but in the spider world, diatomaceous earth is a dangerous, edgy road to walk on, that will only lead to the spiders demise. Are conkers an effective remedy? Someone somewhere said that spiders run away from conkers like vampires from garlic. However, since this is not a scientifically proven method, you can use it as a distraction for your kids while you’re dealing with the spiders. Make them place a couple of conkers on the window sills, in the corners of the rooms, and in front of your house as a protective wall from the arachnids. Here is a funny video of kids debunking this myth. How to get rid of spiders using chemicals Natural remedies will work up to a point, but after that, if you want permanent results, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Here is how to use chemicals to get rid of spiders for good: Spray any corners or cracks with a commercial pesticide Similar to the diatomaceous earth, spiders need to have direct contact with insecticides in order for them to have any effect. That’s why you need to spray the insecticide only to the places where you know a lot of the spiders walk through. Always read the label before you use the product as it is a dangerous chemical that could lead to accidental poisoning. As for the type of insecticide you should use, slow release kinds and wettable powders are proven to be most useful as opposed to total release foggers, which aren’t as effective. If you have small kids or pets, you need to be extra careful. Ingesting those insecticides can be lethal and requires immediate medical assistance. Keep them out of children and pet reach. Get a professional spider control service If you are afraid of dealing with spiders or you think your home is infested with them, it is best to consult with a professional. Fantastic Services follows a 4-step process: Survey. A professional pest control technician will come to your property at day and time suitable for you. He will carefully inspect the property, all the entry points, and the level of infestation. Treatment. The exterminators come fully prepared with all the right equipment and pesticides. Before the treatment starts, they will give you thorough instructions on what you need to do prior to and during the session. Then all spiders, including their eggs, present at your property will be effectively eradicated.Observation. Depending on the type of treatment you will have a number of follow up visits, in which the technician will come to your property and evaluate the results of the treatment.Prevention. All possible entry points will be sealed as part of the service, in order to prevent the same problem from happening again. You will also receive a full report of the service and also will be instructed from the professional on how to keep your house spider-free in the future. [cta_info_box cta-title="more" cta-href="https://www.fantasticservices.com/other-pest-treatments/"]Contact your spider control specialist today! Click more to learn about our pest control methods and to find ways of booking.[/cta_info_box] How to keep spiders away from your home Get rid of all the clutter. Similar to many other pests, such as mice and cockroaches, junk and clutter are like heaven for the spiders. There they can roam free, multiply and live happily without you noticing until they decide to start travelling. The most preferred places are piled junk under the kitchen and bathroom sink, under your bed, between the wardrobe and the ceiling, piles of old newspapers and magazines, and storage boxes.Vacuum regularly and keep your home clean. If spiders have nowhere to hide, they won’t have a reason to invade your home. Wipe down kitchen surfaces after each use, because the small bits of food are very likely to attract other pests, food for the spiders. Pay special attention to all the corners, lights, window sills, and ceilings. When you vacuum, make sure to go through all the tight spaces like under your sofa, bed, and nightstands. And, of course, as soon as you see a web or a spider, suck it with the vacuum, as that will kill them instantly but make sure to throw away the vacuum bag afterward. Air ducts are also a popular spider hostel, so clean them properly at least once every season.Don’t keep any outdoor lights on. Same as the food particles, light is something that will not attract spiders directly, but it will lure all of their favourite food, such as moths, flies, and other insects. Try to block the light that is coming from the indoors, as well, by using blinds or shades. If you insist on having a light on the outside, switch to yellow sodium vapour lights. Their light is not as attractive for the insects.Relocate plants and outdoor debris from the side of your house. Wood piles, bags of mulch, vegetation and rock are very appealing places for spiders. So if you have a full on infestation, consider moving your plants, shrubs, trees, etc. to the far end of your garden. Remove all of the debris where spiders might live, because even if you don’t mind them staying outside, as soon as it gets too cold or too hot, they will move to the nearest place possible. And in that case, their new home will be your house. If you have any crawling plants like ivy, either get rid of them or move them somewhere else.Seal every possible spider entry in your home. Do not give those pesky crawlers a chance to settle in your home. Patch up and seal all the cracks you have on your walls, doors, and windows. Place mesh over the vents and seal the fireplace when it’s not in use. Pay special attention to the kitchen, attic, and bathrooms, as they are a preferred hiding place, because of the high moisture levels.Employ scents spiders don’t cope well with. The smell of peppermint is not the only scent that spiders can’t handle. They also aren’t big fans of citrus, garlic, cedar, eucalyptus, and lavender. Plant mint, lavender, and eucalyptus, and place them around the house, close to the window sills. That way it’s almost certain that spiders will try to look for another route in. You can also light citrus aroma candles, and if you are cooking something with garlic, don’t turn the extraction fan on so fast. Let the spiders feel the smell and run away in terror. Get a cat. Having spiders in your home on its own is not a reason to get a cat if you don’t have one already. But if you are making a list of pros and cons, you should definitely add this to the advantages. Cats are playful creatures that love hunting down all sorts of living things, including spiders. As soon as they spot one crawling beneath the sofa, it’s hunting time. They never give up until the pray is apprehended and are able to spot the crawlers even with limited light sources. Takeaways Natural and harmless methods will work best if there is just a couple of spiders in your home, not a full invasion.If you see the crawlers spreading into more rooms, and their numbers growing bigger, first try eliminating all of the food and shelter sources. If they do not leave the premises, consider turning to a pest control specialist.Always be super careful when using pesticides, as the chemicals in them can be very dangerous to your family and pets. Put on protective gear if you are using spray-based insecticides.