What to Expect During a Webbing Spider Treatment
Webbing spiders commonly establish themselves around buildings where they can construct webs in protected areas such as eaves, window frames, external walls, garages, sheds, fences and other sheltered locations. Webs may become particularly noticeable where there is regular flying insect activity.
A Webbing Spider Treatment focuses on spiders that build and occupy webs around the structure of the property. It is different from the management of ground-dwelling spiders, such as funnel-webs, which live in burrows and require a different approach.
A Surekill Pest Control technician will inspect the property to identify active webs, spider harbourage areas and locations requiring treatment. Treatment is then targeted to suitable areas around the building and other accessible areas where webbing spiders are active.
This guide explains how to prepare for your Webbing Spider Treatment, what happens during the service and the steps you can take afterwards to help reduce future spider and web activity.
01
Booking Information
Booking and Treatment Time
Webbing Spider Treatments generally take approximately one to two hours, although the time required can vary depending on the size of the property, the areas requiring treatment and the extent of spider activity.
Appointments are scheduled within an arrival window. For example, if your booking window is between 10 am and 12 noon and the technician arrives at 12 noon, the treatment time begins from their arrival.
Access Requirements
The technician will require access around the exterior of the property and to other areas requiring treatment, which may include garages, sheds, fences, eaves, verandahs and other areas where webbing spiders are active.
Weather Conditions
Webbing Spider Treatments are best carried out in suitable dry weather. Rain, strong winds or other unsuitable conditions may affect external applications, and your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
Free Service Period
Webbing Spider Treatment includes a three-month free service period. If you continue to experience webbing spider activity during this period, contact Surekill Pest Control so we can assess the situation and determine whether further treatment is required.
Licensed and Insured Technicians
Surekill Pest Control technicians are appropriately licensed and insured and carry out treatments in accordance with applicable product directions and regulatory requirements.
Payment Options
Payment can be made by EFT/bank transfer, cash, EFTPOS or credit card. Payment is required before treatment commences.
02
How to Prepare for Webbing Spider Treatment
Leave Spider Webs Intact
Do not remove spider webs before your treatment. Existing webs help the technician identify active webbing spider areas and locations that may require treatment.
Clear Access Around the Property
Provide clear access to external walls, eaves, window areas, fences, garages, sheds and other areas where spider activity has been noticed. Move items away from walls where practical.
Remove Clutter and Harbourage
Remove unnecessary rubble, leaf litter, stored materials and other clutter from around the building. These areas can provide shelter for spiders and the insects they feed on.
Remove Items from Clotheslines
Remove clothing, towels, bedding and other items from outdoor clotheslines before the technician arrives, particularly where the clothesline or surrounding areas may be within the treatment zone.
Protect Fish, Birds and Pets
Cover fish tanks, ponds and bird cages appropriately before treatment. Remove pets, pet food and water bowls from treatment areas. Your technician will advise when pets can safely return.
Advise Us About Water Tanks
Tell the technician where rainwater tanks and their collection areas are located so appropriate precautions can be taken during treatment.
Ensure Access to Roof Voids and Subfloors
Where these areas form part of the treatment, ensure safe and clear access to roof voids and subfloor areas before the technician arrives.
03
Before Treatment
Discuss the Spider Activity
The technician will discuss where you have noticed spiders and webbing around the property. Point out areas with frequent activity or where webs regularly reappear.
Inspect the Property
The technician will inspect relevant areas for active webs, spiders and potential harbourage locations. Particular attention may be given to eaves, window frames, external walls, corners, fences, garages, sheds and other protected areas.
Close Windows and External Doors
Close windows and external doors before treatment to help prevent external spray from entering the property.
Turn Off Air Conditioning
Turn off air conditioning and ventilation systems during external spray application where they could draw treatment into the building.
Keep People and Pets Away
People and pets should remain away from treatment areas during application and until treated surfaces are dry, according to the technician's instructions.
Chemical Sensitivities
Tell Surekill before treatment if anyone at the property has a known chemical sensitivity. People with chemical sensitivities should remain away from treated areas for 24 hours, or until the treatment has completely dried and the area has been adequately ventilated, whichever is longer.
Final Safety Check
Before application begins, the technician will check the treatment area and consider rainwater tanks, ponds, pets, neighbouring areas and other environmental factors that may affect how the treatment is carried out.
04
Webbing Spider Treatment Process
Targeted External Treatment
The technician will apply a targeted treatment to suitable areas where webbing spiders are active or likely to establish webs. Treatment may include eaves, external walls, window and door frames, fences and other protected areas around the building.
Garages, Sheds and Other Areas
Garages, sheds, verandahs, pool pump areas and other accessible structures may also be treated where webbing spider activity is identified.
Treating Active Webbing Areas
Existing webs help the technician identify areas of spider activity. Treatment is directed to appropriate webbing, harbourage and surrounding areas to target spiders and help reduce continuing activity.
Roof Voids and Subfloors
Where required and safely accessible, suitable treatments may be applied to roof voids and subfloor areas where spider activity or harbourage is identified.
Webbing Spider Treatment Only
This treatment is designed for web-building spiders associated with buildings and structures. It is not a blanket ground treatment for ground-dwelling spiders such as funnel-webs. Ground-dwelling spiders require different management and safety considerations.
Professional Application
Treatments are applied according to the registered product label and the requirements of the treatment area. The technician will take appropriate precautions around people, pets, rainwater collection areas and the surrounding environment.
05
After Your Webbing Spider Treatment
Allow Treated Areas to Dry
Keep people and pets away from treated areas while treatment is being carried out and until the products have completely dried. Follow any additional re-entry instructions provided by your technician.
Leave the Webs in Place
Do not remove treated spider webs immediately after the service. Leave the webbing in place for approximately two weeks to allow spiders remaining in harbourage areas time to come into contact with the treated areas.
Remove Webs After Two Weeks
After approximately two weeks, existing cobwebs and webbing can be removed using a broom, cobweb brush or vacuum. Removing old webbing also makes it easier to identify any new spider activity.
Monitor Spider Activity
Some spider activity may still be noticed following treatment. Monitor areas around eaves, windows, fences, garages, sheds and other locations where webs were previously present.
Contact Surekill if Activity Continues
If webbing spider activity continues during the three-month free service period, contact Surekill Pest Control. We can assess the activity and determine whether further treatment is required.
Ongoing Risk Management
Where a property experiences recurring spider or general pest activity, your technician can recommend suitable ongoing monitoring, prevention and treatment as part of a Risk Management Program.
06
How to Help Keep Webbing Spiders Away
Remove Old Webbing Regularly
After the initial two-week period following treatment, regularly remove new and old cobwebs from eaves, windows, verandahs, garages, sheds and other accessible areas. This helps prevent the continued build-up of webbing and makes new activity easier to identify.
Reduce Clutter and Harbourage
Keep areas around the building tidy and remove unnecessary stored materials, rubble, leaf litter and other debris that can provide protected harbourage for spiders.
Manage Vegetation Around the Building
Trim vegetation where practical to reduce dense, protected areas immediately against walls, windows, eaves and other parts of the building.
Reduce Insects Around Outdoor Lighting
Web-building spiders establish webs where prey is available. Outdoor lighting can attract flying insects, which in turn can support spider activity. Consider using less insect-attractive outdoor lighting where appropriate.
Seal Gaps Around the Building
Maintain flyscreens and seal suitable gaps around windows, doors and other openings to help reduce spiders and other insects entering the building.
Continue to Monitor
Check areas where webs frequently develop and watch for new activity. Properties with recurring webbing spider or general pest activity may benefit from regular monitoring and treatment as part of an ongoing Risk Management Program.
