How to safely trap a house spider — and why you shouldn’t release it out the window
Spider season is in full swing, so you will likely have a trusty card and cup at the ready so you can swiftly catch and release this eight-legged guest — but the process is rarely “swift.”
Related video above: First-ever video of a newfound spider’s spring-loaded death trap
Whether the spider falls on your face, retreats to an awkward crevice, or keeps on coming back, this arachnid removal service can be as dramatic as it is ineffective. But what if I were to tell you that you have been approaching the spider all wrong? I spoke to Ricky Young, owner of Youngs Pest Control, to discuss the best way to trap a spider and where you should release it. And no, an open window will not do!
What is the cup-and-card trap?
Everyone should know what we are talking about when we refer to the cup-and-card trap, but if you are unfamiliar, it involves lowering a cup over the spider to trap it, then sliding a card beneath to lock it in. You are then free to carry it away and release it.
“The cup-and-card method is one of the safest and most humane ways to remove a spider,” says Young. “A clear plastic container is preferable to glass because it is lighter, less likely to cause injury and allows you to see where the spider is throughout the process.”
The best way to approach and trap a spider
Young adds, “Approach calmly and avoid sudden movements. Spiders are highly sensitive to vibrations and changes in air movement, so stamping, blowing on them or quickly lowering a container can cause them to run. Moving slowly until the cup is close, then placing it down smoothly and decisively, usually works best.
“A common mistake is using a cup that is too small and accidentally catching the spider’s legs beneath the rim. People also tend to move extremely slowly during the final few centimetres, giving the spider time to escape.”
So, my technique is roughly in the ballpark, although my dash to the kitchen to grab the cup and opening a window in preparation probably is not helping. My last-minute panic as I thrust the cup down isn’t what’s needed either. A calm and confident approach is best, one that is strategic and will not harm the spider.
“Approaching from directly above or slightly behind is generally easier than coming towards the spider from the front,” advises Young. “However, spiders do not always escape in a predictable direction. They will usually move away from the perceived threat or towards the nearest dark edge, crack or piece of furniture. Before approaching, it helps to look at the surrounding area and block any obvious escape routes.”
If it’s in an awkward space, or there are lots of nooks and crannies nearby for it to take shelter, you are unlikely to be successful. In this case, it’s better to either wait for it to move or get what you can out of the way with a quick declutter.
Young adds that you should take care where spiders are on the walls or ceiling, as they are liable to drop, and stresses the importance of being near a flat and accessible surface when you try to catch them.
Where to release a spider
“If releasing the spider outdoors, choose a sheltered location close to the building, such as beside dense vegetation, beneath a hedge, near a log pile or by a covered outbuilding,” suggests Young. “Avoid placing it in the middle of an exposed lawn, particularly during cold, wet or windy weather. Some spiders commonly found inside houses are adapted to indoor conditions, so a sheltered garage, shed or covered area may be more suitable than releasing them into open ground.”
That means chucking spiders out the window is not for the best. In fact, if the window is often open, they are likely to settle nearby and then find their way back in. You are better off relocating the spider a short distance from your home and finding it an alternate shelter. Your garage or greenhouse could be ideal!
Young surmises, “Most spiders found in homes are not aggressive and will try to escape rather than confront a person. Bites are uncommon and generally occur only when a spider is trapped against the skin or handled directly.”
With that in mind, you need not be afraid of spiders. It also helps to remember that spiders are nature’s pest control — they will catch and eat mosquitoes, clothes moths, silverfish and flies. In doing this, they are actually beneficial by limiting the number of pests in your home, so you may want to let them be if they do not bother you.
But if you are determined to catch and release your spider, the above technique is the way to go. If you do not like getting too close to the spider, spider catchers are also widely available.
