Do Vacuums Kill Spiders?

Whether you love or hate spiders, they are a common sight in many homes. From the harmless common house spiders and jumping spiders to the venomous brown recluse or black widow, these fascinating creatures are all around us. And it's not just indoor spiders we have to worry about - there are also plenty of wild spider species that thrive outdoors. Nearly one-third of Americans have an intense fear of spiders. The question is, do your household cleaning tools like the vacuum cleaner kill spiders? While a vacuum’s strong suction can suck up any spider that is unlucky to get too close, it depends on the type of the spider and the vacuum cleaner itself. While some spiders may simply get knocked down and stunned, others may get crushed beyond recognition.

Do Vacuums Kill Spiders?

Yes, most vacuum cleaners can suck up and kill house spiders, but the effectiveness depends on things like the suction power, condition of the dust bag and the design of the vacuum cleaner.

If you have a vacuum cleaner with good suction power, it is more likely to capture and kill spiders because the powerful airflow can overwhelm them. If the bin or bag is already full, it can reduce the airflow and the spider is less likely to be killed. But vacuum cleaner models with smooth airflow and little to no obstructions are more efficient at capturing spiders. Larger and more agile spiders may be able to avoid being sucked into the vacuum, but smaller ones can easily be captured and killed.

Capturing or killing spiders with a vacuum cleaner is not dangerous to the device itself. This is because spiders are relatively small and lightweight, and their bodies will most likely not cause any significant damage to the vacuum’s internal components. The only issue that could occur is potential clogs or blockages which you can avoid by regularly emptying the vacuum’s dust bin or bag.

What Happens to Spiders Inside a Vacuum?

If you’re curious about what happens to spiders once they are sucked inside a vacuum, the journey can be quite dramatic especially if you’re using a vacuum with strong suction. Once a spider is pulled into a vacuum, it will probably experience a significant amount of suction force and turbulence. This can be disorienting and even damaging depending on the type and size of the spider. From here, the spider will find itself in a bag or container filled with different types of debris such as dust, hair and other small particles. It could struggle to find air to breathe and may become entangled in the debris.

If you’re using a powerful upright vacuum with strong suction, it is more likely to kill the spider whereas if you’re using a gentler handheld or robot vacuum, the spider may survive. Robot vacuums, especially, may be less likely to harm larger species of spiders like wolf spiders or tarantulas, because they are designed with obstacle avoidance features to avoid getting stuck under furniture or bumping into pets. So if you do have spiders as pets, a robot vacuum can soothe your fears and prevent unintended harm.

What to Do After Vacuuming a Spider?

If a domesticated spider gets sucked into a vacuum cleaner, the first thing you should do is immediately turn off their vacuum to prevent any further harm to the spider. Then, look inside the canister or bag and any other accessible areas to locate the spider. Make sure you’re gentle and don’t make any sudden movements to avoid harming the spiders further. Use a soft clean brush or your hands to carefully remove the spider from the vacuum. Try to avoid direct contact with it, as some species can deliver a painful bite as a form of self-defense. Check if the spider is alive and appears unharmed. If it is, gently place it in a container with some ventilation holes and release it outdoors, away from your home.

If the spider is dead, then empty the canister and dispose of any debris including the remains of the spider. Clean the vacuum’s filters or replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, check the vacuum’s hose and any attachments for any blockages or damage. Clear any debris and ensure everything works properly.

It is important to maintain the vacuum itself through regular cleaning and upkeep. Follow these practical tips for keeping your vacuum in good working condition:

● Empty the canister or replace the bag: Empty the vacuum’s canister regularly and replace the bag to maintain the best suction power and prevent any clogging.

● Clean the filters: Check the vacuum’s filters regularly and clean or replace them as needed to ensure efficient airflow.

● Inspect the hose and attachment: Examine the hose and attachments for any blockages or damage and clean or replace them if you need to.

● Wipe down the vacuum: Use a damp cloth to clean the dust and debris on the exterior of the vacuum

● Regular maintenance: Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation for the vacuum’s maintenance schedule for things like belt replacement, wheel lubrication and other necessary tasks.

FAQ