There’s a Maltese saying, “Kill the spider and you will destroy the cobweb.”
But what if you don’t want to kill the spider? Rest easy, there’s a solution: spider catchers.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- What spider catchers are and how they work
- How to use a spider catcher
- Safety of spider catchers
- The top spider catchers on the market
Spiders can be useful house guests; they capture and kill other creepy crawlies. That said, spiders are creepy crawlies too.
Saved for an entomologist who loves bugs and all things multi-legged, no one likes to see a spider crawling across the kitchen floor or up the wall.
Keep reading to learn about spider catchers
Top 4 Best Spider Catchers
Are you short on time or just want a quick answer?
- Taishan Spider Vacuum
- My Critter Catcher
- Carson Quick-Release Bug Catching Tool
- JT Eaton Spider Traps
1. Taishan Spider Vacuum
The Taishan Spider Vacuum is one of the most powerful bug catcher vacuums available. It utilizes a spring-loaded suction to quickly pull bugs into the wide tube.
Say goodbye to smelly aerosol bug sprays. Now you can pick up bugs without using your bare hands. Also, it now comes with a bright LED light for night use.
The Taishan Spider Vacuum is safe to have around children and pets. Use it anywhere you encounter crawling insects or spiders. Its rugged construction means it will be ready for you whenever you need it.
The Good:
- Powerful suction
- Simple to operate
- LED light for night use
- Strong construction
The Bad:
- May not accommodate larger spiders or insects
Features:
- Powerful suction
- Simple to operate
- LED light for night use
2. My Critter Catcher
My Critter Catcher has specially designed bristles on it that surround bugs and catch them instead of killing them. It’s 100% eco-friendly, doesn’t require batteries, and doesn’t make any noise.
When you see a spider in the house, get this grabber, place it over the spider and pull the trigger. The bristles will spread open. Lower it over spider or bug and release the trigger. The bristles will close around the insect, safely trapping it until you take it outside to be freed.
The long 27-inch handle lets you keep your distance from any house spiders, daddy-longlegs, etc., while still capturing them in a hygienic way with no mess.
This bug catcher can be used on spiders, centipedes, cockroaches, grasshoppers, millipedes, scorpions, stink bugs, and hundreds of other creepy crawlies.
The Good:
- Easy to use
- Completely quiet
- Doesn’t require batteries or recharging
- Long handle allows distance between you and captured bug
- Doesn’t use chemicals
The Bad:
- Only catches one bug at a time
Features:
- Works on a multitude of insects
- No batteries or recharging
- 27-inch long handle
3. Carson Quick-Release Bug Catching Tool
This bug-catching tool from Carson makes it easy to examine spiders under magnification. It also allows you to dispose of crawling pests without having to touch them.
The thumb-operated trap door makes it easy to catch even the fastest moving spiders and insects. Also, it’s just as simple to release them.
The Carson Quick-Release Bug Catching tool is made of sturdy construction. So, it will hold up under the most adverse conditions.
The Good:
- Simple thumb operation
- Wide trap door to catch large bugs
- Offers 5X magnification
- Sturdy construction
The Bad:
- Not airtight, some smaller bugs may escape
Features:
- Simple thumb operation
- Wide trap door to catch large bugs
- Offers 5X magnification
4. JT Eaton Spider Traps
These large traps from JT Eaton are designed to capture spiders, crickets, and other crawling pests. You can lay them out flat or fold them into tents for added security.
These specialized glue traps come pre-baited with a unique attractant for spiders and crickets. Also, they can withstand most temperature variances, so you can use them in almost any climate.
Use JT Eaton Spider Traps in basements, garages, and under sinks. They catch most unwanted pests, and they’re non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets.
The Good:
- Specially formulated for spiders
- Hold up in most climate conditions
- Can be used for several pest types
- Non-toxic
The Bad:
- For indoor use only
Features:
- Specially formulated for spiders
- Hold up in most climate conditions
- Can be used for several pest types
What Are Spider Catchers?
A spider catcher is a small device designed to capture any arachnid without killing or harming them in any way.
Three main features of all spider catchers are:
- Live capture
- No chemicals
- No repellent
This kind of catcher could be an insect vacuum, operated either manually or electrically, or a bug grabber. Spider catchers also come as manually operated insect traps.
The primary point of a spider catcher is that it’s a non-chemical method of pest control. A secondary point important to note is that spider catchers are not repellents.
Once you catch the spider and take it outside, there is nothing to prevent it from coming back in. (That is, unless you use a spider repellent.)
How Do Spider Catchers Work?
Spider catchers work mechanically or with suction. A vacuum spider catcher will use a gentle suction power to vacuum the spiders into a removable catch tube or basin. The catch tube or basin is then taken outside to be emptied.
A mechanical spider catcher surrounds and/or grabs the spider in a portable, manually operated insect trap or specially designed bristles that won’t harm it.
Are Spider Catchers Effective?
Yes. If your only pest problem is an occasional bug here and there, spider catchers are a great solution. They only catch spiders (and other pests) on a casual, one-at-a-time basis.
If you have a large infestation, you’ll probably have to revert to a more aggressive form of pest control to get rid of them.
How to Use a Spider Catcher
Each spider catcher is different. There are two kinds: The scooper and the vacuum.
We’ve included a brief description of how to use them in the product descriptions presented below.
Are Spider Catchers Safe Around My Pets and Children?
Yes. This is where spider catchers really shine. Because they don’t use any chemicals, you won’t have to worry about your pets and children being harmed by them.
Well, almost. As long as your kids don’t decide to use them as weapons to hit each other, they’re safe for children.
How Do You Find The Best Spider Catcher?
Spider catchers are still a relatively new innovation. Most people just want the spiders to die and they spray them with pesticides designed to kill them.
Read more: What are the top 5 best spider killers and sprays?
The best spider catchers do what they’re designed for: Non-lethal capture of spiders to remove them from your home.
Normally you would need to buy mechanical spider catchers and vacuum catchers, or read reviews on Amazon or other websites, but we’ve done that research for you.
After analyzing these products and reviews, we’ve presented you with the best spider catchers currently available.
Final Thoughts On Spider Catchers
Spider catchers are an eco-friendly way to remove spiders from your house without using harsh chemicals. If you have some patience and are willing to do a little extra, they can be a worthwhile investment for your pest control strategy.
