Homeowners seeing spiders inside may dislike it, but it typically isn’t harmful. Seeing spiders means your home is providing what they need to survive. This can be frustrating but also means it is likely predictable and preventable. If you learn why spiders are in your home, you can take action to control them.

Identify the Types of Spiders Coming Inside

In most cases, spiders found inside are harmless. Some common house spiders are:

• Cellar spiders are long-legged spiders that build webs in corners.
• House spiders have small, uneven webs they build in undisturbed areas.
• Jumping spiders can be found darting back and forth quickly.

Unless you know otherwise, it is safe to assume they do not pose a major health risk.

However, if you see a shiny black spider with a red hourglass pattern or large brown spiders with violin shapes on their backs, pay attention. If you are ever concerned or cannot clearly identify a spider, avoid touching it and take a photograph.

Learn Why Spiders Are Attracted to Your Home

When spiders move inside, they aren’t coming inside at random. Generally, there are three reasons why spiders get inside any home.

Food sources are the primary factor. If insects are living in or near your home, spiders will be present too. Spiders are predators, so if you notice spider activity increase, check for insect problems.

Spiders want shelter like we do. They often seek out basements, closets, attic space, and storage rooms where they won’t be easily disturbed. Areas where webs aren’t constantly disrupted are ideal.

Humidity and temperature can also attract spiders. Areas with high levels of humidity and little change in temperature are easier for both spiders and insects to thrive in. Look for spiders in your crawlspace or around pipes.

Inspect Webs and Movement Patterns

Webs can tell you a lot about the types of spiders you are finding. Clean and circular webs typically indicate they are waiting for prey there.

Messy webs with irregular corners are typically built in spots where insects will get trapped in the web and be unable to escape.

Some spiders aren’t web builders. Certain species hunt for their food. These spiders typically move around floors and walls, so if you see spiders out and about, you most likely have a readily available food source.

Watch For Common Entry Points

All types of spiders can squeeze through tiny openings. They will climb through gaps found around windows and doors. Screens with holes and damaged weatherstripping are entry points.

Areas that insects use to enter like your foundation can allow spiders inside as well. Limit access points where bugs can enter and you will likely see fewer spiders.

Another thing to keep in mind is the conditions outside of your home. Items like vegetation touching your house, stacked firewood, and clutter around your foundation give spiders easy access from outdoors to indoors.

Easy Ways To Reduce Spider Activity Indoors

Your first step should be to clean and declutter your home. Boxes, old newspapers, and storage items provide coverage for spiders. Make sure you vacuum corners and baseboards often to eliminate webs and egg sacs.

You should also reduce your insect population. Keep food stored in sealed containers and clean up any crumbs or spills. Take care of leaks and other issues that draw insects into your home. If there are no insects, spiders will not find as much food and will look elsewhere.

Seal gaps and fix points of entry around your home. Caulk openings in walls and repair any damaged screens. Install door sweeps on doors that lead to the outside. Limiting access will help reduce the number of spiders entering your home.

Natural and Low Toxicity Prevention Options

There are options for those who do not want to use chemicals. Sprays with peppermint essential oil may provide spider-repellent properties. Try using a spray around doorways and dark corners where spiders may enter or hide.

You can also use diatomaceous earth as a line of defense. It works as a barrier that spiders won’t cross when placed along entry points and dark spaces.

Consider Professional Treatment Options

If you are still finding spiders indoors, there may be more to the problem. When you consistently see spiders in your house, it is typically due to problems in your home you can’t see.

A company like Vinx Pest Control can inspect your property and determine the cause. Professionals can treat your home to not only eliminate current problemsbut also help prevent them from occurring in the future.

Professional inspections and treatments help cover every area of your home, both inside and out. Some areas you may not think to check may be causing your problem.

Keep spiders out with prevention

Prevention is the best way to stop spiders from infiltrating your home. Reduce humidity, particularly in basements and crawlspaces. Adjust your outdoor lighting so it doesn’t attract as many insects around your home and windows.

Trim vegetation and try to keep an 18 inch barrier between your home and yard. Check for webs during your weekly cleaning and you should stay spider-free.

Conclusion

You normally see spiders because they need something your home is providing. Whether it is food, shelter, or both, spiders will make themselves at home if conditions are right.

While it can be annoying, there are lots of ways you can keep spiders out of your home. Clean your home regularly, watch for entry points, control insects, and monitor changes in spider activity.

If you continue to have problems or notice a sudden increase in spiders, call a professional pest control company to have your home inspected and treated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I suddenly seeing spiders in my house?

There are many reasons you may start to see spiders. Their presence usually increases when insects become more active or during seasonal changes when spiders seek shelter inside homes. It could also mean you have unidentified access points or areas of your home providing shelter.

Are spiders dangerous?

While most species will bite when aggravated, spiders are mostly harmless. In fact, having spiders in your house helps reduce the amount of pests you’ll see. There are only a handful of house spiders that may affect humans.

What do spiders need inside my house the most?

The biggest attraction for spiders is an accessible food source. Common household spiders feed on insects. In addition to food, darkness and secluded areas are some of their other needs.

How do I keep spiders from coming indoors?

Seal off access points and repair holes where spiders can enter your home. Reducing clutter and debris will also limit how many areas spiders can live undetected. Lastly, limiting insects is one of the best ways you can control spiders.

When should I call for professional spider control?

If you continue to deal with recurring problems or see many spiders in a short period of time, reach out to a professional. Although most house spiders are harmless, it is always recommended to have professionals identify the species.