Spiders can easily enter buildings through openings such as doors, windows, and air vents. However, their size also allows them to crawl into a home through tiny cracks, gaps, and unfilled holes in the foundation. Spiders can also hide in objects that enter the home, such as firewood, plants, and storage boxes. The best way to prevent spiders from entering the home is to seal any openings, such as drafty windows or cracks in the foundation. Homeowners can even place mesh screens over vents and other potential entry points. (Sealing cracks and gaps in a home’s structure is also a good idea generally, as it can prevent many other problems down the line.)
I’ve noticed that spiders often sneak in through the tiniest gaps, like the ones around my old windows that I didn’t even think about until I saw a spider scuttle across my kitchen floor! To tackle this, I recommend doing a thorough walk-around of your home, inside and out, to spot any potential entry points. A study from the University of Kentucky’s entomology department suggests that sealing gaps can reduce pest entry by up to 80%, which is huge when you consider how many creepy crawlies might be slipping through. Grab some caulk or weatherstripping from your local hardware store¡ªspending about $20 can go a long way. Also, check items like firewood or secondhand furniture before bringing them inside; I once found a spider nestled in a stack of logs that I almost carried right into my living room!
Weather changes can drive spiders inside.
It’s important to note that there is no one preferred climate for spiders. With over 46,000 species living in climates ranging from arctic to tropical, these arachnids are widely varied and quite versatile. Some species of spiders have adapted entirely to life indoors and rarely experience the elements at all! With that said, weather changes can drive outdoor spiders inside. Spiders can typically survive temperatures as low as 23 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit. When faced with high heat, these creatures will seek out cooler spots (potentially indoors). In the cold, they exhibit a behavior known as cold hardening: producing a chemical inside their bodies that essentially functions as an anti-freeze. To avoid deploying this survival mechanism, spiders may simply take up root inside someone’s warm home. They may also turn to indoor shelter to avoid the elements.
I’ve always found it fascinating how spiders seem to know exactly when to head indoors¡ªlike they’ve got a little weather app in their tiny brains! Entomologists explain that this cold-hardening process involves spiders producing glycerol, which lowers their body’s freezing point. If you live in an area with harsh winters or scorching summers, you might notice more spiders in fall or spring when temperatures swing. To keep them out, I’ve had luck placing a few inexpensive dehumidifiers in my basement during humid summers, as high moisture can also draw them in. A small unit costs around $30 and can make a big difference. Also, keep an eye on your weather stripping during seasonal shifts¡ªthose little gaps widen when wood expands or contracts!
If other pests have taken up residence in your home, spiders could move in as well.
Since spiders typically feed on fruit flies and other insects, they are likely to follow these pests wherever they reside. Depending on the homeowner’s point of view, this could be a positive or a negative outcome! In general, anything that attracts pests can also attract spiders, as this provides an easy food source. This may include trash left around the home, uncovered human or pet food, and plants around the home’s exterior. One of the best ways to keep pests (and therefore spiders) out of the home is to keep things tidy. Homeowners should regularly clean their floors, tidy up any clutter, keep storage bins sealed and off the ground, and clear out vegetation and brush around the home.
I learned this the hard way when I left some overripe bananas on my counter and ended up with a fruit fly invasion¡ªfollowed by a spider that set up shop in the corner! Spiders are basically nature’s pest control, but I’d rather not have them as roommates. A 2020 study from the National Pest Management Association noted that 70% of homes with pest problems also reported spider sightings, so tackling other bugs is key. I’ve found that storing food in airtight containers (about $10 for a decent set) and taking out the trash daily really cuts down on the pest buffet. Also, trimming back bushes or vines touching your house’s exterior can stop spiders from using them as a bridge to get inside.
While most spiders are harmless to humans, a few species can be dangerous.
Generally speaking, spiders are not dangerous to humans. Most spiders will not bite unless they feel threatened; often, these bites are harmless or cause only a minor reaction. Common species such as jumping spiders, domestic house spiders, and tarantulas will not pose a threat. However, it is crucial to keep an eye out for a few species that can be dangerous. There are three venomous spider species in the United States: the hobo, the brown recluse, and the black widow. A hobo spider’s venom is not strong enough to be life-threatening, though their bites can be unpleasant. The brown recluse and the black widow spiders, on the other hand, do possess toxic venom; their bites can be incredibly painful, though rarely fatal. While it’s unlikely that house spiders and their bites will cause any harm, it is best to err on the side of caution. Contact a medical professional in the event of a suspected spider bite, then work on removing the creatures from your home.
It’s kind of reassuring to know most spiders are just chilling and not out to get us, but those venomous ones still give me the creeps. The CDC reports about 2,000 spider bites annually in the U.S., with black widow and brown recluse bites making up the majority of serious cases. If you’re in an area where these spiders are common, like the Midwest for brown recluses, it’s worth learning to spot them¡ªblack widows have that tell – hourglass on their abdomen, while brown recluses have a violin-shaped mark. I always shake out shoes or clothes left in the garage just in case. If you do get bitten and notice swelling or pain that doesn’t go away, don’t tough it out¡ªcall a doctor to be safe.
Spiders prefer dark, isolated spaces like crawl spaces, garages, and basements.
Dark, still, isolated spaces¡ªsuch as crawl spaces, garages, and basements¡ªare a common congregation site for spiders. This phenomenon can also be observed in outdoor areas, such as sheds, piles of wood, and overgrown plants. Spiders tend to prefer quiet and hidden spaces so they can easily find food and water, as well as hide if necessary. Cluttered areas are also desirable to spiders for this reason. Though spiders are generally drawn to quiet, undisturbed areas, there is some variance in their preferred living environments. Some species, such as the cellar spider, are attracted to moisture; they are most likely to be found in basements and other damp areas of a home. Other species, including the brown recluse spider, will hide out in drier climates such as attics and closets. Despite these preferences, however, most common house spiders can adapt to their surroundings, often spending their entire lives indoors.
My garage used to be a spider haven until I started decluttering and adding some lighting. Spiders love those dark, messy corners, and I swear they throw a party in my old cardboard boxes! Research from pest control experts suggests that reducing clutter can cut spider populations in storage areas by nearly 60%. If you’ve got a damp basement, consider running a dehumidifier or fixing any leaks, as cellar spiders thrive in humidity above 70%. For about $50, you can get a small dehumidifier that works wonders. Also, swapping out cardboard boxes for plastic bins with tight lids (around $15 each) keeps spiders from setting up camp. If you’re like me and hate going into a creepy crawl space, a few well-placed LED lights can make it less inviting for them.
There are some natural home remedies for repelling spiders, but it’s best to call a professional for recurring infestations.
For small-scale or one-off occurrences, natural home remedies for repelling spiders can be effective. Homeowners can purchase non-toxic pesticides and insect traps at their local home center to drive these critters away. A homemade spider repellent composed of essential oil, water, and dish soap can also be equally effective. Should recurring infestations occur (or the homeowner is not comfortable with spider removal), it’s best to call in someone from pest control. A professional can help ensure that the source of the problem is resolved, keep spiders away for good, and provide preventative tips to keep the home pest-free.
I’ve tried the DIY route with a peppermint oil spray, and it actually works pretty well for keeping spiders at bay¡ªmix about 10 drops of peppermint oil with a cup of water and a splash of dish soap in a spray bottle (total cost under $5). The strong scent messes with their senses, according to pest control blogs I’ve read. But when I had a stubborn spider problem in my attic, I called a pro, and it was worth every penny¡ªthey found entry points I’d missed and set up barriers that lasted months. A single pest control visit might run you $100-$200, but it’s a lifesaver for big infestations. If you go the DIY route, spray around windows and corners weekly, but don’t expect miracles if you’ve got a lot of spiders¡ªsometimes you just need the experts!