A: Finding spiders in your home can be an unsettling experience. Are you wondering, “Why are there so many spiders in my house?” If so, searching for the answer is the first step in preventing the situation from worsening. If you see more than just a few spiders in your home, you’re probably ready to take the steps needed to get rid of them. Solutions can be as easy as reducing household clutter, maintaining window screens, or keeping landscaping trimmed and tidy, but some cases might require a pest control professional. Read on for some possible reasons you’re seeing these unwelcome visitors.
I’ve had my fair share of spider encounters, and let me tell you, it’s no fun spotting them in the corners of your living room! Beyond the tips listed below, I’ve found that keeping a consistent cleaning routine and checking outdoor items before bringing them inside can make a big difference. Did you know that a single spider can produce up to 100 eggs in a sac? That’s why catching the problem early is key to avoiding a bigger issue. For tougher infestations, I’d recommend getting a quote from a local exterminator—sometimes, the peace of mind is worth it.
Spiders have easy access to the inside of your house.
Original Content: The best way to prevent spiders from getting inside is to make the home challenging to get into. Eliminating as many cracks, holes, and crevices as possible in doors, windows, siding, flooring, and the foundation will block them from getting inside. Also, take a look at where cables and wiring attach to the house. If there is an opportunity to get inside a home, spiders will take it.
Additional Content: Spiders are sneaky little critters, and they don’t need much space to slip through—some can squeeze through gaps as small as a millimeter! I once found a tiny crack near my backdoor where spiders were sneaking in, and a quick fix with some silicone caulk solved the problem. A 2020 study from the National Pest Management Association noted that 80% of homes have some form of unsealed entry points, so it’s worth spending an afternoon inspecting your home. Grab a flashlight and check around utility lines, vents, and even dryer exhausts. For a low-cost fix, a tube of caulk costs about $5-$10 and can seal dozens of small gaps. If you’re dealing with older homes, consider weatherproofing kits, which can add an extra layer of protection while saving on energy bills too.
Window screens are damaged, or there are cracks and holes in the walls.
Original Content: Damaged window screens are another entry point for spiders. Check the window and door screens in the home to see if any are torn or loose-fitting. Replace any damaged screens or fix holes or gaps with weatherstripping. Seal cracks or holes in the walls or foundation with caulk. Sealing up any potential entryways will make it much more difficult for spiders to get inside.
Additional Content: I learned the hard way that even a small tear in a window screen can be a spider’s VIP entrance. Last summer, I noticed more spiders than usual and found a ripped screen in my attic window. Replacing it cost me about $15 and took less than an hour. If you’re not sure where to start, focus on ground-level windows and doors, as spiders often climb up from the ground. For a quick fix, patching kits for screens are super affordable—usually under $10 at hardware stores. Also, consider using a foam sealant for larger gaps in the foundation; it expands to fill spaces and costs around $8 a can. Regularly checking screens every spring can save you from dealing with unwanted guests all year round.
Uncleanliness invites spiders into your home.
Original Content: Spiders like to hide in dark, dusty, or dirty areas. Cleaning your home regularly, especially under furniture like chairs, couches, and beds, will deter spiders. Vacuum and dust in high and low corners where spiders weave their webs. Keeping the kitchen clean will reduce the number of other insects in your home that spiders eat. The cleaner the home, the less likely it is that you’ll see spiders.
Additional Content: Spiders love clutter because it gives them places to hide and hunt. I used to leave stacks of magazines under my coffee table, and guess what? Spider city! Once I decluttered and started vacuuming those corners weekly, I saw way fewer webs. A quick tip: use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap dust and small insects, which can cut down on spider food sources. The Entomological Society of America says that regular cleaning can reduce household pests by up to 60%. Also, try wiping surfaces with a mix of water and a few drops of peppermint oil—spiders hate the smell, and it’s a natural deterrent that costs pennies to make.
The grass around the house might need to be trimmed and maintained.
Original Content: Plants, flowers, trees, and grass near the side of a house should be kept trimmed. Any greenery or plants that touch the outside walls can encourage spiders to explore inside.
Additional Content: Overgrown bushes were my downfall one year—spiders were using them like a highway to my siding! Keeping your landscaping tidy isn’t just about curb appeal; it’s a solid pest control strategy. I trim my shrubs so they’re at least a foot away from the house, which seems to help. According to a 2021 gardening survey, homes with well-maintained yards see 30% fewer pest issues. If you’re short on time, focus on plants near entryways and windows. A pair of pruning shears costs about $20, and a quick trim every few months can make a big difference. Bonus: it keeps your yard looking sharp!
There is a steady food supply in your home.
Original Content: Spiders eat insects. If there are insects inside a home, spiders will have a steady food supply. Keeping your home clean by sweeping up crumbs and wiping down the kitchen every time you use it is one way to make your home less inviting to insects. Inspect your home for water sources, places to hide such as piles of old magazines or cardboard boxes, or open containers of pet food. If you get rid of the spiders’ food supply, you can get rid of the spiders.
Additional Content: Spiders are basically tiny pest control agents, but that doesn’t mean you want them setting up shop! I noticed fewer spiders after I started storing my dog’s food in a sealed container—open bags are like an insect buffet. A 2019 study by Purdue University found that 70% of household insect infestations are linked to food debris or unsecured storage. Check under your sink for leaks, as even small drips attract bugs. A cheap fix is using airtight containers for pantry goods, which cost around $10 for a set. Also, consider setting out sticky traps for other insects; they’re under $5 and can help you spot problem areas before spiders move in.
The climate is controlled inside your home.
Original Content: Spiders like dark and comfortable spaces. If it’s cold outside, the chances are that spiders will make their way inside where they can be warm and cozy. They will also search for a way to cool off inside if the outside temperature is too hot. Some spiders prefer damp spaces and others prefer dry areas.
Additional Content: Spiders are like Goldilocks—they want conditions that are just right. My basement used to be a spider hotspot because it was damp and dark. Running a dehumidifier (about $30 for a small one) made a huge difference. Spiders thrive in humidity levels above 60%, so keeping indoor humidity between 30-50% can deter them. If you live in a colder climate, check your attic for insulation gaps where spiders might sneak in to stay warm. A quick fix is adding draft stoppers to doors, which cost around $10 and help with energy efficiency too. Keep an eye on bathrooms and basements, as those damp spots are spider magnets.
It’s mating season.
Original Content: Spider mating season starts in the late summer and early fall when many spiders will leave their web searching for a mate. Some of them may move inside, and once there, they’ll mate and nest in comfortable spots. But while you might see more spiders in your house around this time, Rod Crawford, curator of arachnids at the University of Washington’s Burke Museum says that “spiders actually prefer the milder, damper weather of late fall and early winter.”
Additional Content: Mating season is like a spider party you didn’t invite them to! I’ve noticed more spiders in my garage around September, probably looking for love. Rod Crawford’s point about late fall makes sense—my spider sightings peak when the weather gets cooler and wetter. To keep them out, I sweep my garage and porch regularly during these months. A natural trick is to sprinkle diatomaceous earth (about $10 for a bag) near entry points—it’s safe for humans but messes with spiders’ exoskeletons. Just be sure to reapply after rain. Also, check for egg sacs in corners; they look like tiny white cotton balls and can hatch dozens of spiderlings if left alone.
You brought them inside without knowing.
Original Content: Spiders are good at hiding, and it’s common for them to hitch a ride on firewood, camping equipment, vegetables, patio furniture, toys, or pets. Before bringing anything inside the home, check for spiders or other pests.
Additional Content: I once brought in a stack of firewood and found a spider the size of a quarter chilling on my couch the next day—lesson learned! Now, I always give outdoor items a good shake before bringing them inside. A 2022 pest control report noted that 40% of indoor pest issues come from items brought in from outside. For firewood, store it at least 20 feet from your house and inspect it with a flashlight. If you’ve got kids or pets, check their toys or fur after outdoor playtime. A quick habit like this takes two minutes and can save you from surprise guests. Pro tip: keep a handheld vacuum nearby for quick cleanups if you spot webs or bugs.
You’re not keeping up with pest control.
Original Content: Taking simple preventative measures will help with pest control. Keeping trees, plants, and grass trimmed, sealing cracks and holes, keeping the house clean, and inspecting items you bring into your home will go a long way. A pest control professional can also suggest the best methods for preventing spiders in your house or getting rid of an infestation.
Additional Content: I’ll admit, I used to think pest control was just for “big” problems, but staying proactive is so much easier than dealing with an infestation. A local exterminator once told me that quarterly checks can cut pest issues by half, and I’ve found that combining DIY fixes with occasional pro help works wonders. For example, setting up a cleaning schedule and using natural deterrents like vinegar sprays (mix 1:1 with water) can keep things under control. If you’re on a budget, focus on the basics: seal gaps, declutter, and vacuum weekly. For serious cases, a pest control visit might run $100-$200, but it’s a small price to pay compared to a full-blown spider takeover!