If you’re like the majority of us, coming across a spider in your home likely isn’t one of your favorite activities. But have you ever wondered why there seem to be more spiders in your house than anywhere else? Read on to find out some of the possible reasons for this phenomenon.
What Spiders Are Really Telling You?
Seeing more and more spiders in your home can be disconcerting, but it’s important to understand why they’re there. Spiders are usually a sign of other insects in the house, meaning that you may have an infestation of something else. Understanding what types of spiders you’re seeing is the best way to figure out what kind of problem you’re dealing with—especially because some spiders aren’t necessarily dangerous, while others could be.
For example, if you see large black and yellow garden spiders (Argiope aurantia) hanging around window sills and ceilings, this generally indicates a healthy balance between predatory and prey populations inside your home. This type of spider isn’t known to bite humans and is mostly harmless.
On the other hand, if you find a black widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus) inside your home, it’s important to take action immediately as their bites can be very dangerous. It’s also important to recognize that where there’s one black widow, there are likely more in the area. If you find one of these spiders in your house, use caution while removing it and call a professional pest control service right away.
Regardless of the types of spiders around your house, it’s essential to take action and identify what other insects may have caused them to show up in the first place. Vacuuming or sweeping away webs can help reduce their population temporarily, but it’s likely that the real issue is a deeper infestation problem. Working with professional pest control experts can help you identify, remove, and prevent any further spider or insect problems in your home.
Knowing what types of spiders you might find in your house and why they may be there can help you feel more confident when trying to manage an infestation. With the right knowledge and professionals on hand, you can keep your home safe and spider-free.
When Should You Become Concerned?
While most spiders in your house are harmless, if you notice a large number of them or an unusual increase in their numbers, then it may be time to take action. If you spot spiders spinning webs around corners and near windows, this could indicate that their population is growing exponentially.
Additionally, if you start seeing baby spiders or egg sacs, then this is likely a sign that your spider problem has reached its peak. If any of these issues arise, then it’s important to take steps to eliminate them before they become too difficult to manage.
How Do Spiders Get Inside in the First Place?
Extra Hiding Spots
Spiders can easily hide in undisturbed places like closets, attics, basements, and other dark corners of the house. The most common spiders found indoors are known as “house spiders.” They can be identified by their small size – usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long – and drab coloring.
House spiders tend to penetrate homes through any unsealed cracks or openings near windows, doors and vents. They may also gain access through holes or tears in window and door screens. Spiders tend to stay hidden during the day and hunt at night when it’s quiet inside the home. [1]
Gaps in Your Home
Spiders may also enter homes through small gaps in the foundation or walls. Gaps can be created by the ground shifting, settling, or tree roots growing near buildings. These gaps may appear very small but provide a large enough opening for spiders to crawl inside and make themselves at home.
House Guests
One of the more common ways that spiders get into your house is via other guests – like human family members or pets! Spiders may hitchhike inside on items such as firewood, boxes, furniture, clothing and even shoes. It’s always a good idea to check items you bring in from outside before bringing them indoors. You might even consider shaking out shoes that have been sitting outdoors overnight.
Lack of Cleaning or Upkeep
Spiders may also enter your home if it is not regularly cleaned and maintained. Vacuuming and dusting will help reduce the number of bugs that spiders feed on. Regularly checking windows and door frames for cracks or gaps can also help reduce their access to your home.
Poor Pest Control
Poor pest control can also contribute to the number of spiders living inside your home. Regularly treating the perimeter of your house with an insecticide will help keep pests out and reduce the chance that you’ll be sharing a space with these eight-legged creatures.
Yard Debris and Mulch
If you have yard debris or mulch near the foundation of your house, it can create a habitat for spiders. This includes piles of leaves, grass clippings and even stacks of firewood near your home.
Insects in the House
Spiders are usually just one of many insects that may be trying to get inside your home. They often follow other insects like flies, moths and ants into the house where they can feed on them as prey. Reducing the number of bugs in and around your home is key to keeping spiders outside.
Aquatic Areas
Lastly, spiders can also enter your home from water sources like ponds, pools and other areas near the perimeter of your house. This is especially true for aquatic species of spiders that prefer to live by or in water. Keeping these areas free from leaf litter, algae and other debris will help keep spiders away from your home.
Bright Lights
Spiders are generally attracted to dark and undisturbed areas. Keeping bright lights on near entry points or around your home can help keep them away as they prefer the darkness.
Cramped Indoor Plants
Spiders may also enter homes by taking up residence in indoor plants. If the plants have small or cramped areas, they provide a great hiding spot for spiders and their eggs. Therefore it’s important to keep your indoor plants well-maintained with ample space between leaves so that spiders cannot hide within them. [2]
You Brought Them Inside Unknowingly
Spiders can also enter homes by latching onto items that you bring inside unknowingly. This includes items such as boxes, books, furniture and even something as small as a single piece of fabric.
Before bringing anything into your home from outside, always check to make sure there are no spiders or their eggs attached to the item first.
Controlled Climate
Ultimately, spiders enter homes because of the controlled climate that’s found indoors. Homes provide a perfect environment for them to thrive with warmth and food available all year round! [3]
How Do You Get Rid of Them?
If your home is infested with spiders, it can be quite alarming and downright gross. But fear not! There are a few simple steps you can take to rid your house of these eight-legged critters.
Start by eliminating the sources of food that attract spiders. Vacuum up any cobwebs and egg sacs regularly and make sure to dispose of them in an outdoor trash can. You should also keep counters, floors, and other surfaces free from crumbs or spilled food.
Next, seal up any cracks or crevices around windows, door frames, foundations and attic spaces where spiders could enter your home. Caulking or weather stripping can help close off those small gaps in your walls. You can also install screens or brushes on your door and window frames to keep spiders from entering.
Finally, there are many species of predatory spiders that feed on other kinds of pests. You might want to consider introducing these helpful predators into your home. Some webs may become more visible after this step but rest assured – these predators are nature’s pest control!
By following these steps, you should be able to get rid of any existing spiders in your home and keep future ones away.
However, if the infestation persists despite your best efforts, it’s best to contact a pest professional for further help. [4]
Preventing House Spiders In Your Home
If you’re trying to prevent spiders from making their home in your house, there are a few things that you can do. First and foremost, be sure to keep all windows and doors closed as much as possible. Spiders and other pests can easily enter through open doors and windows.
You should also regularly vacuum corners and crevices where spiders tend to hide, such as window sills, baseboards, and around furniture.
Vacuuming is an effective way of removing both spiders and webs without having to use pesticides or chemicals. You should also make sure to seal any cracks or gaps in walls, ceilings or floors with caulk or insulation which will help keep spiders out.
Additionally, keeping the outside of your home free of clutter is key. Spiders, and other pests, love to hide in piles of leaves, branches and yard debris, so make sure to keep the exterior of your home clear of any hiding spots. Additionally, be sure to remove old boxes or furniture from around the outside of your home as well.
Finally, if you do find spiders on the inside of your house, try using a natural spider repellent such as essential oils or citrus peels. These can often help deter spiders from invading a specific area without needing to use harsh chemicals.
By following these simple steps and taking proactive measures for prevention you can help stop spiders from making their homes in yours! [5]
FAQ
Why do I have so many spiders around my house?
There are a few possible explanations for why you may have an abundance of spiders in and around your house. Spiders can be attracted to the dark corners of our homes, as well as any insects they feed on. Additionally, spider webs act like a “signal” that alerts other spiders that there is food available nearby, so even if there is no prey present, this signal can still attract more spiders to the area.
Furthermore, some types of spiders are adapted to living indoors due to their passive nature and reduced need for food compared to their outdoor counterparts. Finally, many homeowners unknowingly introduce new spiders into their home when they bring in plants or furniture from outside since these items often contain eggs or adult spiders.
What to do if you keep seeing spiders in your house?
The best way to prevent an influx of spiders is to reduce the food sources they rely on, such as other insects. Ensure that your home is free of any potential food sources like crumbs and pet food, and use strategies like sealing off entryways or trapping insects to keep them away.
Additionally, reducing clutter can also help deter spiders from settling in since they prefer dark places with plenty of hiding spots. If you do find a spider in your home, try using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to suck it up so there’s no chance of it escaping. Finally, make sure that you regularly check for eggs and webs around the house since these are signs that more spiders may be nearby.
Is it OK to let spiders live in your house?
The answer to this question depends on the type of spider. Some spiders can be beneficial for controlling other insect populations, while others may be dangerous and carry venom that could harm humans or pets. If you’re not sure what kind of spider is living in your home, it’s best to identify it first before deciding if they should remain.
If it’s a harmless variety, then letting them stay might be a good option. However, if it’s an aggressive species or one known for carrying venom, then it would be wise to take steps to remove the spider from your home.
Do spiders mean your house is clean?
Contrary to popular belief, spiders do not mean that your house is particularly clean. In fact, many spiders actually feed on the same types of pests, such as flies and mosquitoes, which thrive in dirty environments. The presence of these insects are usually what attracts spiders in the first place.
Therefore, having a higher concentration of spiders does not necessarily indicate that your home is cleaner than another’s.
Useful Video: WHY ARE THERE SO MANY SPIDERS IN MY HOUSE
Conclusion
The presence of spiders in your house is a natural phenomenon that can be caused by a variety of factors. By eliminating the sources of food, water, and shelter, you can help reduce the population of spiders in your home. Additionally, using preventive pest control methods such as sealing cracks and crevices around windows and doors will help prevent spiders from entering your home. Ultimately, understanding why there are so many spiders in your house is essential for keeping them away. With knowledge about their habits and needs, homeowners can take the necessary steps to keep spiders out for good.
References
- https://www.orkincanada.ca/blog/should-i-be-concerned-about-spiders-in-my-house/
- https://www.terminix.com/spiders/how-do-spiders-get-in-the-house/
- https://www.wetandforget.com/blog/2018/07/20/spiders-get-inside-home-miss-muffets-revenge/
- https://smithspestmanagement.com/blog/post/how-to-get-rid-of-spiders/
- https://rac.com.au/home-life/info/rid-spiders-house
