Spiders are a common household pest, especially in dark corners, basements, storage areas, and undisturbed places where they can build webs and search for food. While most spiders are harmless and even helpful (they eat other bugs like mosquitoes and flies), some species like black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders can be dangerous in rare cases, and definitely not something you want sharing your space.
So, how do you get rid of spiders and keep them from coming back? Let's break down what attracts spiders, how to control spiders, and when it's time to call a professional pest control company.
Why Do Spiders Come Into Your House?
Like many other pests, spiders are drawn to homes for a few simple reasons:
Shelter: As temperatures drop, many spiders look for safe, warm places to hide and build webs.
Food: Spiders don't raid your pantry, but they eat other insects like ants, flies, and mosquitoes. If you've got a bug problem, you might also have a spider problem.
Clutter & Hiding Spots: Spiders love storage areas, basements, attics, and places where there's not much foot traffic, especially near cardboard, clothes piles, or unused boxes.
Which Spiders Should You Watch Out For?
While the common house spider is usually harmless, certain species should raise red flags:
Black Widow Spiders: Recognizable by their shiny black body and red hourglass markings. In rare cases, their bite can require medical attention.
Brown Recluse: These dark brown spiders are reclusive (as the name implies) and prefer undisturbed areas. Their bites can also be dangerous if left untreated.
Remember, only the black widow and brown recluse in the U.S. are considered medically significant, but spider bites of any kind can still be unsettling.
How to Prevent and Deter Spiders
Prevention is the best strategy when it comes to controlling spiders. Here's what you can do today to deter spiders and make your home less inviting to these arachnids:
1. Seal Entry Points
Use door sweeps and fix window screens.
Seal up gaps around windows, doors, and cracks in your home's foundation.
2. Remove Clutter
Organize storage spaces and keep items in airtight containers.
Clean out leaf litter, wood piles, and debris around your home's perimeter.
3. Control Other Insects
Since spiders eat other bugs, reducing your overall insect population helps reduce spider activity.
Fix leaky faucets to remove moisture that attracts bugs.
4. Limit Outdoor Lighting
Lights attract other insects, which in turn attract spiders. Try using sodium vapor light bulbs, which are less attractive to bugs.
5. Use Natural Deterrents
Essential oils like tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil have been known to repel spiders without using harsh chemicals.
What About Sprays and Bug Bombs?
While over-the-counter sprays and bug bombs might kill spiders on contact, they're often not effective at addressing the root cause, especially when dealing with egg sacs or deeply hidden nests.
Instead, we recommend using:
Glue traps placed in corners, behind furniture, and near food sources (not for spiders, but for other bugs they hunt).
A good vacuum cleaner to remove webs, egg sacs, and the occasional wandering spider.
When to Call the Pros
If you're seeing many spiders, encountering brown recluse or black widows, or feel like you're constantly cleaning webs that reappear days later, it's time to bring in pest control professionals.
At RIDD, we know how to eliminate spiders safely and effectively. Our team not only targets active spiders but also inspects your home for other insects and entry points that keep drawing them in.
We don't just treat; we help you prevent future infestations so you can enjoy a home bug-free, year-round.
Ready to Take Back Your Home?
Whether you've got brown recluse spiders hiding in boxes or black widows around the garage, we've got the tools and expertise to help. Don't let spiders or other pests make you feel uncomfortable in your own home.
Book your pest control service with RIDD today and say goodbye to creepy corners for good.
