As the weather cools and leaves begin to fall, you might notice more uninvited, eight-legged guests making their way into your home. It’s a common misconception that spiders seek shelter from the cold. In reality, they are following their food source—other insects—which are moving indoors to escape the dropping temperatures. Consequently, your warm home can quickly become a haven for spiders. Read on for more expert tips for spider control!
Why Spiders Come Indoors
Most spiders you find indoors have likely been living there all along, hidden in quiet, undisturbed corners. However, the autumn months mark the mating season for many common house spiders. This means males become more active, leaving their webs to search for females. As a result, you see them scurrying across floors, walls, and even countertops more frequently. They are not trying to invade your space intentionally; they are simply following their natural instincts. This increased activity is why it seems like a sudden spider invasion has occurred.
Simple Steps for Spider Control
Keeping spiders out of your home involves a few proactive measures. First, seal any potential entry points. Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and openings where utility lines enter. Use caulk to seal these gaps and install weather stripping on doors to create a tight seal.
Next, focus on making your home less attractive to spiders and the insects they eat. Keep your living spaces clean and clutter-free, as spiders love to hide in piles of boxes, clothes, and papers. Regularly dust and vacuum corners, under furniture, and in closets to remove webs and egg sacs. Outside, trim back vegetation from the side of your house and move woodpiles away from the foundation. Additionally, using yellow or sodium vapor lights for exterior lighting can attract fewer insects, thus reducing the available food for spiders.
When to Call a Professional
While these DIY tips can help reduce the number of spiders you see, a persistent or large-scale infestation requires professional help. If you continue to find numerous spiders, especially potentially harmful ones like black widows or brown recluses, it’s time to call in the experts.
At Allison Pest Control, we provide comprehensive spider management solutions. Our trained technicians can identify the species in your home, locate their entry points, and apply targeted treatments to eliminate huge infestations. Moreover, we can implement a long-term prevention plan to keep your home spider-free all year round. Don’t let spiders take over your space this winter.
