As the weather cools during the fall and winter months, there’s a strong possibility that you want to spend more time curled up inside your home.
Unfortunately, you aren’t the only creature drawn to your cozy haven. When autumn arrives, it’s possible that you’ll find spiders crawling everywhere!
While finding a few spiders and spiderwebs here and there is normal, if you feel like you have spiders coming out of every corner of your home, you may have a problem on your hands.
That issue is magnified if you, like many of us, get the heebie-jeebies from these eight-legged pests.
Luckily, spiders aren’t dangerous (for the most part). They are unpleasant, though. If you’re wondering why there are so many spiders in your house, we have some answers – and some easy solutions for you to get rid of them.
Why Are There So Many Spiders In My House?
There are a few easy explanations as to why there are so many spiders roaming around your house, especially in the fall.
Most spiders are seasonal maters that hatch in the spring and die in the fall. While they usually lie low in the summer to avoid predation, they’ll start spinning webs and mating by the end of August.
Therefore, while it might seem like the spiders are suddenly appearing in your home as the weather warms, the truth is that they were probably there the whole time – they’re just starting to come out of the woodwork now in search of a mate.
There are a few other reasons why spiders come into your home.
Here are some of the most common:
Too Much Clutter and Mess
If you can devote a few hours a month to busting up the clutter in your home, you’ll likely notice fewer spiders.
Spiders love hiding in piles of clutter, be it in a disorganized mess of stored Christmas decorations, beneath a dusty bed, or in a stack of unread magazines.
Spiders also thrive in uncleanliness. Clean up the cobwebs and make sure you dust and vacuum regularly to beat these pesky arachnids.
Overgrown Vegetation
Tidiness doesn’t stop indoors. You need to keep things tidy outdoors, as well.
If you don’t cut the grass and trim back shrubs and hedges regularly (especially those that are close to the house), you’re going to have an increased likelihood of spiders coming indoors.
Areas of Disrepair
Like all pests, spiders are opportunistic. They will seize any opportunity they can to get inside your warm, inviting home.
Inspect your home regularly for small cracks, crevices, or gaps that could be inviting to a spider.
If you notice any holes or cracks, use caulk to fill them in; you may want to apply caulk around wires, faucets, electrical components, or cables that run outdoors.
The same rules apply for fixing torn or missing window screens – spiders can make their way inside through even the tiniest of holes.
Tips to Keep Spiders Out
Perhaps none of the situations above apply, and you’re still frustrated by the overabundance of spiders in your home. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to keep them out even if your home is already spic and span.
For one, consider keeping your outdoor lights off at night. Outdoor light does not attract spiders, but it does attract pests that spiders like to eat.
You can also vacuum up any spiders you see. Even if you’re good at keeping your house tidy, it’s not uncommon to notice a few cobwebs here and there, especially in the tall corners of your home.
Vacuum them up immediately, which will get rid of the webs, egg sac, and of course, the spiders themselves.
There are some natural folk remedies you might want to give a try, too, especially if you’re considering turning to chemical insecticides.
While these aren’t necessarily backed by science, lots of homeowners have had success in trying them. Some good options include diatomaceous earth and peppermint oil.
Diatomaceous earth is made out of naturally-formed fossils and is safe for both people and pets. The thinking is that when a spider crosses a layer of diatomaceous earth, its exterior becomes cut up and dries out, eventually dying.
Peppermint oil, along with other essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus, can also help repel spiders. The theory here is that spiders do not like the smell of these oils, and when they’re applied scrupulously to your home’s entry points, the spiders will steer clear.
Do I Need to Worry About Spiders In My House?
Unless you are deathly afraid of arachnids, you don’t have to worry too much about spiders making their way inside.
Although they’re scary to look at, a vast majority of all spider species are completely harmless. In fact, of the nearly 4,000 different species of spiders found in North America, just a handful are toxic to humans.
If you live in a warm environment where poisonous spiders are common, like the Brown Widow spider, then you’ll want to do your best to minimize the risk factors for inviting spiders into your home.
Otherwise, relax. Spiders not only are not harmless, but they can keep other pest issues under control.
After all, their favorite snacks are crickets, mosquitoes, and flies! Nine times out of ten, they’ll mind their own business and won’t do you any harm.
Consider Pest Control Solutions
If you do have a serious spider infestation – particularly one that is interfering with your daily business or your health and safety – you may need to take some steps to get rid of the problem for good.
When you contact a pest control professional, you will likely receive an initial consultation that lets you know where in your home these pests are entering. Exterminators may also be able to help you seal up the cracks and gaps in your home so that you can eliminate all potential entry points.
In some cases, you may need to invest in natural or synthetic pesticides to help get rid of the spiders in your home. As with any kind of pest removal solution, however, it’s best to consult with a professional first.
And remember, although they’re unpleasant to look at, the spiders in your home aren’t likely to harm you. In fact, you might even welcome their presence when you realize how few flies are now frequenting your home as a result!