Do you ever wonder why spiders seem to find their way into your home, no matter how hard you try to keep them out? It’s a common problem faced by many homeowners, but understanding what attracts spiders can help you prevent their unwelcome visits. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of spiders, exploring common types found in homes, key factors that attract them, and unintentional lures that you may not even realize are drawing them in. Get ready to uncover the secrets of these eight-legged creatures and learn how to keep your home spider-free.
Short Summary
- Common spiders found in households include jumping spiders, wolf spiders, black widows and brown recluses which are attracted by insect prey, shelter and breeding grounds.
- Prevention tactics such as sealing entry points with caulk/weatherstripping/door sweeps/mesh screens, regular cleaning, & using natural repellents can help keep them out of the home.
- Professional pest control services should be consulted when dealing with venomous spider species or recurring infestations.
Spider Invaders: Common Culprits
Spiders are a diverse group of creatures, with over 48,000 known species worldwide. In the average household, you may encounter common house spiders like jumping spiders and wolf spiders, as well as venomous species such as black widows and brown recluses. Some of these spiders may even fall prey to spider wasps, which are known for their hunting abilities.
Spiders in the house are attracted to homes for various reasons, including the presence of other insects, their primary food source, and the numerous hiding spots and breeding grounds your home provides.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are a common sight in households, but fear not – they pose no threat to humans. These small, curious spiders come in a variety of colors and patterns, usually with brown, gray, and black bodies. They are typically found in gardens and other outdoor spaces, such as beneath compost or leaf piles. Jumping spiders are characterized by their brownish hue and their penchant for hiding in holes and crevices in damp locations.
These little arachnids may look intimidating, but they are actually quite harmless and even beneficial, as they help control the population of other pests in your home. The presence of jumping spiders can be considered a sign of a healthy ecosystem, as they contribute to keeping the balance of the insect population in check. Did you know that jumping spiders can have a surprisingly long lifespan?
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are another common household visitor. They are larger and more intimidating than jumping spiders, but rest assured, they are generally harmless to humans as well. These spiders have a hairy texture, and their colors range from brown to gray, often featuring various markings or lines on their bodies. Females can grow up to 1-3/8” in size, and they have eight dark eyes arranged around their heads, with two larger eyes on top.
Unlike many other spiders, wolf spiders do not spin webs. They are active hunters that prefer to stalk their prey at night and hide during the day. Their speed and agility make them efficient predators, but they pose no significant threat to humans.
It’s essential to be aware of their presence and take measures to prevent them from entering your home.
Venomous Spider Species
While most spiders you’ll find in your home are harmless, there are a few venomous species that can pose a threat to humans. Black widows and brown recluses are two of the three venomous spider species commonly found in homes. Black widows are easily identifiable by the red hourglass-like pattern on the underside of their abdomen, while brown recluses have a dark brown violin-shaped pattern on their backs. Brown recluse spiders are typically found in dark, warm, and dry environments such as closets and basements.
Although bites from black widows and brown recluses can be incredibly painful and potentially dangerous, they rarely result in fatalities. If you suspect a spider bite or encounter any venomous spiders in your home, it’s important to contact a medical professional and take steps to remove the creatures from your home. These spiders such as a black widow, can be dangerous to pets, so it’s important you evict them from your home!
Key Factors Attracting Spiders To Your Home
Knowing what attracts spiders to your home is essential for preventing infestations and keeping your living space spider-free. The primary reasons spiders are attracted to homes include the presence of insect prey, shelter, and breeding grounds.
By understanding these factors and taking proactive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of spiders making themselves at home in your living spaces.
Insect Prey
Insects serve as the primary food source for spiders, so it’s no surprise that a home with an abundance of insects is a prime target for spiders. Spiders consume various insects such as:
- flies
- moths
- beetles
- ants
When insects are drawn to your home, spiders tend to naturally follow, seeking out their next meal.
To keep spiders at bay, it’s crucial to control the insect population in your home. Keep your living spaces clean, store food properly, and use screens on windows and doors to prevent insects from entering. By reducing the number of insects in your home, you’ll make it less appealing to spiders and other pests.
Shelter and Hiding Spots
Homes provide spiders with numerous hiding spots, making them an attractive option for shelter. Spiders like moist places, particularly basements, crawl spaces and bathrooms. Additionally, they may inhabit cluttered areas that contain insects.
To make your home less appealing to spiders, follow these steps:
- Keep it clean and well-organized.
- Eliminate clutter.
- Seal gaps and cracks.
- Utilize natural repellents such as essential oils to deter spiders from setting up camp in your living spaces.
Breeding Grounds
Homes can also provide ideal breeding grounds for spiders. They seek out dark, secluded, and stationary areas for reproduction, such as:
- attics
- garages
- basements (think of cellar spiders)
- sheds
- outdoor spaces
Cluttered and disorganized areas, as well as construction materials and woodpiles, can also serve as breeding grounds for spiders.
To prevent spiders from breeding in your home, seal any entry points, maintain cleanliness and orderliness, and utilize natural repellents. By making your home less conducive to spider breeding, you’ll reduce the likelihood of infestations and keep your living spaces spider-free.
Unintentional Spider Lures
Sometimes, factors that unintentionally attract spiders can be overlooked. By identifying these lures and addressing them, you can further reduce the chances of spiders invading your home.
Fruit Flies and Overripe Fruit
Overripe fruit can attract fruit flies, which in turn lure spiders to your home. Fruit flies are small, tan to black flies that measure about 3 to 4 mm in length and have red eyes. They are drawn to the sweet smell of overripe fruit, signaling a food source nearby.
To prevent fruit flies and, in turn, spiders, follow these steps.
- Store all fruit in the refrigerator and discard any overripe fruit promptly.
- Clean up any spills or messes quickly.
- Keep your kitchen and other areas of your home tidy.
Second-Hand Furniture
Old furniture, especially second-hand pieces, can harbor spider egg sacs, potentially bringing spiders into your home. Wicker furniture, in particular, provides hiding spots for spiders due to its interwoven fibers.
Before bringing second-hand furniture into your home, thoroughly inspect it for any signs of spiders or egg sacs. Regular cleaning and the use of natural spider repellents, such as mint, lavender, or citrus oil, can help keep spiders away from your furniture.
Bright Lights
Spiders are attracted to bright lights near windows and doors, as they can catch insects flying around them. The light itself may not be the primary attractant, but the presence of smaller bugs drawn to the light can lure spiders to the area.
To deter spiders from being attracted to bright lights, turn off lights when not in use, or opt for yellow or orange bulbs instead of white or blue bulbs. This simple change can help reduce the number of spiders attracted to your home.
Prevention Tactics: Keeping Spiders Out
Armed with the knowledge of what attracts spiders to your home, you can now take steps to prevent them from entering and making themselves comfortable. By sealing entry points, regularly cleaning, and using natural repellents, you can keep your home spider-free and eliminate the need for professional intervention. You should also try out using scents that spiders hate!
Sealing Entry Points
Spiders can enter your home through various openings, including:
- Doors
- Windows
- Air vents
- Small cracks
- Gaps
- Unfilled holes in the foundation
Sealing these entry points with caulk, weatherstripping, or other materials can help prevent spiders from entering.
In addition to sealing gaps and cracks, install door sweeps on exterior doors and use mesh screens on windows and vents to further block entry points for spiders. These measures can help keep your home spider-proof and reduce the likelihood of infestations.
Regular Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your home can help deter spiders. Here are some tips:
- Sweep down or vacuum up spider webs and egg sacs.
- Maintain a clean and clutter-free environment.
- Spiders are less likely to inhabit tidy spaces with fewer hiding places.
Implementing a consistent cleaning routine, such as weekly vacuuming, dusting, and decluttering, will not only keep your home looking and feeling fresh, but will also make it less inviting to spiders and other pests.
Natural Repellents
Natural repellents, such as essential oils or homemade spider sprays, can be an effective way to keep spiders at bay without the use of harsh chemicals. Some popular natural repellents include:
To use essential oils as a spider repellent, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz around doorways, windows, and other entry points. You can also create a homemade spider spray using a mixture of water, vinegar, and black pepper.
Regularly applying these natural repellents can help keep spiders out of your home. If you’re looking for a more traditional spider treatment, then check out bug bombs for spiders.
When to Call the Professionals
Despite your best efforts, there may be times when it’s necessary to call professional pest control services for spider issues. Knowing when to call in the experts can save you time, money, and frustration in dealing with spider infestations.
Calling in the professionals can help you identify the type of spider you’re dealing with.
Recurring Infestations
If you’re experiencing a spider infestation, despite your best efforts to prevent them, it may be time to call a professional for help. Signs of recurring infestations include:
- Increased sightings of spiders
- Webs that reappear shortly after removal
- Multiple spider bites
- A significant number of indoor house spiders
A professional pest control service can help determine the source of the infestation and provide the most effective solution to prevent future occurrences. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you find yourself dealing with persistent spider issues.
Venomous Spider Species
If you find venomous spiders in your home, such as black widows or brown recluses, it’s important to call a professional to safely remove them. While bites from these spiders are rarely fatal, they can be incredibly painful and potentially dangerous.
Attempting to remove venomous spiders yourself can be risky and lead to further complications. Instead, trust a professional to handle the situation and protect you and your family from potential harm.
Final Thoughts On What Attracts Spiders Into Your Home
In conclusion, understanding what attracts spiders to your home is essential for preventing infestations and maintaining a comfortable living environment. By addressing common culprits, such as insect prey, shelter, and breeding grounds, as well as unintentional lures like fruit flies, second-hand furniture, and bright lights, you can keep your home spider-free.
While it’s important to take preventive measures to deter spiders, don’t hesitate to call professional pest control services if you find yourself dealing with a recurring infestation or venomous spider species. Remember, knowledge is power – and with the right information and strategies, you can enjoy a spider-free home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop attracting spiders?
Clean and declutter your home, burn citronella candles or torches, spray peppermint essential oil around windowsills and doorways, use deterrents such as robots and UV light, add spider-repellent plants, and use diatomaceous earth to stop attracting spiders.
These are all great ways to keep spiders away from your home. Decluttering and cleaning your home is the first step. This will remove any potential hiding spots for spiders. Burning citronella candles or torch will help keep spiders away, as they don’t like the smell. Spraying peppermint essential oil around windowsills and doorways will also help reptiles.
What attracts spiders to your bed?
Spiders are drawn to hiding spots and clutter in your bedroom, as well as food scraps and crumbs around your bed. To avoid attracting them, keep your bedroom clean and tidy. Don’t eat in your room.
What are spiders scared of?
Spiders are afraid of larger animals and insects that could potentially harm or eat them, as well as people. They are small and thus particularly vulnerable to predation. Check out our guide on what eats spiders!
How do you protect yourself from spiders while sleeping?
Protect yourself from spiders while sleeping by using plug-in spider repellents, essential oils, diatomaceous earth powder, and door sweeps, avoiding eating in bed, and keeping your outside lights off.
Additionally, call in an exterminator if necessary.
What types of spiders are commonly found in homes?
Jumping spiders, wolf spiders, black widows, and brown recluses are commonly found in homes.
These spiders can be a nuisance, but they can also be beneficial to have around. They help to keep other insect populations in check, and they can even help reduce the number of diseases.
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