Spiders have a habit of making themselves comfortable in your home. While the occasional spider isn’t a problem, you don’t want a bunch of spiders moving in. Knowing why these creepy crawlies are likely to visit your house will help you prevent an infestation. Check out five things that can attract spiders to your home.
1. Pests & Other Spiders
Spiders often enter homes looking for something to eat. These arachnids feed on insects like flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ants. If these pests are hanging out in your house, then there’s a good chance spiders will want to stop by. To keep spiders away, you’ll want to make your home unwelcoming to other bugs. If there’s a spider hiding in your house, then other spiders may also arrive. You’re likely to notice an increase in spider activity in fall during their mating season.
2. Shelter
Changes in weather can cause spiders to seek shelter in your home. Your house can serve as an escape from hot or cold temperatures as well as rainy conditions. Once spiders make their way inside, they won’t be quick to leave if they can find a good hiding spot. They are drawn to dark and secluded areas. You’re likely to spot them in basements, attics, closets, bathrooms, garages, and in corners of rooms. Spiders will also use clutter to their advantage and hide under piles of clothes, papers, and other misplaced items.
3. Moisture
Spiders are attracted to damp environments, which is why they gravitate to basements and bathrooms. Excess moisture in your home is attractive to spiders. You’ll want to be on the lookout for leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and appliance leaks. Clogged drains that cause standing water in sinks and tubs can also attract spiders to your house. Keeping your home as dry as possible will help to keep spiders away.
4. Light
Spiders prefer dark environments, so light on its own won’t attract these creepy crawlies. However, other bugs that they like to eat are attracted to lights. If your exterior lights are luring potential prey to your house, then spiders will take notice and follow them to your home. Warm-hued lights are less attractive than white lights, so consider changing your light bulbs to avoid attracting pests.
5. Easy Access Points
Even if your home has everything a spider is looking for, they’ll only be a problem if they can find a way inside. Cracks in your home’s foundation or on the exterior of your house can provide spiders with an easy entry point. When doors and windows without screens are left open, they can easily slip inside. Damaged screens can allow spiders to enter your home too. Spiders can also sneak inside on items that you carry indoors including firewood and plants.
Having spiders take over your space isn’t an ideal situation. If you can identify why they’re in your home, you can take steps to kick them out. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.