Although spiders can be very beneficial in feeding on insects that are pests of people, plants, and pets, that doesn’t mean that we want to see them in and around our homes. Particularly if populations get high and we have to dodge webs to get across the porch or into the garage, or the house begins to look a bit haunted with dusty spiderwebs hanging in the corners.

Thankfully, there are a number of things you can to do keep spiders from being attracted to your home, the most successful of which is, simply, regular cleaning.


Spiders are attracted to insects, which are attracted to unsanitary areas, piles of clutter, crumbs, spills and other such areas. So keeping these from building up and attracting insects is the best way to prevent an invasion of spiders.

As with other pests, another key area of prevention is exclusion. That is, finding and mending any cracks, crevices and gaps in the structure your home. To easiest way to find these is to have two people, one inside the home and one outside. Wait until dark, then shine a flashlight around the edges of doors and windows, basement walls, and areas in which the home connects with the foundation. Each should take a turn – shining the flight from the inside out, then the outside in. If the other person is able to see light coming out/in, the area should be noted and the gap sealed. It can be helpful to draw a rough map/blueprint of the home, so any areas of light can be quickly and easily marked and later identified.

 

Spiders in the Home

Spiders, in particular, are attracted to dark, secluded places and generally avoid interaction with humans and human activity.

Some require moisture, so tend to take up residence in bathrooms, basements/crawl spaces, attics and other damp areas.

Following is some expert advice on spider reduction in the home from Raid and its parent company, SC Johnson, which, according to the company, has the largest private, urban entomology lab in North America.

 

Expert Tips and Advice on Spider Reduction

• Don't leave outside lights on for long periods as this will attract flying insects, which in turn attract spiders.
• Reduce lumber piles, bricks and other outdoor hiding places to a minimum, particularly close to the home.
• Never store firewood against the home or in the garage, as spiders and a variety of insects can live in the piles and make their way into your home. To dislodge any that have taken up residence in the outdoor wood pile, tap each against the ground or a hard object before bringing it into the home. Only bring in as much as will be used immediately, and then do so.
• Brush down spider webs when they occur. You can use an attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove webs and individual spiders from walls.
• Destroy visible spider egg sacs. If a vacuum is used, be sure to dispose of the bag or contents immediately outside and away from the home.

 

Because spiders are beneficial, and very few spiders are poisonous to humans, a humane approach also can be taken – relocating single spiders by simply trapping them into a cup or other container and releasing them outside.