It is no secret that virtually everybody dislikes spiders. Encountering even just one crawling about in the house can already cause much anxiety in many people. As such, if you have been noticing more and more of them pop up all over your residence, it only makes sense to be worried. This is because a widespread spider infestation not only causes much unease but, in most cases, also points to another pest problem that has slipped under your nose. Read on to learn what causes spiders to infiltrate your abode and how to deal with their increasing numbers.
Why spiders flock to your home
Colder weather is one of the key factors that drive pests to seek shelter and a constant food source indoors amid changing outdoor conditions. However, this does not directly influence spider infestations; rather, they simply follow where their food goes. As you may already know, spiders are pests that feed on insects instead of human food. Therefore, if you see more of these creepy crawlies hanging around your ceiling during rainy or cold seasons, odds are that they are doing some pest control of their own. Of course, that does not mean they are as effective as actual pest control services, but keeping a few of them around is generally recommended.
Contrary to what the general public thinks, most spiders are harmless to humans and do not even bite. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to stay on your toes and be familiar with the few venomous ones to avoid in your region so you can quickly get rid of them. Apart from following their prey and seeking refuge from the cold, spiders are also drawn to a worsening pest infestation that you may or may not be aware of. Last but not least, the mating season could also be the reason for an uptick in spider activity in your home. Spider behaviour changes drastically during this time, such as male spiders actively coming out of hiding to find a suitable mate.
How spiders manage to sneak in and where they tend to hide
Just like other pests, spiders crawl through any opening in the structure of your house in search of food and shelter. Examples include an open garage door, cracks and holes in the roof or foundation, and gaps in the vents, ductwork, and even the front door. In other words, every path into your home, no matter how small, serves as a way in for spiders as well as other pests for that matter.
Once they’re in, spiders like to stay hidden in places where they feel safe and are close to their food source, such as crawling in your bathroom. Some other spots where you can find them weaving their webs include:
- Corners of windows, walls, and ceilings
- Under furnishings
- Cluttered storage areas and closets
Tips to drive spiders away from your residence
Spiders tend to appear in places where their presence is problematic to family members, like the bedroom, bathroom, living room, and so on, and the webs they create can also be a nuisance. If you want to prevent more of their kind from showing up around the house, the first step you need to take is to implement pest-proof measures to cut off their food source. You can do this in conjunction with a more direct approach wherein you kill any spiders you see using insecticides to cut down their numbers. Some DIY pest control steps you can do today include:
- Seal cracks and holes around the house.
- Keep tree limbs, bushes, leaves, and so on away from the exterior walls of your home.
- Maintain a clean environment free of pest attractants like food crumbs.
- Take down cobwebs and nests.
- Clean out corners and hard-to-reach areas that could house spiders.
All in all, spiders tend to invade homes only when there is plenty of food for them inside. By keeping your home pest-free, you will rarely encounter these eight-legged critters hanging about your space. If you ever have trouble completely driving away such unwanted guests, it may be time to call on pest control.
Conclusion
A sudden influx of spiders in a home can often be attributed to a variety of factors, from colder weather to mating season. However, an abundance of prey is, first and foremost, the reason driving them to take refuge in your house. Understanding these reasons can help homeowners address the issue effectively, whether through preventative measures or by creating a less hospitable environment for spiders. By maintaining a clean and well-sealed home, individuals can reduce the likelihood of a spider invasion and ensure a more comfortable living space.
If you ever need a helping hand with your house spider problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at PestClinic today – our years of experience in dealing with common and uncommon household pests can help you with any pest issues.