Spider Control

Spider Control 101: The Best Methods to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home

Spiders are one of the most common household pests, and while most species are harmless, their presence can be unsettling. Whether you’re dealing with an occasional spider sighting or a full-blown infestation, it’s essential to understand what attracts spiders, how to prevent them, and the best ways to eliminate them from your home.

Some homeowners prefer DIY spider control methods, while others choose to hire professional pest control services for a more permanent solution. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about spider control, from why spiders enter your home to the most effective removal and prevention strategies.

Why Do Spiders Enter Your Home?

Before jumping into removal strategies, it’s important to understand what attracts spiders to your home in the first place. Spiders aren’t like ants or cockroaches that come in searching for human food. Instead, they are predators looking for places where they can find their next meal.

Common Reasons Spiders Invade Homes

  • Abundant food supply – If your home has an insect problem (flies, moths, mosquitoes, etc.), spiders will follow. They go where their food is.
  • Dark, undisturbed spaces – Spiders prefer areas where they won’t be disturbed, such as basements, attics, storage rooms, and behind furniture.
  • Warmth and shelter – As temperatures drop in colder months, spiders look for warm and dry places to survive.
  • Access points – Cracks in walls, gaps in windows, and poorly sealed doors make it easy for spiders to enter your home.

By eliminating these factors that attract spiders, you’re already taking the first step toward spider prevention.

House Spiders

DIY Spider Control: How to Get Rid of Spiders Naturally

If you prefer natural and non-toxic methods to remove spiders from your home, there are several approaches you can take before calling a professional.

Remove Spider Webs Regularly

One of the simplest ways to discourage spiders from settling in your home is to remove their webs frequently. Use a vacuum, broom, or duster to knock down webs in corners, ceilings, and behind furniture.

Declutter and Clean Often

Spiders love dark, cluttered spaces where they can hide undisturbed. To reduce their hiding spots:

  • Clear out storage areas in garages, attics, and basements.
  • Vacuum behind furniture, under beds, and in closets regularly.
  • Reduce clutter where spiders can spin webs and lay eggs.

Use Essential Oils

Certain scents repel spiders naturally, making them a great alternative to chemical sprays. Try:

  • Peppermint oil – Mix a few drops with water and spray around entry points.
  • Lavender oil – Spiders dislike the smell of lavender, making it an excellent deterrent.
  • Citrus oils (lemon or orange) – These are known to keep spiders away.

Seal Entry Points

If spiders are finding their way inside, it’s time to block their access. Inspect your home for:

  • Cracks in walls or baseboards and seal them with caulk.
  • Gaps in doors and windows and use weather stripping to close them.
  • Broken window screens that may allow spiders to enter.

Reduce Outdoor Lights at Night

Spiders aren’t directly attracted to light, but their prey (flies, moths, and other insects) are. Reduce outdoor lighting or switch to yellow-toned bulbs, which are less attractive to insects.

Use Natural Spider Repellents

  • Diatomaceous earth – Sprinkle this natural powder around entry points and baseboards to kill spiders and other crawling pests.
  • Vinegar spray – A mix of white vinegar and water can be used to spray areas where spiders hide.

While these DIY spider control methods can help reduce the number of spiders in your home, they may not be enough to eliminate severe infestations. In such cases, professional intervention is the best solution.

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When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service for Spiders

If your spider problem persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to hire a professional pest control service. A professional exterminator can identify the type of spider infestation, determine its cause, and apply effective treatments that last longer than DIY methods.

Signs You Need Professional Spider Control

  • You frequently find multiple spiders inside your home.
  • You notice spider egg sacs, which can hatch dozens of new spiders.
  • You have venomous spiders, such as black widows or brown recluses, which pose a safety risk.
  • DIY methods haven’t worked, and spiders keep coming back.

What Do Professional Exterminators Do for Spider Control?

Professional pest control companies offer specialized treatments to remove spiders and prevent them from returning. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Thorough inspection – Pest control experts will identify the species of spiders, their entry points, and infestation areas.
  • Customized treatment plans – They will use safe and targeted insecticides designed specifically for spiders.
  • Web removal and prevention – Professionals will remove existing webs and apply treatments that discourage new web formation.
  • Pest control for other insects – Since spiders follow their prey, exterminators will often include treatment to eliminate other insects that attract spiders.
  • Barrier protection – Experts will apply long-lasting treatments around your home to prevent future spider infestations.

Professional spider control is especially useful for homes with recurring infestations or businesses where customer impressions matter.

How to Prevent Future Spider Infestations

Once you’ve gotten rid of spiders, taking preventive measures will ensure they don’t return.

Maintain a Clean Home

Regular cleaning and decluttering reduce spider hiding spots and make your home less appealing to them.

Keep Outdoor Areas Clear

Spiders often start outside before making their way in. Keep outdoor areas well-maintained by:

  • Trimming bushes and trees away from your home.
  • Removing woodpiles or debris near entry points.
  • Keeping outdoor lights off or using motion-activated lighting.

Use Perimeter Pest Control

Applying residual insecticides around the outside of your home can act as a barrier to keep spiders out. Many pest control services offer quarterly treatments to prevent infestations year-round.

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Are Some Spiders Actually Beneficial?

While no one wants spiders inside their home, it’s worth noting that many spider species help control other insect populations. Spiders feed on mosquitoes, flies, and roaches, which can reduce the number of pests around your home.

That said, if spiders become a nuisance or their numbers grow uncontrollably, taking action to remove them is the best solution.

Spiders are a common household pest, but they don’t have to take over your home. Whether you choose DIY spider control methods or hire a professional pest control service, understanding why spiders enter your home and how to keep them out is key to long-term success.

For occasional spiders, simple prevention methods like sealing entry points, decluttering, and using natural repellents can keep them at bay. But if you’re dealing with a severe infestation or venomous species, hiring a professional pest control service is the fastest and most effective solution. By taking proactive steps to keep your home spider-free, you can enjoy a clean, comfortable living space without unwanted eight-legged guests.

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