Solved! Why Are There So Many Spiders in My House?

Finding spiders in your home can be an unsettling experience. Are you wondering, “Why are there so many spiders in my house?” If so, searching for the answer is the first step in preventing the situation from worsening. If you see more than just a few spiders in your home, you’re probably ready to take the steps needed to get rid of them. Solutions can be as easy as reducing household clutter, maintaining window screens, or keeping landscaping trimmed and tidy, but some cases might require a pest control professional. Read on for some possible reasons you’re seeing these unwelcome visitors.

Spiders Have Easy Access to the Inside of Your House

The best way to prevent spiders from getting inside is to make the home challenging to get into. Eliminating as many cracks, holes, and crevices as possible in doors, windows, siding, flooring, and the foundation will block them from getting inside. Also, take a look at where cables and wiring attach to the house. If there is an opportunity to get inside a home, spiders will take it.

Spiders are sneaky little things. They can slip through gaps you’d barely notice—like where your cable line sneaks through the wall or that tiny crack under the back door. I once found a spider scuttling in through a gap where the dryer vent wasn’t sealed properly. A quick fix with some caulk or weatherstripping can make a big difference. Check those overlooked spots, like where utility lines enter, and seal them up tight.

Window Screens Are Damaged, or There Are Cracks and Holes in the Walls

Damaged window screens are another entry point for spiders. Check the window and door screens in your home to see if any are torn or loose-fitting. Replace any damaged screens or fix holes or gaps with weatherstripping. Seal cracks or holes in the walls or foundation with caulk. Sealing up any potential entryways will make it much more difficult for spiders to get inside.

It’s worth taking a walk around your house with a flashlight. Look closely at window frames and door jambs. A small tear in a screen might not seem like much, but it’s a spider’s front door. If you’re not handy with repairs, even some duct tape can work in a pinch until you replace the screen. And don’t skip the foundation—those tiny cracks can be highways for creepy crawlies.

Uncleanliness Invites Spiders into Your Home

Spiders like to hide in dark, dusty, or dirty areas. Cleaning your home regularly, especially under furniture like chairs, couches, and beds, will deter spiders. Vacuum and dust in high and low corners where spiders weave their webs. Keeping the kitchen clean will reduce the number of other insects in your home that spiders eat. The cleaner the home, the less likely it is that you’ll see spiders.

Spiders love clutter—it’s like a five-star hotel for them. Piles of clothes, stacks of papers, or that corner of the basement you haven’t touched in years? Prime spider real estate. Regular vacuuming under furniture can break up their cozy hideouts. Also, wiping down kitchen counters daily keeps crumbs from attracting ants or flies, which are basically spider takeout. A clean home isn’t just nicer to live in; it’s less inviting for eight-legged guests.

The Grass Around the House Might Need to Be Trimmed and Maintained

Plants, flowers, trees, and grass near the side of a house should be kept trimmed. Any greenery or plants that touch the outside walls can encourage spiders to explore inside.

Overgrown shrubs brushing against your house are like a welcome mat for spiders. I learned this the hard way when I let my backyard bushes get out of control—suddenly, I was finding spiders in the nearby rooms. Keep plants at least a foot away from exterior walls. Regular lawn mowing and trimming back branches not only boosts curb appeal but also cuts down on spider traffic.

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There Is a Steady Food Supply in Your Home

Spiders eat insects. If there are insects inside a home, spiders will have a steady food supply. Keeping your home clean by sweeping up crumbs and wiping down the kitchen every time you use it is one way to make your home less inviting to insects. Inspect your home for water sources, places to hide such as piles of old magazines or cardboard boxes, or open containers of pet food. If you get rid of the spiders’ food supply, you can get rid of the spiders.

It’s a vicious cycle: insects attract spiders, and spiders stick around for the buffet. Check for standing water in sinks or leaky pipes, as these draw bugs like moths to a flame. I once found a stash of open dog food in the garage that was an ant magnet—and spiders were right behind. Store pet food in sealed containers and clear out old boxes or papers where bugs can hide. No food, no spiders.

The Climate Is Controlled Inside Your Home

Spiders like dark and comfortable spaces. If it’s cold outside, the chances are that spiders will make their way inside where they can be warm and cozy. They will also search for a way to cool off inside if the outside temperature is too hot. Some spiders prefer damp spaces and others prefer dry areas.

Your cozy home is a spider’s dream Airbnb. When winter hits or summer gets unbearable, they’ll sneak in for the perfect climate. Basements and bathrooms can be damp havens for some species, while attics might suit the dry-loving ones. A dehumidifier in damp areas can make your home less appealing. And don’t forget to check those dark corners behind bookshelves—spiders love a quiet, climate-controlled spot.

It’s Mating Season

Spider mating season starts in the late summer and early fall when many spiders will leave their web searching for a mate. Some of them may move inside, and once there, they’ll mate and nest in comfortable spots. But while you might see more spiders in your house around this time, Rod Crawford, curator of arachnids at the University of Washington’s Burke Museum, says that “spiders actually prefer the milder, damper weather of late fall and early winter.”

Mating season can turn your home into a spider singles bar. Around late summer, you might notice more of them scurrying around, looking for love. They’re not just passing through—they might stick around to nest. Keeping an eye out during this season and sealing entry points early can stop them before they settle in. Crawford’s point about late fall is a reminder: don’t let your guard down when the weather cools.

You Brought Them Inside Without Knowing

Spiders are good at hiding, and it’s common for them to hitch a ride on firewood, camping equipment, vegetables, patio furniture, toys, or pets. Before bringing anything inside the home, check for spiders or other pests.

I once dragged in a stack of firewood and found a spider the size of a quarter camped out on a log. Lesson learned: always inspect anything coming indoors. Shake out camping gear, check veggies from the garden, and give patio cushions a good once-over. Even your dog might carry in an unwanted guest after a romp outside. A quick check can save you from an eight-legged surprise.

You’re Not Keeping Up with Pest Control

Taking simple preventative measures will help with pest control. Keeping trees, plants, and grass trimmed, sealing cracks and holes, keeping the house clean, and inspecting items you bring into your home will go a long way. A pest control professional can also suggest the best methods for preventing spiders in your house or getting rid of an infestation.

Consistency is key with pest control. It’s not just about reacting when you see a spider—it’s about staying proactive. Set a schedule to check screens, seal gaps, and tidy up clutter. If things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to call a pro. They can spot things you might miss, like a hidden nest or an entry point you didn’t notice. A little effort now can keep your home spider-free for the long haul.

Additional Tips for Spider Prevention

Beyond the basics, consider using natural deterrents like peppermint oil—spiders hate the smell. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and mist around windows and doors. Outdoor lighting can also attract insects, which in turn draw spiders. Switching to yellow or sodium-vapor lights can reduce bug traffic near your home. And if you’re storing items like holiday decorations or old clothes, use airtight plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes—spiders can’t squeeze into those as easily.

Finding spiders in your home can be an unsettling experience. Are you wondering, “Why are there so many spiders in my house?” If so, searching for the answer is the first step in preventing the situation from worsening. If you see more than just a few spiders in your home, you’re probably ready to take the steps needed to get rid of them. Solutions can be as easy as reducing household clutter, maintaining window screens, or keeping landscaping trimmed and tidy, but some cases might require a pest control professional.