Spiders come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In fact, inside of the United States, you will find around 3000 different species.
Here in Pennsylvania, one of the more common spider species is the Wolf spider, which rather than spinning webs hunts and attacks its prey with its superior agility and speed.
Another species you may find in your house, unsurprisingly, is the common house spider. Though they are not necessarily dangerous, if provoked the house spider could leave behind an itchy raised bite mark.
The thing with spiders, however, is they are there for a reason. Until you figure out that reason, it’s fair to say they are going to be pretty hard to get rid of, and will keep coming back, time after time. Let’s take a look at the different things that draw spiders into your homes.
What Attracts Spiders in the House
- Weather conditions – When it gets too warm, cool or wet, spiders will seek shelter for protection from these elements.
- Searching for food – If there is a food source that they can exploit in your home, they will do so, this is often in the form of other pests.
- Inside conditions – With a preference for dark and secluded areas, you may find that places in your home like the basement, crawl spaces, attics, and garages, offer ideal living conditions.
- Easy access – Spiders will seek out sheltered places like wood piles or leaves, sheds, and garages, and from there find ways into your home.
- Damaged areas – Spiders can often find it easy to get into your home through cracks, crevices, holes, open doors and windows, etc. Some spiders like wolf spiders use existing holes created by other pests, giving them access to more unnoticed places like foundations and crawl spaces
- Access to water – Certain species of spiders are attracted to damp environments in the house like basements, bathrooms, or areas with standing water. Excess moisture from overwatered plants or leaking pipes can invite spiders by providing necessary hydration and attracting other insects, which serve as a food source for them.
Keeping spiders out of your home can be difficult, with their ability to hide away in the smallest of places. If you aren’t exactly sure what you are looking for, finding one in the first place can take up more time than it’s worth. Spiders are not known to go out of their way to enter your home, though if they find an easy way in, they will probably use it. Here are some tips to help keep your home spider free.
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your House
- Keep bushes, trees and shrubs cut back away from your home
- When regularly cleaning, always remember to sweep all corners of your home including ceilings
- Make sure to patch up any holes in foundations
- Seal and caulk gaps around doors and windows
- Install screens into windows and doors if they will be open, otherwise, try and keep them closed
Though spiders are often seen as beneficial more than being problematic, due to their removal of other insects from your home, they can be less than pleasing aesthetically and can offer quite a fright when you are least expecting it.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Spiders
- One prevalent myth suggests that bright lights attract spiders. In reality, spiders don’t have strong vision and aren’t drawn to light; however, the insects they prey upon often are, which may explain this misconception.
- Another common belief is that certain colors or smells attract spiders. Research to date provides no substantial evidence to support this.
Professional Spider Removal and Prevention
Here at Moyer Pest Control, we understand the importance of keeping a clean home, which is why we offer year-round pest control services and programs that reassure your home is never infested with pests. With our Home Guard protection options, not only will we take care of your spiders, but we will take care of a host of other pests too. Our Home Guard options also include the following:
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Multiple yearly visits
- Cost-effective treatments
- Both interior and exterior services
- Service visits between scheduled visits in case pest problems arise
If you think your spider problem is out of hand, call us today and ask us about our residential pest control options. If you have questions, a professional here at Moyer Pest Control is always happy to help!