Ways Spiders Can Find Their Way Into Your Home

Although most spiders found in homes are not dangerous and can actually help control insect populations, few of us like the idea of sharing our home with eight-legged arachnids. Unfortunately, the only place on Earth without spiders is Antarctica, which isn’t on most people’s list of top places to live. By understanding the various ways in which spiders can enter your home, you may be able to stop them from invading your space and avoid a move to the South Pole.

Any opening, no matter how small, is a potential entry point for spiders. The first step to keeping spiders at bay is to seal up any gaps, cracks, or holes around windows, doors, pipes, and vents. Spiders can also gain entry into your home by “hitchhiking.” They can lurk inside boxes, plants, firewood, and other items that you bring into your home. When bringing in items from the outdoors or that have been stored in a garage, shed, or storage unit, be sure to inspect them carefully. It is also possible for spiders to catch a ride on a gust of wind. This happens when the spider spins a piece of silk but doesn’t attach it to anything, and a gust of wind catches the bit of web like a balloon and carries the spider into your home through an open door or window. You can prevent this from happening by making sure that all of your windows have screens that are secure and fit properly.

Keeping spiders out of your home is an ongoing process. The following are a few steps that you can take to make it a little more difficult for a spider to set up camp in your house:

• Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
• Replace any worn weather stripping around doors and windows.
• Use mesh screens to cover air vents.
• Using caulking to seal the openings where pipes, wires, and vents enter your home.
• Keep clutter to a minimum so that spiders do not have a good hiding place.
• Eliminate outdoor lighting near doors and windows since it can attract other insects that serve as food for spiders.

Most natural repellants made from essential oils, such as lemon, peppermint, and lavender, may smell nice, but they are generally ineffective. Even over-the-counter insecticides typically do not provide a long-term solution for a spider infestation. The best methods for controlling spider infestations are the treatments used by professional exterminators. Harbor Pest Control has been providing San Diego and the surrounding area with reliable pest control services for more than six decades. Our certified pest control experts can inspect your home and provide you with personalized treatment options to suit your needs.

Contact Harbor Pest Control today for more information about our spider control services or to schedule a free inspection.