How Spiders Get in the House and What You Can Do About It
Spiders can enter homes through surprisingly small gaps around doors, windows, foundations, vents, and utility openings. Once inside, they may remain where they can find insects, moisture, and quiet places to hide.
Understanding how spiders get in the house can help you identify likely entry points, reduce the conditions that attract them, and prevent repeated indoor activity.
Common Entry Points for Spiders
Spiders can enter through small cracks and gaps around the exterior of a home. Regular inspections can help identify these openings before they become common pathways indoors.
Doors and Windows
Gaps around doors and windows are common entry points.
Inspect:
- Weatherstripping
- Door sweeps
- Window frames
- Screens
- Gaps around trim
- Openings near exterior light fixtures
Replace damaged screens and weatherstripping, and seal accessible cracks with an appropriate material.
Plumbing Lines and Utility Openings
Small spaces often remain where plumbing, electrical lines, cables, and other utilities enter the home.
Check around:
- Pipes beneath sinks
- Exterior hose connections
- Utility lines
- Cable openings
- Dryer vents
- Bathroom vents
Sealing gaps around these areas can reduce access for spiders and other pests.
Foundation and Wall Cracks
Cracks in foundations, siding, and exterior walls can also provide entry points.
Basements and crawl spaces may be particularly vulnerable because they often contain both structural gaps and the moisture or insect activity that attracts spiders.
Inspect these areas periodically and repair openings when possible.
What Attracts Spiders Indoors?
Spiders generally remain where they can find prey, shelter, and favorable environmental conditions.
Other Insects
Spiders feed on insects and other small arthropods, including:
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
- Moths
- Cockroaches
- Ants
- Other spiders
Frequent spider activity may indicate that other insects are also present in the home.
Reducing those food sources can make indoor spaces less attractive to spiders.
Moisture
Some spider species are more likely to appear in damp areas.
Common locations include:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Areas beneath sinks
- Utility spaces
Repairing leaks and reducing excess humidity can help limit both spider activity and the insects they prey on.
Clutter and Shelter
Boxes, stored belongings, furniture, and other undisturbed materials provide sheltered places where spiders can hide.
Keeping storage areas organized and reducing unnecessary clutter makes these spaces easier to inspect and less appealing to spiders.
Why You May See More Spiders at Certain Times
Spider activity can become more noticeable during certain times of year as spiders mature, search for mates, or respond to changes in outdoor conditions.
Temperature changes, heavy rain, dry weather, and increased insect activity may also cause spiders to move into or become more noticeable around homes.
A seasonal increase in sightings does not necessarily mean there is a large infestation, but repeated indoor activity is worth investigating.
Where Spiders Hide Once Inside
Spiders generally prefer areas that remain quiet and undisturbed.
Common hiding places include:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Attics
- Closets
- Garages
- Storage rooms
- Behind furniture
- Behind appliances
- Beneath cabinets
- Around window and door frames
Web-building spiders may settle where flying insects are common, while hunting spiders may move through the home instead of remaining in one web.
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home
Preventing spiders involves reducing access, shelter, and available prey.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect the home for gaps around:
- Doors
- Windows
- Foundations
- Plumbing lines
- Utility openings
- Vents
- Siding
- Crawl-space entrances
Use caulk, weatherstripping, door sweeps, screening, or other appropriate materials to close accessible openings.
Reduce Clutter
Keep closets, garages, basements, attics, and storage areas organized.
Consider replacing damaged cardboard boxes with sealed plastic containers when practical. Avoid allowing unused belongings to remain undisturbed for long periods.
Remove Webs
Vacuum or remove webs when they appear, especially around ceilings, corners, windows, doorways, and storage areas.
Regular web removal can also make it easier to notice when new spider activity appears.
Reduce Other Insects
Because insects are a primary food source for spiders, controlling other pests can help reduce spider activity.
Helpful steps include:
- Keeping food covered
- Cleaning spills and crumbs
- Keeping trash containers closed
- Repairing window screens
- Reducing standing water
- Adjusting outdoor lighting if it attracts large numbers of insects
Maintain the Exterior
Outdoor conditions can also influence spider activity around a home.
Keep vegetation trimmed away from exterior walls, remove unnecessary debris, and avoid storing firewood or
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common entry points for spiders in a house?
Spiders usually sneak in through gaps around doors and windows, along with plumbing lines, air vents, and unfilled holes. Sealing these potential openings is key to keeping them out.
What attracts spiders to come inside homes?
Spiders come inside homes primarily for food, like other spiders, common house spiders, jumping spiders, cellar spider prey, as well as moisture and shelter. By keeping your home dry and free of pests like mosquitoes and other insects, you can help deter them.
Where are common hiding spots for spiders inside the house?
Spiders love to lurk in basements, crawl spaces, attics, storage areas, behind furniture, appliances, and other debris. So, if you want to find spiders, those are the quiet places to check!
How can I prevent spiders from entering my home?
To keep spiders out, seal up any gaps and cracks in your home, declutter your space, and stick to a regular cleaning schedule. Taking these steps can make a real difference in keeping those unwanted eight-legged guests at bay!
When should I consider professional pest control for spiders?
If your attempts to manage spider infestations aren’t working, it’s a good idea to call in a professional pest control service for effective solutions and ongoing protection. Don’t hesitate to seek help when those crawly critters just won’t go away!
