Dealing With a Spider Infestation? Here’s What You Should Know

Finding one spider in your home might not seem like a big deal, but if you start seeing more of them, it could mean that there is an infestation. Spiders like to stay hidden, and they often build their webs in quiet, dark places where you don’t usually look. These places might include closets, under furniture, storage rooms, and corners of the ceiling. 

The sooner you notice the warning signs, the easier it will be to get rid of them before they spread. Learn how to spot the signs and what to do next so you can keep your home safe and comfortable for your family. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know.

Why Spiders Choose Your Home?

Spiders enter homes for two main reasons: food and shelter. They hunt for insects, such as flies, ants, and moths. If you have other bugs in your home, spiders will come looking for those insects.

In a way, spiders are natural pest controllers. However, if you have too many of them, it becomes a problem that you cannot ignore. Cracks in walls, gaps under doors, or open windows give spiders easy ways to get inside.

They can also crawl in through vents, chimneys, and other small openings that may go unnoticed. Once they find a place that feels safe and warm, they may start to stay and lay eggs. Those eggs can hatch and release dozens or even hundreds of baby spiders, depending on the species.

Clutter provides many hiding places for spiders. They often reside in basements, attics, garages, and behind stored boxes. A home with many items piled up gives them perfect hiding spots where they will not be disturbed. 

They prefer quiet areas where they can spin their webs and wait for food to come to them. If you leave piles of clothes, paper, or other items in one spot for too long, it can create the perfect space for spiders to settle in.

Types of Spiders You Might Find Indoors

Most of the spiders you’ll find in your home are not harmful. House spiders are common and tend to stay in corners or closets. These spiders build webs to catch small insects and are usually more afraid of you than you are of them.

They rarely bite, and if they do, their bites are usually harmless. However, some spiders can be dangerous, such as the black widow or brown recluse. These spiders are not aggressive; however, their bites can be painful and serious for certain individuals.

A black widow is usually shiny and black with a red hourglass shape on its belly. The brown recluse is small, brown, and has a violin-shaped mark on its back. Their bites can cause swelling, redness, and in rare cases, more severe health issues.

Observing different types of spiders in your home might indicate that they are finding suitable places to nest and feed. If you are unsure whether a spider is dangerous or not, it’s better to avoid handling it. Learning to tell the difference between harmless and dangerous spiders can help you know when it’s time to call a professional.

How to Stop a Spider Infestation?

Keeping your home clean and free from bugs is the best way to prevent spiders from moving in. If there are no other insects for them to eat, they are more likely to leave. You can start by vacuuming the floors, corners, and webs regularly.

Make sure to also remove clutter, seal cracks, and clean under furniture, as these hidden areas often attract insects and give spiders a place to hide. It also helps to remove clutter from the floors and around the walls. Spiders like to hide, so removing their hiding places takes away their comfort zone.

Wash windowsills, wipe down baseboards, and clean up food crumbs that might attract insects. The fewer bugs you have, the less food there is for spiders. Also, be sure to take out the trash regularly and store food in sealed containers.

Sealing small cracks, repairing window screens, and using weather stripping can help prevent new spiders from entering. Check doors, windows, vents, and anywhere else that might lead outside. Even tiny holes can be enough for a spider to crawl through.

If you keep seeing spiders even after cleaning, it may be time for pest removal. Spiders are good at hiding, so a trained expert can help find where they’re coming from and how to stop them. Professionals can also help identify whether you are dealing with a common house spider or a more dangerous kind.

What Happens If You Don’t Act?

If you ignore a spider infestation, the problem can grow without you even knowing it. Some spiders lay egg sacs that can release many young spiders at once. Over time, the number of spiders in your home can grow quickly.

A few spiders may turn into dozens, and then into hundreds. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to control the problem. Webs can begin to cover windows, ceilings, and corners. Spider droppings and shed skin can also create messes in the house.

Some people may even develop allergic reactions or skin irritation from spider bites or from touching webs and egg sacs. In rare cases, if a dangerous spider bites someone, it could lead to serious health concerns. Even though this is not common, it’s a risk that can be avoided if the infestation is dealt with early.

Don’t Let Spiders Take Over

Spider infestations can develop silently and rapidly. You may not become aware of the full extent of the problem until it feels overwhelming. It often starts with just a few sightings, and then suddenly you notice webs in every room.

Some people may even feel afraid or anxious living in a home that has too many spiders. If spiders keep returning, don’t wait. Seek help and regain control of your home today.

You don’t have to deal with it alone. There are experts who know how to handle spider problems safely and effectively. Expand your knowledge and check out more posts on our blog to learn more.