8 ways spiders can be brought into homes

Photo: CBCK-Christine/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Many people could be welcoming spider into their home without event knowing.

A recent list from Yahoo! has experts sharing what people could be doing wrong that cause spiders to come into their home.

1. Using too much outdoor lighting. People usually use exterior lighting to help get into their home after dark. This lighting can also be drawing in spiders who are looking for their next meal, especially if you turn your house into a bright beacon at night.

Jim Skinner, ACE

“Spiders are attracted to light, so outdoor fixtures can draw them in from the outside,” Jim Skinner, ACE, president of East Meadow, N.Y.-based A&C Pest Management, told Yahoo! “If you have exterior lights that attract many bugs, this is likely a contributing factor to higher spider populations in and around your home. Consider switching to yellow-tinted lights or using motion sensor lights that are activated only when necessary.”

2. Having cracks or crevices in your walls. Besides keeping your house warmer, experts say patching up hard-to-see holes will also keep spiders outside.

Ken Unger

“One of the less obvious ways you can be inviting spiders into your home is by having cracks or crevices in walls or windowsills. Spiders are able to crawl through these tiny gaps, which gives them easy access to your living space,” said Ken Unger, president of Suburban Pest Control, Yonkers, N.Y. “If you notice any cracks or crevices around entryways, it’s important that you seal them up to prevent spiders from entering your home.”

3. Keeping clutter around. Experts warn that having an unkempt home can make it more likely that spider will want to be around, particularly in out-of-the-way areas like basement or attics.

“Spiders love cluttered areas because they provide plenty of hiding spots and places to spin their webs,” Skinner said. “To reduce spider activity in your home, make sure to keep all floors, closets, and basements free from chaotic messes.”

Glen Ramsey, BCE

4. Having another pest problem. Spiders will stick around where they can get a good meal, which can be other pests.

“The presence of insects and other prey in homes is a common reason for spiders to come inside,” said Glen Ramsey, BCE, senior technical services manager for Orkin.

The best way to keep the bugs away usually involves taking care of your trash promptly—especially your food waste. If you notice the problem isn’t improving, you should consider calling a professional pest services company to help.

5. Having open windows and doors. If you leave windows and doors open, it can let spiders walk right in.

“While natural ventilation is great for homes, it also gives spiders an easy access point,” says Skinner. “Make sure to screen all windows and doors with tight-fitting grids or mesh screens to keep spiders from entering without even having to try.”

6. Bringing them in as stowaways. Insects can stow themselves in everyday objects and be brought into a home accidentally.

“Spiders are also unknowingly introduced to the home’s interior by bringing in infested items,” explains Ramsey. “This includes things such as plants, firewood, clothing, and other items stored in attics, basements, or other storage areas.”

If you’re concerned, Ramsey said it’s best to store your seasonal clothing items in sealed plastic containers or space bags and to shake them out someplace outdoors to ensure no arachnids are working their way in. You should also inspect any new houseplants for webs or other signs of spider activity.

Maria Richmond

7. Growing plants near your home. Keeping vegetation so close to your exterior walls can also be an open invitation for spiders.

“You should also remove any plants near the outside walls of your house,” Maria Richmond from Ransford Pest Control, said. “This includes vines and windowsill plant shelves because these are well known to attract spider webs.”

8. Leaving laundry lying around. Keeping your clothes strewn about can also make it more likely for spiders to stick around.

“Dirty clothes on the floor are a spider’s paradise, as they provide the perfect hiding spots,” said Skinner. “If you have piles of laundry in your home, be sure to store them neatly in closets or drawers so that spiders can’t take up residence.”

Do you agree with this list? Did they miss anything? Let us know in the comments or at pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.