Ask the Bug Doc: Why are there so many spiders in my house?

Why are there so many spiders in my house? Should I be concerned?   

Fall is a favorite season for most. The leaves start to turn beautiful colors and we begin to spend more time inside as the weather outside cools down. But there is another creature spending a lot of time in our homes as well all of a sudden. When the autumn hits, it seems like spiders are literally coming out of the woodwork. You notice more spiders and webs in the corners of your home and all around your yard.

A fear of spiders is natural, especially when the eight-legged creatures are hanging out in your personal space. Western Exterminator specialists are experts in dealing with spider issues and other pest control needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help with spider control.

Why do spiders seem to run more rampant around the fall?

Science has a lot to do with the answer. Many spiders have a seasonal timetable that specifically coincides with their mating season. Spiders hatch in the spring, reproduce and subsequently die in the fall. So while spiders typically lie low in the early summer (mostly in an effort to keep from being eaten), by August, the survivors are large enough to start spinning webs so that they can mate. So although it may seem like spiders have come into your home from the cold, it’s likely that they have actually been hiding out the whole time. They're emerging from their hiding places now in search of a mate.

Western Exterminator specialists are experts in dealing with spider issues and other pest control needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help with your spider or insect control issues.

Although spiders appear to be scary, it’s important to remember that most spiders are harmless. In fact, of the 3,700 species of spider found in North America, very few of those are actually toxic to humans.

Why are spiders coming into my home?

As mentioned earlier, most of the spiders you see around your house have probably been living there for a while. In fact, according to Seattle’s Burke Museum, only 5 percent of the spiders you see inside have stepped foot outside. There are many reasons your home may be inviting spiders inside. A few of them are as follows:

• Clutter: Spiders are expert hiders and more mess and objects left out means more hiding spots in which they can make their home and start a family. Stacks of books and magazines, stuffed closets, and underneath messy beds are all perfect hiding spots for spiders.
• Easy ways to gain entry: There is a good chance that the spiders are getting inside via gaps in your building’s structure. Even a small crack in a window or door is enough for a tiny spider seeking shelter to crawl through.
• Uncleanliness: Spaces that are dusty and dirty welcome bugs of all kinds and where there are bugs, there are hungry spiders.
• No preventative measures: Failing to maintain the perimeter of your home by cutting grass and trimming shrubs will increase the risk of spiders coming inside.
• Lack of pest control: Regular visits from a pest control specialist help to identify the spots in your home vulnerable to spiders. Pest specialists can also put preventative measures in place to stop spiders from returning to your home. Without pest control, you are increasing your risk of a spider problem.

Should I be concerned if I see big house spiders in my home?

Although big house spiders appear to be scary, it’s important to remember that most spiders are harmless. In fact, of the 3,700 spider species found in North America, very few of those are actually toxic to humans. In the Western United States, there are only a few that are seriously dangerous, including the Brown Widow spider. Most spiders actually are able to keep other pest issues under control since their diet consists of various insects including flies, mosquitoes and crickets. Spiders tend to mind their business and will only attack if threatened. However, it is possible to have a spider infestation and this matter should not be taken lightly. Do not try to take care of this problem yourself, call a pest control professional for assistance.

Western Exterminator spider control

If you’re seeing a lot of spiders, chances are there are some inconspicuous areas of your home where they are entering. Your Western Exterminator technician can identify the types of spiders in your home and identify the most likely points of entry. He or she can also recommend or even help seal these gaps and cracks to keep all types of pests from making themselves cozy in your home.

If you have questions about spiders or issues with spiders then visit our spiders page on the Western Exterminator site. We also provide pest control services for businesses. Also, if you have any problems with other pests, contact us and schedule an appointment with one of your local Western Exterminator specialists today!