How to prevent spiders at home

Spiders can help control other pests, but that doesn’t mean you want them taking over your home. While most are harmless, poisonous species like black widows and brown recluses can be dangerous if they bite you. 

You can make your home less inviting for spiders. However, completely eliminating spiders without professional help can be difficult. Regular upkeep can help lower the chance of an infestation, but if spiders have already moved in, our spider control technicians can help with long-term removal.

Why do spiders enter homes and gardens?

Spiders don’t come inside just to bother you. They’re looking for food, shelter, and sometimes warmth. They follow their food source — other insects. If your home has a problem with flies, ants, or other small bugs, most spider species will move in to hunt them. 

Beyond food, spiders seek out basements, attics, storage rooms, and crawl spaces. These are ideal locations because they provide dark, quiet environments with little foot traffic. These spaces also allow spiders to build their webs and lay egg sacs without interference. Cluttered spaces, especially ones with stacked boxes, old furniture, or stored clothing, give these critters even more places to hide.

Gardens also provide the perfect habitat for spiders. Overgrown plants, dense shrubs, and woodpiles offer shelter from predators while attracting plenty of insects to feed on. Outdoor lighting can also be another attractive habitat for spiders because bright lights and lamps draw moths, beetles, and other insects, attracting spiders looking for an easy meal.

How to keep spiders out of your home

The best way to deal with spiders is to keep them from getting inside in the first place. Since they often slip through tiny openings, sealing potential entry points is key. Check for cracks around doors, windows, and the foundation of your home. 

Spiders can also get in through gaps around pipes, vents, and utility lines, so be sure to inspect those areas. Installing door sweeps and fine-mesh window screens adds an extra layer of protection. Once inside, spiders look for quiet, undisturbed places to settle. They thrive in cluttered basements, attics, and storage rooms where they can spin webs and remain hidden. 

To reduce hiding spots:

• Keep storage areas clean and organized. Use plastic bins with tight lids instead of cardboard boxes, which spiders can crawl into.
• Vacuum regularly, especially in corners, behind furniture, and along baseboards where webs tend to form.
• Reduce moisture, as damp areas attract the insects spiders prey on. Running a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces can help.

How to prevent spiders in your garden

Your yard is often the first place spiders settle before moving indoors. A well-maintained outdoor space can help reduce their numbers and make your property less inviting to them. 

Some tips include:

• Keep plants trimmed and remove debris. Overgrown bushes, tall grass, and unkempt shrubs create hiding places for spiders. Regularly trim plants and rake leaves. Clear away woodpiles, rocks, and stacked materials where spiders can take shelter.
• Avoid excessive outdoor lighting. Bright white lights attract insects, which, in turn, draw spiders looking for a meal. Try using yellow-tinted bulbs or motion-activated lights, which are less likely to attract bugs.
• Use natural deterrents. Certain plants, like lavender, mint, and eucalyptus, are known for their ability to repel spiders. Planting these around your garden, near entry points, or in patio spaces may help keep spiders at bay. Additionally, using mulch sparingly can prevent spiders from nesting close to your home.
• Keep garbage and compost sealed. Decomposing materials attract insects, which can serve as a food source for spiders. Covering trash cans and managing compost bins can help reduce the number of insects in your yard, making it less appealing to spiders.

How to get rid of spider webs and egg sacs

Spider webs and egg sacs can show up in corners, ceilings, basements, garages, and other quiet areas of your home. While it's tempting to just sweep them away, getting rid of them the right way makes a big difference.

Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove webs and egg sacs from walls, ceilings, and hard-to-reach spots. Be sure to empty the vacuum outside right away so nothing hatches indoors. You can also use a broom or duster, but take care not to knock the egg sacs into hidden spots where they might still hatch.

Keep in mind that removing webs and egg sacs doesn't stop spiders from coming back. It also doesn't deal with the spiders you can't see. Professional pest control is the most effective way to make sure spiders and their eggs are fully removed. 

At Western Exterminator, we treat the areas spiders love to hide. We can help eliminate egg sacs before they hatch, and use targeted solutions that help prevent webs from forming again. If you’re finding webs in your home, we’re here to help clear them out — and keep them out.

What to do if you have a spider infestation

Seeing a few spiders around your home is normal, but if you’re spotting them often, finding webs in corners, or discovering egg sacs around the home, it could be a sign of a bigger spider infestation. Once spiders settle in, they can be hard to remove without help. 

Our spider experts know how to identify the type of spider you're dealing with to help determine the most effective treatment. It’s important to determine the species of spider, especially if there’s a chance it could be venomous. We’ll inspect your home, find where they’re hiding, and locate eggs, which are often tucked away in places you might not notice.

We use targeted treatments to help remove spiders and prevent them from returning. We can also help seal cracks, gaps, or other potential entry points so these feared pests can’t get back in.

How to prevent venomous spiders like black widows and brown recluses

While most house spiders aren’t dangerous, some—like black widows and brown recluses—need extra caution. Black widows have shiny black bodies, and females typically have a red hourglass marking on their abdomen. Brown recluses are tan with a violin-shaped mark on their backs.

To lower your chances of running into them, keep spaces tidy, wear gloves when handling stored boxes, and seal up cracks and gaps around the home. 

If you think you’ve spotted one of these spiders, don’t try to handle it yourself. Bites from venomous spiders can be serious. At Western Exterminator, we know how to safely deal with all types of spiders, venomous or not.

 Contact us for spider control today.

Frequently asked questions