Finding a spider in your home is common, and most species are more interested in catching bugs than bothering you. Still, if you're finding webs in every corner or the same eight-legged visitor keeps reappearing, you're probably wondering how to get rid of spiders for good. This guide covers the spiders you're most likely to spot indoors, how to get rid of spiders yourself, and when it's time to call in the experts.
Not all spider sightings require professional pest control. If you’re seeing spiders repeatedly, or you think you’re dealing with a venomous species or infestation, you should seek professional spider control. If, however, you are looking for ways to prevent spiders or remove things that might be attracting them, there are a few spider control methods worth trying first. None of these will fully solve a bigger infestation, but they'll make your home a lot less appealing to these eight-legged pests.
Vacuuming regularly, especially in corners, behind furniture, and under sinks, clears out webs, egg sacs, and spiders themselves. Decluttering storage areas like garages and closets also reduces hiding spots. It's one of the simplest ways to start ridding your house of spiders, though it won't stop new ones from wandering back in.
Some homeowners use essential oil sprays, like peppermint or citrus, as a natural deterrent. These can make certain areas less inviting for a while, but they don't reach nests or deal with an existing population. Expect to reapply often.
Sticky traps can catch wandering spiders like wolf spiders, and store-bought insecticides may eliminate the ones you can see. The trouble is what you can't see: hidden nests and egg sacs that keep the cycle going. For something more lasting, professional treatment usually wins out.
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Not all spiders are the same, and knowing which species you're dealing with makes a big difference. Some are just an unwelcome roommate, while others can deliver a painful, even dangerous, bite. Here's a quick look at four spiders commonly found in and around homes in the Western US.
The common house spider (Achaearanea tepidariorum) is small, brownish, and builds messy, tangled webs in corners, closets, and basements. It's harmless to people, but give it a few weeks undisturbed, and that one web can turn into several.
Cellar spiders (family Pholcidae) have long, thin legs and are often called daddy longlegs. They prefer damp, dark spaces like basements and crawl spaces, and their loose, irregular webs tend to gather dust faster than they catch anything.
Wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) are large, hairy, and fast-moving hunters that skip the web-building altogether. They usually wander in from outside, and their size alone is enough to make anyone jump.
The western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) is one of the few spiders worth taking seriously. Females are shiny black with a red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen and deliver a venomous bite if threatened.
DIY methods can help manage small numbers of spiders, but if webs keep reappearing, you're spotting egg sacs, or you've identified a venomous species like the black widow, it's time to bring in the professionals. Western Exterminator technicians are trained to identify spider species, track down nests, and treat the source of the problem, not just the spiders currently in view. Find out more about our spider control services below.
Your technician starts with a thorough inspection of your home, inside and out, to identify the spider species present and locate nests, webs, and entry points. This step helps figure out whether you're dealing with a harmless house spider or something that needs a closer look.
Once the inspection wraps up, your technician applies targeted treatments based on what they've found. That can include web and nest removal, insecticidal treatments in hot spots, and sealing up the entry points spiders use to sneak inside.
Spiders tend to come back if the conditions that drew them in the first place are still there. Ongoing service, like our PestFree365 plan, helps keep spiders and other common household pests in check year-round.
Once your spider problem is under control, a few habits can help keep it that way:
Prevention works best alongside professional treatment. If spiders keep finding their way in despite your best efforts, Western Exterminator can help you find a longer-term solution tailored to your home.
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