How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home

How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home

Spiders are unwelcome guests in most homes, and in Central Illinois where the brown recluse is present, keeping spiders out is more than just a comfort issue. Here are effective strategies for preventing spiders from entering and establishing themselves in your home.

Seal Your Home's Exterior

The most effective way to keep spiders out is to deny them entry. Inspect your home's exterior for cracks, gaps, and openings, and seal them with caulk, weatherstripping, or foam sealant. Pay attention to areas around windows and doors, where utility lines enter the home, around the foundation, and where the siding meets the roofline.

Repair or Replace Window Screens

Damaged window screens are easy entry points for spiders and the insects they prey on. Repair tears and holes promptly, and ensure that screens fit tightly in their frames.

Control Outdoor Lighting

Lights attract flying insects, and insects attract spiders. Use yellow or sodium vapor bulbs for exterior lighting, which are less attractive to insects. Position lights away from doors and windows when possible, or use motion-activated lighting that is only on when needed.

Keep Vegetation Away from the House

Shrubs, tree branches, and other vegetation that touches your home create bridges for spiders to access your exterior walls and find entry points. Maintain a plant-free zone of at least 12 inches around your foundation.

Reduce Clutter

Spiders love clutter because it provides hiding spots. Keep storage areas organized, use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, and regularly clean out areas that tend to accumulate clutter like basements, attics, garages, and closets.

Remove Existing Webs

Regularly sweep or vacuum spider webs from both the interior and exterior of your home. This discourages spiders from establishing themselves and removes egg sacs before they hatch.

Address Other Pest Problems

Since spiders feed on other insects, reducing the insect population in your home will naturally reduce spider activity. A comprehensive pest control program that addresses all common household pests is the most effective approach.

Professional Spider Prevention

Terminix offers spider prevention and control services that create a barrier around your home and target spiders where they live and hide. Contact us today for a free inspection.