Spiders aren’t just creepy bugs, they’re common home invaders and, often, signs of larger pest populations that are already infesting your property. That’s why it’s important to learn what attracts spiders and the insects they hunt, so you can protect your home from all kinds of pest problems.
Spotting Local Spiders
What we call house spiders are really a wide range of different arachnid species. This term typically applies to spiders that don’t pose direct harm to people, unlike more venomous spiders like black widows or brown recluses. But no spider is welcome inside of your home, even ones without potent venom. All of these eight-legged horrors can bite people, even if they tend to keep to themselves and scurry away from large threats.
They also spin webs all over, which can be annoying to clean and can result in a pile-up of dead insects around your home, and that’s the real takeaway when it comes to spiders: they only invade homes because other pests are already there. That’s why it’s important to understand how infestations start and how you can prevent them in the first place, to avoid spiders and other infestations.
Why Spiders Invade Homes
Spiders don't invade homes to raid pantries for food. They hunt exclusively. They also don't invade homes searching for warmer weather because they survive in sub-freezing temperatures thanks to a built-in anti-freeze system.As a result, we can confidently say that spiders only invade because the pests they hunt have already made it inside. Spiders, and the pests they hunt, can get indoors in any of the following ways:
- Cracks & holes: Tiny bugs can squeeze through tiny openings to make it inside of walls and foundations. Checking your exterior for any faults can clue you in to access points that need to be sealed.
- Windows: Torn window screens provide all kinds of pests with easy access through an open window. Check your screens and repair them regularly.
- Door gaps: Excess space below or around your doors can be wide open entrances for small pests. Door sweeps and weather stripping can block these access points.
General Prevention Tips
While those are good steps to take to keep spiders and other pests out, it’s also important to take general pest control steps that reduce the factors that might attract pest populations. Here are some things to consider:
- Food storage: Spiders don’t care what’s in your cupboards but they will stalk the pests that do forage for their food. Don’t leave food out and make sure you deep clean regularly, especially under heavy appliances where messes accumulate.
- Trash storage: The other source of food for scavengers can be found inside your trash cans, where food waste lingers and smelly odors can attract insects. Keep your trash in secure, covered bins, both inside and outdoors.
- Moisture control: Not only are pests attracted to moist areas, but water damage can also open up new access points around your home for pests to get in through. Address moisture buildup quickly and make sure you keep up on pipe maintenance.
Professional Spider Control With Alta Pest Control
To truly protect against spiders and the many pests that attract them to your home, the best step is calling the experts. Trained professionals can assist you with inspecting your property for any warning signs of pest problems, making sure that nothing goes unnoticed, and preventing pest populations from having time to grow in size. At Alta Pest Control, our expert staff can get started right away on an inspection of your home. Whether you need early prevention and control or fast removal of existing pests, our proven solutions can help.
To truly keep spiders out of your home, contact Alta Pest Control today.