Leaving Outdoor Lights On
Outdoor lights are essential for safety, but they can also create problems, says Matt Rogers, CEO and co-founder of pest control company Pestie. “If you’ve ever made the mistake of leaving your outside lights on during the summer and tried to open the door, then you know all about the flying critters that can drive you crazy,” he says. “What may be annoying to us is really a buffet for spiders. They can set up shop underneath a light and never want for a meal, as long as you keep the lights on.”
So to minimize the invitation to spiders, consider using lights that work on a sensor or timer. Or, opt for smart lighting that connects to your security system.
Letting Bathrooms Get Too Steamy
You might think you’re alone when you take a hot shower, but that steam is essentially telling spiders to RSVP to your self-care routine. “Even though spiders don’t necessarily seek out water to quench their thirst, they seem to enjoy moist and humid areas,” Rogers says. “Not only can spiders stay hydrated in these areas better, but there’s a good chance they’ll come across their next meal here, too.”
He recommends keeping bathrooms well-ventilated. Open up windows or run an exhaust fan. If neither one of those are possible, at least open up the door.
Owning Too Many Houseplants
While it’s nice to have lots of houseplants, Rogers says this, unfortunately, can be problematic, as houseplants can provide an ideal environment for spiders. “Inside a home, spiders are less likely to face predators that would normally threaten them in outdoor environments, making indoors [and indoor plants] an attractive long-term habitat,” he says. “Instead of worrying about if they might get eaten, they can focus on who they will eat next. Additionally, they can build their egg sacs in a private, predator-free area where their spiderlings can grow up without being eaten.”
Keeping Debris in Your Yard
Yard debris can be another attractive invitation to spiders, according to Emma Grace Crumbley, entomologist at mosquito control company Mosquito Squad. “Web-building spiders prefer to make webs in undisturbed, sheltered areas,” she explains. “Leaving a yard cluttered with debris, toys, leaves, or objects creates plenty of homes for future spiders.”
Eric Clapper, owner of Tri-X Pest Management, reveals one of the biggest culprits in this case is wood piles. “These piles have many nooks and crannies that are perfect for both web-producing spiders as well as hunting spiders,” he says. “If they are kept close to the house then the risk of spiders finding their way indoors is much higher.”
Keeping Standing Water and Moisture on Your Property
Crumbley tells me standing water and moisture are major attractants for flies, mosquitoes, ants, and several other small pests. “And what ends up hunting and eating those pests? Spiders,” she says. “Reducing the conditions around your home that attract other insects will ultimately reduce spider presence as well.”
Not Cleaning Up Regularly
It’s important to create a schedule and clean up your home regularly to prevent spiders. “It is always a good idea to do frequent inspections of your home and yard for areas and issues of concern,” Clapper says. “Under eaves, around pillars, corners, and items stored near the house, like furniture and barbecue grills, need to be clean and well kept to avoid spider food sources, harborages, and breeding areas.”
Not Having a Regular Pest Control Program
In addition to cleaning, preventive pest control is also essential. “Professional services usually offer a 3-fold process to eliminate spiders,” Clapper explains. “First up is a thorough inspection to identify areas of concern and conditions conducive to spider issues that need correcting. Next is a clean up of any existing and unsightly webs, and finally, a general pesticide application to eliminate food sources and any existing spiders around. You should never wait until there are a lot of spiders around before these services are performed.”
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