Most people aren’t thrilled to stumble across a spider in the house. Whether it’s spinning a web in the corner of the ceiling or scurrying across the bathroom floor, that unexpected encounter usually sparks a reaction. While not all species pose a threat, their presence inside homes can quickly become a serious issue. Beyond just the general unease they create, the fact that some can bite, and others might indicate underlying pest problems that are attracting them in the first place.
Spiders tend to seek out secluded, quiet areas—basements, attics, crawl spaces, storage boxes, and even inside air vents. Once they’ve found a cozy nook, they’re content to stay and multiply. It’s not unusual to see a dramatic increase in spider activity during seasonal shifts, especially in the fall as outdoor temperatures drop. Unfortunately, when you start seeing webs in multiple rooms or finding egg sacs tucked behind furniture, you might be dealing with more than just the occasional stray visitor.
What Draws Them In
Every spider in your home is there for a reason, and it often has something to do with shelter, food, or both. Homes that have frequent issues with flies, ants, or other small insects offer an irresistible buffet for spiders. If there’s a steady food supply and a few dark corners where they can go undisturbed, they’ll gladly settle in. Moisture is another big attractant. Leaky pipes, damp basements, and humid bathrooms can all appeal to certain types of spiders that prefer cooler, damper conditions.
Structural gaps—tiny cracks in window frames, broken screens, or spaces under doors—give spiders an easy route indoors. Once inside, they can go unnoticed for long stretches, especially the smaller species that don’t build obvious webs. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t active. Some types, like the recluse, prefer to stay out of sight, only coming out at night to hunt. If a home is cluttered or has limited foot traffic in certain areas, these conditions can allow a population to quietly grow over time.
It’s also worth noting that their presence can be a sign of other pest issues. They go where the food is, so their appearance might be pointing to another underlying infestation. Treating for spiders alone may not fully resolve the problem if other pests aren’t addressed too.
Why Professional Removal Matters
Getting rid of spiders isn’t just about wiping away a web or catching one in a jar. For long-term relief, it takes a more thoughtful approach. DIY methods like sprays and sticky traps can help with surface-level activity, but they rarely get to the root of the issue. Without addressing entry points, food sources, and favorable conditions, they are likely to keep showing up. Some species also require a targeted strategy, especially those known for bites that can lead to medical complications.
A thorough inspection is usually the first step in figuring out where spiders are nesting, what type they are, and how widespread the problem might be. From there, tailored treatments can be applied to both active areas and potential harborage points. These treatments aren’t just about killing the stragglers that you see. They’re about creating an environment that makes your home far less inviting to them in the future.
Professionals also understand the behavior patterns of different species. Some prefer dry, high corners; others like damp, low spots. Some build webs to catch prey, while others are hunters that roam. Knowing what you’re dealing with shapes the entire treatment plan and makes it far more effective than guessing with store-bought products.
Keeping Them From Coming Back
The key to long-term spider control isn’t just removal—it’s prevention. That means sealing up the entry points they’re using, reducing the insects they’re feeding on, and making sure there are fewer places for them to hide. Regular cleaning helps, especially in those lesser-used parts of the home where spiders tend to go unnoticed. Reducing clutter in garages, attics, and storage rooms can make a big difference.
Moisture control is another major factor. Fixing leaks, running a dehumidifier, and keeping crawl spaces dry all reduce the chances of spiders settling in. Exterior lighting can play a role too. Lights attract insects, which in turn draw these arachnids closer to your home’s entryways. Swapping out harsh white bulbs for softer tones or motion-activated lighting can limit that attraction.
Some homeowners find relief with ongoing pest control service. Not because it’s impossible to keep spiders out, but because it’s hard to keep up with all the subtle factors that invite them in. Having a routine inspection and treatment schedule gives you peace of mind and dramatically reduces the chance of running into eight-legged creepy-crawlers where you’d least expect them.
If you’ve noticed spiders popping up more often—or worse, you’re starting to spot webs in every room—it might be time to do more than just hope they’ll go away. At Home Street Pest Control, we take infestations seriously and offer smart, thorough solutions to help get things back under control. From the initial inspection to customized treatment and prevention strategies, our goal is to make your space less hospitable for them and more comfortable for you. Contact us today to schedule a visit or ask us any questions you might have—we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiders
Q1. Can spiders really come up through the drains in my sinks or bathtubs?
A1. This common fear is more fiction than fact. Spiders don’t live in water pipes and they can’t swim up your drain. What’s actually happening is they’re entering your bathroom through small gaps or cracks and then getting stuck in sinks or tubs because the smooth surfaces make it hard for them to climb back out. It looks like they emerged from the drain, but they likely wandered in from elsewhere—often at night, when it’s quiet and dark.
Q2. I keep knocking down webs, but the spiders just rebuild them. Why won't they leave?
A2. Web-building species are incredibly persistent, especially if they’ve found a good hunting spot. Knocking down the web only removes the structure—not the reason they chose that location in the first place. They’re likely returning because other insects are frequenting that area. Until the food source is addressed and entry points are sealed, the spider will see it as prime real estate. Targeting the problem holistically, not just the webs, is key to stopping the cycle.
Q3. Will using essential oils like peppermint actually keep them away?
A3. Peppermint oil and other natural repellents may deter spiders temporarily, but they’re not a guaranteed fix. Spiders don’t breathe in the same way humans do, so strong scents affect them differently—and often only if applied directly or frequently. Relying solely on essential oils may give you a short-term sense of relief, but without removing webs, sealing cracks, and eliminating insect prey, the invaders will return. Natural remedies can complement a larger plan, but they rarely work on their own.