The Daily Pest | Viking’s Blog On Pest Control

How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Home and Keep Them Out Year-Round

Written by Viking Pest Control | November 5, 2019

Few household pests make people uncomfortable as quickly as spiders. Whether you have a mild dislike of them or full-blown arachnophobia, finding spiders crawling across your walls or spinning webs in corners can be unsettling.

And while seeing the occasional spider indoors is common, large amounts of spider activity could indicate a bigger pest problem inside your home.

The good news is that there are several effective ways to reduce spider activity and help keep your home protected year-round.

Why Are Spiders Coming Into Your Home?

Many homeowners assume spiders move indoors because of cold weather. In reality, spiders can tolerate cooler temperatures surprisingly well. What they truly want is food.

Spiders enter homes searching for insects to prey on, which means if you have spiders, there’s a good chance other pests are already present too.

Spiders commonly enter homes through:

  • Cracks in foundations
  • Gaps around windows and doors
  • Openings around utility lines and pipes
  • Damaged screens
  • Chimneys and vents
  • Firewood, boxes, and packages brought indoors

Once inside, spiders look for dark, quiet places where they can build webs and hunt insects undisturbed.

Common Spiders Found in Homes

Throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, homeowners commonly encounter several spider species.

Common House Spiders

These spiders are generally harmless and often build webs in corners, basements, garages, and storage areas.

Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are larger and more intimidating-looking than house spiders, but they usually avoid humans and rarely bite.

Black Widow Spiders

Black widows are venomous spiders recognized by their glossy black bodies and red hourglass markings. Their bites can cause serious health issues and should be treated immediately.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown recluse spiders are less common but can also pose health risks if they bite. They prefer secluded spaces like attics, basements, and storage boxes.

Signs of a Spider Infestation

You may have a spider problem if you notice:

  • Frequent spider webs throughout the home
  • Egg sacs in corners or hidden spaces
  • Increased sightings of spiders indoors
  • Spiders gathering in basements, attics, garages, or closets
  • An increase in flying or crawling insects indoors

Because spiders feed on insects, seeing a large number of spiders may signal another pest infestation as well.

How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Home

1. Reduce Clutter

Spiders love quiet, undisturbed hiding places. Clutter gives them plenty of opportunities to settle in and build webs.

Focus on cleaning:

  • Storage boxes
  • Newspaper piles
  • Under beds
  • Closets
  • Basements
  • Garages
  • Utility rooms

The fewer hiding spots available, the less attractive your home becomes to spiders.

2. Clean Thoroughly and Regularly

Vacuuming and dusting are essential for spider prevention because they remove:

  • Spider webs
  • Egg sacs
  • Dust buildup
  • Insects spiders feed on

Pay special attention to:

  • Behind furniture
  • Ceiling corners
  • Light fixtures
  • Under sinks
  • Around baseboards
  • Air vents and ducts

Using an extension duster can help you reach ceilings and high corners where webs commonly form.

3. Seal Entry Points

Even a spotless home won’t stop spiders if they can easily get indoors.

Inspect your home for:

  • Cracks in the foundation
  • Gaps around windows and doors
  • Spaces around pipes and utility lines
  • Torn screens
  • Vent openings

Use caulk, weatherstripping, mesh screens, and door sweeps to seal potential entry points.

4. Eliminate Other Household Pests

Spiders stay where food is available. Reducing insect activity is one of the most effective long-term spider control strategies.

Controlling pests like:

  • Ants
  • Flies
  • Cockroaches
  • Silverfish
  • Moths

will naturally make your home less attractive to spiders.

5. Turn Off Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lighting attracts insects at night, and insects attract spiders.

To reduce activity:

  • Limit exterior lighting when possible
  • Use yellow sodium vapor bulbs, which are less attractive to insects
  • Close blinds and curtains at night to reduce visible indoor light

6. Trim Landscaping Around Your Home

Bushes, shrubs, and tree branches touching your home can act like bridges for spiders and insects.

Trim vegetation away from:

  • Rooflines
  • Siding
  • Windows
  • Foundation walls

This helps reduce easy access points into your home.

7. Remove Spider Webs Immediately

Whenever you see webs, remove them quickly. Leaving webs in place encourages spiders to remain and continue nesting.

Regular web removal also helps reduce egg sacs before new spiders hatch.

How to Keep Winter Spiders Out

Spider activity often increases during winter because insects move indoors, attracting spiders along with them.

To help prevent winter spider problems:

  • Seal cracks and crevices before cold weather arrives
  • Reduce moisture in basements and crawl spaces
  • Use dehumidifiers in damp areas
  • Store firewood away from the home
  • Inspect boxes and packages before bringing them indoors
  • Keep storage areas organized and clean

It’s also important to stay cautious around hidden spaces where spiders may hide. Before using stored clothing or shoes, shake them out thoroughly.

Why Professional Spider Control Works Best

DIY spider control methods may reduce activity temporarily, but professional pest control addresses both the spiders and the insects attracting them.

Professional spider control services can include:

  • Detailed inspections
  • Perimeter treatments
  • Interior treatments
  • Web and nest removal
  • Ongoing monitoring
  • Prevention recommendations

Many homeowners also benefit from year-round pest protection plans that help control spiders and other household pests throughout every season.

Benefits of Professional Spider Control

Customized Treatment Plans

Professional exterminators create treatment plans based on:

  • Your home’s size
  • Spider activity levels
  • Entry points
  • Moisture conditions
  • Long-term prevention needs

Long-Term Prevention

Professional services don’t just eliminate current spiders — they help prevent future infestations by targeting root causes.

Safer Treatments

Licensed technicians understand how to apply treatments safely and effectively while minimizing risks to people, pets, and the environment.

Time and Stress Savings

Spider infestations can be difficult and time-consuming to manage on your own, especially for homeowners uncomfortable around spiders.

Professional Spider Control From Viking Pest Control

If spiders are becoming a constant problem in your home, Viking Pest Control can help. Our experienced technicians provide effective spider control and year-round pest protection throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.

We identify entry points, reduce insect populations, remove existing spider activity, and help prevent future infestations with customized pest management solutions.

Whether you’re dealing with common house spiders or more concerning species like black widows, Viking Pest Control has the tools and expertise to help keep your home protected.

Contact Viking Pest Control today for a free estimate and learn more about our professional spider control services.