As the leaves change and a crispness fills the air, you’re probably looking forward to pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and football season. What you’re not looking forward to is sharing your home with an army of eight-legged intruders. Fall is prime time for spiders to move indoors, seeking warmth and shelter from the dropping temperatures.

Don’t let these uninvited guests turn your autumn sanctuary into a web-filled nightmare. This guide will walk you through why spiders are more noticeable this time of year and provide practical, effective tips to keep your home spider-free. With a few preventative measures, you can enjoy the season in peace, without the constant fear of a surprise encounter.

Why Do I See More Spiders in the Fall?

It might seem like a sudden invasion, but the increase in spider sightings during autumn is a natural, annual event. This surge is primarily driven by two factors: mating season and the search for shelter.

Many common spider species reach maturity by late summer and early fall. This means the males, who have spent most of their lives hidden away, begin to wander in search of a mate. Their quest often leads them right into your warm, dry home.

Simultaneously, as the weather cools, spiders of all kinds look for a safe place to overwinter. Your home, with its controlled climate and ample hiding spots, is the perfect five-star resort for a spider looking to escape the cold. They can slip through tiny cracks and openings you might not even notice, quickly making themselves at home.

Your Guide to a Spider-Free Home

Keeping spiders out doesn’t have to be a complicated battle. A proactive approach that combines cleaning, sealing, and smart prevention can make all the difference. Here are our top tips for keeping your home a no-spider zone.

1. Seal Entry Points

The most effective way to prevent spiders is to block their entry. Spiders can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Take a walk around the inside and outside of your house to identify and seal any potential access points.

• Windows and Doors: Check for gaps around window frames and under doors. Install weatherstripping and door sweeps to close these openings.
• Foundation and Siding: Inspect your home’s foundation and siding for cracks or holes. Use caulk or sealant to fill any gaps you find.
• Utility Openings: Pay close attention to where pipes, wires, and vents enter your home. Seal any spaces around these utility lines.

2. Maintain a Clean and Tidy Home

Spiders thrive in cluttered, undisturbed areas where they can easily spin their webs and hide. Regular cleaning and decluttering will make your home far less inviting.

• Declutter Regularly: Get rid of piles of newspapers, magazines, and boxes. Spiders love using these as hiding spots. Store items in sealed plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes.
• Frequent Vacuuming: Vacuuming is one of your best weapons against spiders. Regularly vacuum carpets, corners, and under furniture to suck up spiders, egg sacs, and webs.
• Keep Food Contained: While spiders aren’t directly attracted to your food, they are attracted to the insects that are. Keep your kitchen clean, store food in airtight containers, and promptly clean up crumbs and spills.

3. Manage Your Exterior Lighting

Outdoor lights are a beacon for all sorts of insects, which are a primary food source for spiders. By managing your lighting, you can reduce the number of pests around your home and, in turn, make it less appealing to spiders.

• Use Yellow Bulbs: Switch your standard outdoor light bulbs to yellow or sodium vapor lights. These are less attractive to insects.
• Position Lights Strategically: Place lighting away from doorways and windows to draw insects away from your home’s entry points.
• Turn Off Unnecessary Lights: Keep outdoor lights off when they’re not needed to avoid attracting a buffet for spiders.

4. Keep Your Yard Tidy

Your yard can serve as a staging ground for spiders preparing to move indoors. A well-maintained landscape can significantly reduce the spider population near your home.

• Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs, trees, and other plants trimmed back from your home’s foundation and siding. This eliminates the “bridges” spiders use to access your house.
• Remove Debris: Rake up leaves, grass clippings, and other yard debris. Piles of organic matter are perfect hiding places for spiders and other pests.
• Store Firewood Away: If you have a fireplace, store your firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and elevate it off the ground.

When to Call for Professional Help

While these DIY tips are effective for managing minor spider issues, sometimes a larger infestation requires a professional touch. If you continue to see a large number of spiders, or if you suspect you’re dealing with venomous species like black widows or brown recluses, it’s time to call in the experts.

At J&J Exterminating, we’ve been providing trusted and effective pest control for families and businesses since 1959. Our experienced technicians can identify the type of spiders in your home, locate their entry points, and implement a targeted treatment plan to eliminate them for good. With our Gold Shield 365 service, we offer guaranteed quarterly pest control that keeps your home protected year-round.

Enjoy a Pest-Free Fall with J&J Exterminating

Don’t let spiders spoil your autumn. By taking a few preventative steps and calling for professional help when needed, you can ensure your home remains a comfortable, pest-free space for you and your family.

Ready to shield what’s near and dear to you from spiders and other pests? Contact J&J Exterminating today for a free estimate and enjoy peace of mind this fall.

Tags: Get rid of Spiders, Spider Control, Staying spider free in the Fall