If you’ve ever walked into a room and spotted a spider crawling along the wall or ceiling, you’re not alone. Spiders are among the most common household pests in the United States, and while most are harmless, their presence is rarely welcomed. Many homeowners in Oklahoma and beyond find themselves asking the same question: Why do I keep getting spiders in my house?
The truth is, certain habits, structural issues, and overlooked details may be attracting spiders indoors. In this article, we’ll break down the most common mistakes homeowners make that lead to spider problems and more importantly, how to fix them.
Understanding Why Spiders Enter Homes
Spiders enter homes for three primary reasons: food, shelter, and mating. They are predators, feeding on insects like flies, mosquitoes, ants, and other small bugs. If your home offers a steady food supply and access points, spiders will find it appealing.
While most household spiders are not dangerous, some like the brown recluse or black widow can pose health risks. Whether you’re dealing with nuisance spiders or venomous ones, taking proactive steps to prevent them is always a good idea.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Entry Points
Spiders can fit through incredibly small cracks and gaps. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is failing to seal common entry points, including:
- Cracks in windows and door frames
- Gaps under doors
- Torn or missing window screens
- Utility line penetrations and vents
If you’ve been wondering how to keep spiders out of your house, start with a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior. Use caulk to seal gaps and consider installing door sweeps to eliminate openings under exterior doors.
Mistake #2: Clutter Attracts Spiders
Spiders love cluttered spaces. Basements, garages, attics, and storage rooms are prime real estate for web-building. Cardboard boxes, piles of clothes, and stacks of paper provide perfect hiding spots.
Reducing clutter inside and outside your home is key to discouraging spider activity. Indoors, use sealed plastic bins for storage, and regularly clean seldom-used spaces. Outdoors, remove leaf piles, unused wood, and debris that can serve as spider harborage areas.
Mistake #3: Outdoor Lighting That Attracts Insects
Spiders feed on insects, and one of the fastest ways to draw them in is by lighting up your porch or exterior with bright white lights. These lights attract moths, flies, and other bugs essentially laying out a buffet for nearby spiders.
To reduce this attraction:
- Use yellow or sodium vapor lights for exterior lighting, which are less attractive to insects
- Turn off outdoor lights when not needed
- Install motion sensors instead of leaving lights on continuously
By limiting insect activity, you reduce the spiders’ food source and make your home less appealing.
Mistake #4: Not Controlling Other Insects
If you have a spider problem, you almost certainly have other insect issues. Spiders go where the food is. A home with flies, ants, silverfish, or cockroaches becomes a spider magnet.
Focusing solely on spiders won’t solve the root issue. You need to eliminate the bugs they’re hunting. Partnering with a Yukon exterminator or pest control provider who targets your entire pest ecosystem not just spiders will help reduce the overall insect population and starve out the spider invaders.
Mistake #5: Skipping Regular Cleaning
Spiders thrive in undisturbed environments. If you’re not regularly cleaning corners, behind furniture, or dark storage areas, you’re creating the perfect breeding ground for webs and egg sacs.
To discourage spider activity:
- Vacuum regularly, especially in corners and along baseboards
- Dust window sills and ceiling corners
- Remove any visible spider webs or egg sacs
- Shake out blankets, clothing, and towels that have been stored for a while
Even light, consistent cleaning routines can make your home less attractive to spiders.
Mistake #6: Using Ineffective DIY Repellents
From vinegar sprays to citrus peels, the internet is full of DIY remedies that claim to keep spiders away. While some of these may have limited short-term effects, they are not reliable long-term solutions.
If you’re searching for what keeps spiders away, it’s better to rely on expert-approved strategies like sealing entry points, reducing insect populations, and applying professionally formulated pest barriers.
Mistake #7: Not Getting Professional Help When Needed
While occasional spider sightings are normal, frequent or large infestations may indicate a deeper issue. Relying on store-bought sprays or temporary fixes won’t solve a recurring spider problem.
If you’re experiencing regular sightings or have concerns about venomous species, it’s time to search for spider control near me and bring in professional help. A licensed pest control expert can inspect your property, identify infestation sources, and apply safe and effective treatments to eliminate spiders and their food sources.
Mistake #8: Ignoring the Outside of Your Home
Many homeowners focus on the inside of the house but forget that spider prevention starts outside. Overgrown landscaping, woodpiles, and shrubs close to the foundation can provide shelter for spiders and easy access indoors.
To reduce spider activity outside:
- Trim back vegetation and shrubs away from the house
- Keep grass cut short
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and off the ground
- Clean gutters regularly to prevent moisture buildup
Creating a clean, dry perimeter around your home discourages spiders and other pests from settling nearby.
Why Spiders Keep Coming Back
If spiders continue to return despite your efforts, it could mean:
- There’s a persistent food source of other insects inside or around your home
- You haven’t fully identified or sealed all entry points
- Outdoor conditions (like moisture or shade) are drawing them in
- Seasonal spider activity is at its peak
Working with a trusted Yukon pest control provider ensures a more comprehensive approach, focusing not just on spider removal, but long-term exclusion and prevention.
About Thunder Pest Control
Thunder Pest Control is your local expert for reliable and effective pest control in Yukon, OK, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re dealing with spiders, ants, roaches, or rodents, our team takes an integrated approach that targets both the pests and the environments that attract them. From comprehensive inspections to targeted treatments, we tailor our services to the unique needs of each property.
