Spiders Indoors? Why Winter Brings Them Close And How to Keep Them Out
As the temperatures drop in the Lowcountry, it’s not just people who seek the comfort of a warm and cozy home. Spiders, like many other pests, tend to move indoors during the winter months in search of shelter and food. While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial in controlling other insects, sharing your living space with these eight-legged guests is far from ideal. Here’s why spiders enter your home in winter, what attracts them, and how you can keep them out.
Why Spiders Move Indoors in Winter
Unlike many insects that hibernate or die off during the colder months, spiders remain active year-round. In winter, outdoor conditions become less hospitable, prompting them to seek shelter where they can stay warm and find food. Your home provides the perfect environment with its warmth, dark corners, and an abundance of insects for spiders to eat.
Common Attractants for Spiders
Understanding what attracts spiders to your home can help you make it less inviting to these creepy crawlers:
Clutter: Spiders love hiding in undisturbed areas like basements, attics, and storage spaces filled with boxes or old furniture.
Insects: Spiders go where their food source is. If you have other pest issues, such as flies, ants, or moths, spiders are likely to follow.
Gaps and Cracks: Small openings in windows, doors, or your home’s foundation provide easy entry points for spiders.
Lighting: Exterior lights can attract insects, which in turn draw spiders to those areas.
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home
To prevent a winter spider invasion, follow these tips:
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or openings around doors and windows. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal them.
Declutter Your Space: Reduce hiding spots by organizing storage areas and regularly cleaning attics, basements, and closets.
Reduce Outdoor Lighting: Switch to yellow or sodium vapor lights that are less attractive to insects and, by extension, spiders.
Eliminate Other Pests: Keep your home free of other insects by cleaning up crumbs, sealing food in airtight containers, and taking out the trash regularly.
Vacuum Regularly: Use a vacuum to remove webs, egg sacs, and any spiders you find.
Why Professional Pest Control Matters
While these DIY measures can help, they may not be enough to fully spider-proof your home. A professional pest control service can provide targeted treatments to keep spiders and other pests out for good.
At Old South Exterminators, we understand the unique pest challenges of living in the Lowcountry, including dealing with spiders during the winter months. Our team of experts uses safe, effective methods to eliminate spiders and protect your home from future infestations.