If you’ve ever spotted a spider skittering across your floor or hanging out in the corner of your ceiling, you’re not alone. Utah is home to a variety of spiders, including harmless house spiders, as well as more concerning species like black widows and hobo spiders. While most spiders help control insect populations, that doesn’t mean you want them moving in rent-free.
The good news? There are effective ways to keep spiders out of your home without turning to extreme measures. Here’s what you need to know to keep these eight-legged visitors outside where they belong.
Why Do Spiders Invade Homes?
Spiders don’t come inside just to scare you—they’re looking for food, shelter, and the right conditions to thrive. Here are some common reasons you might be seeing more of them:
- Food Sources: If you have other insects in your home (like flies, ants, or moths), spiders will follow.
- Warmth & Shelter: Spiders seek out dark, quiet spaces like basements, attics, and closets to hide and lay eggs.
- Easy Entry Points: Cracks in walls, gaps around windows and doors, and unsealed vents offer easy access for spiders to sneak inside.
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home
1. Seal Up Entry Points
Spiders are great at squeezing through tiny openings. Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes, especially around windows, doors, and foundation walls. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these spaces and keep spiders from sneaking inside.
2. Keep Your Home Clean & Clutter-Free
Spiders love dark, undisturbed areas, so a cluttered home gives them plenty of hiding spots.
- Regularly vacuum corners, under furniture, and along baseboards where spiders like to lurk.
- Reduce clutter in basements, garages, and storage spaces to eliminate potential hiding places.
- Shake out blankets, shoes, and clothing that have been sitting unused for a while—spiders may have made themselves at home.
3. Control Other Insects
Since spiders feed on other bugs, reducing their food supply will naturally decrease their numbers. One way to do this is by maintaining a well-kept yard. Lawn Care professionals at https://jandcpro.com/ can help homeowners keep their yards pest-free by offering professional lawn maintenance, which can reduce the number of insects that attract spiders in the first place.
4. Use Natural Spider Repellents
If you prefer a chemical-free approach, try these natural spider deterrents:
- Peppermint oil: Mix a few drops with water and spray around windows, doors, and corners.
- Vinegar: A diluted vinegar spray can repel spiders while also acting as a cleaning solution.
- Citrus peels: Spiders dislike citrus scents, so placing lemon or orange peels near entry points can help.
5. Install Outdoor Lighting Wisely
Bright lights attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. To minimize this effect:
- Use yellow or warm-toned lights, which are less attractive to bugs.
- Position lights away from doorways and windows to reduce the chance of bugs (and spiders) entering your home.
6. Set Up Spider Traps
Sticky traps can help catch spiders and monitor their activity in your home. Place traps along walls, in closets, and near entry points where spiders are likely to travel.
7. Consider Professional Pest Control
If you’re dealing with a large spider infestation or are finding dangerous species like black widows in your home, it may be time to call in the experts. Professional pest control can help identify problem areas and apply safe treatments for your home and family.
Take Action & Keep Spiders Out
Spiders may benefit the ecosystem, but they don’t belong inside your home. You can significantly lower the chances of unwanted spider guests by sealing entry points, keeping your home clean, reducing other insect populations, and using natural deterrents. With a proactive approach, you can keep your Utah home spider-free all year long!