Spiders often enter homes looking for shelter, food, and warmth not because they want to be in your space, but because your house can provide insects to eat and quiet corners to build webs. While many spiders are harmless and even help control other pests, most homeowners prefer not to share their living space with eight‑legged visitors.
If you’re struggling with spider sightings, webs around your home, or just want to stop them before they become a bigger issue, this guide will walk you through the best ways to get rid of spiders, keep them out, and enlist professional help when needed.
Why Spiders Get Into Homes
Spiders don’t invade randomly. They are usually drawn indoors by:
- Prey insects like flies, ants, and mosquitoes — spiders follow the food.
- Shelter from weather — rain, wind, and cold send spiders into crawl spaces, garages, and attics.
- Dark hiding places — basements, closets, and undisturbed boxes are ideal.
Old Bay Pest Control technicians understand these habits and use that insight to target spider infestations at their source.
Signs You Have a Spider Problem
Spiders are often subtle about their presence, but here are common signs:
- Webs in corners, ceilings, or windows — messy or organized webs mean spiders are nesting.
- Frequent sightings at night — many spider species are nocturnal.
- Egg sacs — clusters of silky material wrapped around corners or inside webs.
- Insect activity — if you have other insect problems, spiders may soon follow.
If you’re seeing any of these signs inside or outside your home, it’s time to take action.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Spiders
1. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter‑Free
Spiders love undisturbed places. Regular cleaning helps discourage them:
- Vacuum corners, baseboards, and behind furniture.
- Remove old boxes, piles of clothes, or stacks of papers where spiders hide.
- Dust and sweep to remove webs and egg sacs promptly.
Cleaning eliminates hiding spots and removes insects that spiders eat.
2. Seal Entry Points
Spiders can enter through tiny gaps around doors, windows, vents, and foundations. Blocking these pathways is essential.
- Use caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows.
- Install fine mesh over vents and crawl space openings.
- Repair screens and fill cracks in siding or brickwork.
Sealing your home doesn’t just reduce spiders it also cuts down on other pest entries.
3. Reduce the Spider Food Supply
Spiders don’t come for you they come for the bugs you might already have. Reducing insect food sources limits spider presence.
- Fix drips and reduce moisture to deter tiny insects.
- Keep lights off near entryways at night (lights attract insects).
- Store food securely and take out garbage regularly.
Controlling insects in your home is one of the most effective long‑term ways to make it less appealing to spiders.
4. Use Natural Spider Repellents
Certain scents can help repel spiders because they interfere with a spider’s sensory receptors. Some options include:
- Peppermint oil spray — mix a few drops with water and spray around windows and doors.
- Vinegar solution — its odorous scent can break up spider trails.
- Citrus sprays — spiders avoid citrus smells and vinegar combinations.
These natural repellents are safe to use around people and pets, though results vary and may fade over time.
Yard and Outside Tips to Deter Spiders
Spiders often start outside before coming in. Try these outdoor practices:
- Trim bushes and shrubs away from walls — spiders use vegetation as bridges.
- Keep firewood and debris away from your home — clutter attracts insects and spiders.
- Sweep or remove outdoor webs regularly — discourages spiders from establishing near entry points.
A tidy yard makes it harder for spiders to thrive and reduces the chances they’ll move indoors.
When to Use Professional Spider Control
Even after cleaning, sealing, and home repellents, spiders may still find their way inside. That’s when professional help becomes valuable.
Old Bay Pest Control offers:
- A thorough inspection to locate spider entry points and nesting areas.
- Targeted treatments tailored to your home and spider type.
- Safe, family‑ and pet‑friendly products used by licensed technicians.
- Follow‑up services and preventative maintenance so spiders don’t return.
Their team knows the typical spider species in Anne Arundel County and Maryland homes from harmless cellar spiders to larger wolf spiders and how to manage them safely.
About Wolf Spiders and Safety
Some spiders, like wolf spiders, can alarm homeowners due to their size. They are generally non‑aggressive, but bites can happen if they’re provoked or cornered.
If you’re seeing wolf spiders often around your home or find them indoors frequently, it’s a sign that spider pressure may be too much to handle on your own. Old Bay Pest Control can help identify what’s attracting them and reduce their presence using professional solutions.
Ongoing Prevention: Keeping Spiders Out for Good
Spider control isn’t just a one‑time fix. Here’s how to keep them from returning:
- Continue regular cleaning — especially in corners and low‑traffic areas.
- Maintain sealed gaps each season — weather and settling can open cracks over time.
- Reduce outdoor lighting at night to avoid attracting insects.
- Keep landscaping neat — remove yard debris and prune plants away from the house.
For comprehensive protection, many homeowners partner with Old Bay Pest Control’s quarterly pest control maintenance plans which proactively address spiders along with other common pests year‑round.
When to Call Old Bay Pest Control
You should call professional pest control if:
- You continue to see spiders despite DIY efforts.
- Webs keep showing up in the same spots.
- You’re unsure what’s attracting spiders or how they’re entering.
- You want a long‑term spider control strategy, not just a temporary fix.
Old Bay Pest Control handles spider control in and around Annapolis and Anne Arundel County and combines inspections, targeted treatments, and preventative methods to ensure your home stays spider‑free.
Spiders may be part of nature, but they don’t have to be a part of your living space. By combining:
- Cleaning and decluttering,
- Sealing entry points,
- Natural repellents, and
- Professional expertise from Old Bay Pest Control,
you can significantly reduce spider activity and keep your home comfortable and pest‑free.
Need help getting started? Contact Old Bay Pest Control to inspect your home, develop a customized spider control plan, and protect your space from future infestations.
