You are peacefully enjoying a movie with your family when, suddenly, a dark shadow scuttles along the carpet. Another spider. You never know what corner they’ll appear in next. Whether you’re spotting them trying to escape the bathtub or are brushing down cobwebs from your kitchen ceiling, spiders taking advantage of your Georgia hospitality is rarely a welcome surprise.
To learn how to get rid of spiders for good, you have to understand what’s attracting them to your home. Let’s explore seven common reasons why spiders show up indoors and how you can courteously un-invite them.
1. Spiders Follow the Food
A spider’s favorite meal is other insects. You can understand their logic: set up camp by the buffet. If you’ve spotted ants on your counters, gnats hovering near your fruit bowl, or roaches hiding in cabinets, the likelihood is that the spiders have spotted them too.
With a huge variety of insects finding their way inside, it is no wonder that any of Georgia’s dozens of species of spiders are interested. When bugs find their way inside, spiders follow.
What you can do:
- Reduce indoor insect activity: Remove the food source by tackling other insect issues.
- Clean up spills and crumbs: Take away what is attracting other insects.
- Professional perimeter pest treatments: Create a barrier that keeps insects—and the spiders that hunt them—outside.
2. They Are Seeking Shelter
You know that feeling when it’s chilly out, and you walk indoors, and it’s nice and warm? Well, spiders love that feeling too. Your air conditioning, heating, and even just the basic structure of your home entice spiders to seek shelter indoors.
This is why fall and rainy seasons are especially active times for spider sightings.
What you can do:
- Seal gaps around doors and windows to block easy entry points.
- Add weatherstripping where needed, especially on older doors.
- Scheduling seasonal pest barrier treatments before fall and spring can help stop spiders before they get comfortable.
3. Spiders Sneak In Through Cracks and Gaps
If you’re trying to get rid of spiders for good, identifying and sealing these common entry points will help. Check for gaps around door thresholds, torn or loose window screens, and openings around utility lines and vents.
If you can see daylight coming through a crack, it’s big enough for a spider to fit through.
What you can do:
- Caulk gaps, especially around windows, doors, and pipes.
- Repair or replace torn screens as soon as you notice them.
- An exterior inspection by professionals identifies hidden entry points.
4. Outdoor Clutter Near Your Home
That stack of firewood against your house? The pile of leaves in the corner of your yard? Spiders spot these and think, “what a perfect place to live!” Then it isn’t long before they migrate indoors.
Outdoor clutter provides shelter, moisture, and easy access to your home’s exterior.
What you can do:
- Store firewood away from your foundation by at least 20 feet.
- Trim shrubs and bushes, especially anything that touches the sides of your home.
- Keep gutters clean and clear from debris where spiders and insects like to nest.
5. Lights Attract Insects (Which Attract Spiders)
If you’ve ever sat out and watched moths and gnats swarm around your porch light, you’ll know that lights attract insects. Spiders often build webs near light sources because they know prey will come back.
If you want to get rid of spiders, you need to stop the food chain where it begins.
What you can do:
- Switch to yellow “bug” bulbs, which are less attractive to insects.
- Turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting near doors and windows.
- Move lights away from entry points, so insects have no reason to come knocking.
6. Damp Areas Create Ideal Conditions
Between the insect buffet and the water that spiders need to survive, it’s not surprising that basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces are particularly inviting.
If you’re thinking, “how do I get rid of spiders when these areas are constantly humid and damp?” we’ve got you covered.
What you can do:
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets ASAP.
- Use dehumidifiers in basements and other moisture-prone areas.
- Consider moisture control solutions, especially if dampness is a recurring problem in your home.
7. Webs and Egg Sacs Were Never Removed
Old spider webs signal to other spiders that your home is a safe place to settle. Ignoring webs and egg sacs makes it almost impossible to get rid of spiders.
One spider can lay dozens of eggs, and if those egg sacs aren’t removed, you could end up with a much bigger problem very quickly.
What you can do:
- Remove webs regularly using a vacuum or broom.
- Professional interior treatments eliminate hidden spiders and prevent new ones from moving in.
- Monitor high-activity zones, like garages, attics, and storage areas.
How Professional Pest Control Helps Georgia Homeowners
When DIY methods fail to get rid of spiders, professional pest control steps in. At Square Pest, we understand Georgia’s unique climate and the pest challenges it brings. Our team takes the time to inspect your property, identify entry points, and address the root causes of your spider problem.
We offer:
- Entry point identification
- Exterior barrier treatments
- Web and egg sac removal
- Year-round prevention plans tailored to your needs
- Family- and pet-conscious solutions
Get Rid of Spiders for Good
Spotting spiders in your home can be unsettling, especially if you have young children, pets, or just a fear of spiders. By addressing the reasons they’re drawn to your home, you can take control and keep them outside where they belong.
At Square Pest, we want you to feel safe in your home—without any creepy-crawlies sending shivers up your spine. Contact our team today to wave goodbye to webs.