So you’re about to settle down with a good book or Netflix binge, and then you see it – a spider making its bold appearance on your living room wall. It’s enough to make even the bravest homeowners shudder.
But you might be asking, “why do I get spiders in my house in the first place?”
Let’s explore the reasons these eight-legged guests might be crashing your pad and how you can politely show them the door.
Common Spiders in Arizona Homes
If you’re frequently finding spiders in your home, you’re not alone. About 68% of homes have spiders lurking somewhere. These creepy crawlies often sneak inside for various reasons, which we’ll unravel in this spider-centric post. But first, you need to know the enemy.
Arizona is home to a diverse array of spider species, many of which can make their way into our homes.
Among the most common – and feared – types found in residences are the western black widow, identifiable by its shiny black body and the distinct red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen. While their bites can be dangerous, they are generally reclusive and prefer to hide in undisturbed areas.
Another frequent visitor is the brown recluse, known for its violin-shaped mark on its back, which can be found primarily in dark corners or cluttered spaces. Their bites can lead to serious skin issues if not treated promptly.
The teddy bear spider, a light brown tarantula, is also prevalent in Arizona and is often mistaken for a harmful species. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are typically docile and pose little risk to humans.
Finally, the wolf spider is a common sight in Arizona homes, identifiable by its robust body and long legs. Unlike many other spiders, wolf spiders hunt actively rather than relying on webs to catch their prey.
Why Spiders Think Your Home is a Five-Star Resort
Here are three reasons why spiders come inside:
- Shelter and Safety: Spiders are like the ultimate survivalists. When the weather outside gets frightful, they seek a delightful place to call home. Your house provides them with a safe haven away from predators and harsh weather conditions.
- Food Supply: If you’ve got bugs, you’ve got a buffet that spiders can’t resist. Spiders feast on insects, so an abundance of other creepy crawlies is akin to rolling out the red carpet for them. Your home inadvertently becomes the Cheesecake Factory for arachnids.
- Mating Season: During mating season, usually in the autumn, male spiders become more adventurous. They’re on the hunt for a mate, and your home is just another stop on their Tinder tour. This increase in spider activity might explain why you suddenly see more of them around this time of year.
There are a few other factors that entice spiders. For example, spiders love a good humidity fix. If your home has areas of high moisture, like bathrooms or basements, it’s practically a spider spa.
A cluttered home also provides excellent hiding spots for spiders. Stacks of boxes, piles of old magazines, and unused furniture can become prime real estate for these sneaky squatters. They thrive in undisturbed areas where they can spin their webs in peace.
Light sources are problematic, too – lights attract other bugs, which in turn attract spiders. If you have exterior lights near windows or doors, it’s like hanging a “Free Food” banner for insects. Once the bugs arrive, spiders follow.
How to Prevent Spider Invasions
Now that you know why you’re getting spiders in your house, it’s time to evict them.
First, you need to seal up entry points. Spiders are tiny ninjas when it comes to finding their way inside. Check for cracks in walls, gaps in windows, and spaces under doors. Use caulking and weather stripping to seal these entry points and cut off their access.
It may also be time to channel your inner Marie Kondo. Decluttering not only makes your home look fabulous but also removes potential spider hideouts. Regularly clean and vacuum to disturb any sneaky web-building activities in progress.
Finally, take some steps to control humidity indoors. Using dehumidifiers in damp areas can make your home less inviting to spiders. Fix any leaks and make sure you have proper ventilation in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and basements.
Managing Spiders if They’re Already Inside
Want to go natural? Peppermint oil, vinegar, and citrus are known to repel spiders. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around window sills and corners. The fresh scent will be delightful for you and deterring for spiders.
Regular cleaning also helps to disrupt spider habitats. Dust and vacuum corners, behind furniture, and other nooks and crannies. This not only catches spiders but also removes their egg sacs and webs.
Unfortunately, sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. If spiders are making your life a living nightmare, it might be time to call in the pros. Green Magic Pest Control in Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix, and ‘The Valley’ can help you evict those eight-legged invaders for good.
Fun Facts About Spiders That Might Make You Less Scared
Yes, spiders are creepy, but they’re also doing you a solid by keeping other pests in check. They eat mosquitoes, flies, and other annoying insects, acting as a natural pest control force.
The majority of spiders you’ll encounter are harmless to humans. Only a few, like the black widow and brown recluse, pose any real danger. Most spiders just want to go about their web-building business without bothering you.
Don’t forget, next time you spot a spider, it’s not there to scare you. It’s just looking for a cozy place to live. However, if sharing your space with these eight-legged guests isn’t your thing, Green Magic Pest Control is here to help. We serve Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix, and ‘The Valley,’ providing expert pest control services to keep your home spider-free.
Ready to take action? Contact Green Magic Pest Control today and enjoy a spider-free home!
