As temperatures drop during late summer and early autumn, you may notice a rise in large house spiders wandering indoors. Male spiders become more active during this season while searching for a mate, leading them to leave their usual hiding spots and wander across floors or climb walls.
Limit lights and seal entry points
Mike Rondas, general manager at Wasp-Eze, says one effective strategy to deter spiders is to limit the use of open windows after dark. Bright interior lights attract flying insects that serve as food for spiders, drawing them closer to your living space.
Householders should inspect their homes for small cracks or gaps around window frames, pipes, and vents that provide easy entry points. Using draught excluders and sealing these openings can significantly reduce the ability of crawling insects to invade.
Reduce hiding spots and food sources
Spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed environments, making areas behind furniture and inside boxes ideal hiding places. Regular vacuuming of corners and skirting boards, combined with reducing household clutter, helps make your home less inviting to these creatures.
Removing potential food sources for insects is a key method for discouraging spiders from staying in your house. Maintaining clean kitchen surfaces and emptying bins regularly helps prevent the flies and other insects that spiders hunt.
Shake clothes and work carefully
Before using clothes or towels that have been left on the floor or stored in undisturbed areas, give them a thorough shake. This simple precaution prevents accidental contact with insects or spiders that may be hiding in these sheltered spaces.
Extra caution is advised when working in sheds, garages, or lofts, as these dark, quiet spaces are preferred homes for various insects. It is wise to wear protective gloves when handling stored items or reaching into areas where visibility is limited.
Remove spiders safely and treat bites
If you need to remove a spider, avoid handling it directly and instead use a glass and a stiff piece of card to relocate it safely. Should you experience a bite, keep the area clean with soap and water and seek medical advice if the condition worsens or shows signs of infection.
