What Attracts Spiders?

Our fully inclusive guide on what to watch out for that might attract spiders into your home.

It never comes as a massive surprise when we find spiders within our homes, does it? Yes, we might get a bit of a shock – and usually the bigger the spider, the bigger the shock! – but it’s fairly commonplace to find spiders within the home. It wouldn’t be like finding a poisonous scorpion, for example.

But why is it so common for us to find these eight legged creatures within our homes? What attracts spiders? Is it something that we’re doing?

Read on for our fully inclusive guide on what might be attracting spiders into your home!

What is the Main Thing that Brings Spiders into the Home?

Spiders are carnivorous beings, meaning that they feed on other kinds of spiders and insects, mainly.

The main reason spiders will come into your home, is to feed. So the more insects that you have in your house generally, the more likely spiders are to come and build webs there, in order to feed regularly. It just makes sense really, doesn’t it?

When feeding upon insects, spiders will usually take one of two approaches. They will either:

•         Catch them in the webs that they spin.
•         Go on the hunt, and ambush them.

It all really depends on the kind of spider we’re talking about, as they all have different approaches to hunting and feeding.

For many, spiders can actually be useful. If you’re a keen gardener, or even just grow plants within the home, then spiders are a great method of free pest control – so long as you can put up with them sharing your space.

However, if spiders really don’t do it for you, and you want them gone, then one of the most effective methods of getting rid of them naturally, is to cut off their food supply – so basically get rid of the other insects in your home.

What Other Things Will Attract Spiders?

Finally, insects, despite being the main thing, aren’t the only thing that will attract spiders into your home.

We’re going to be looking at some of the other factors below!

 Warmth

Throughout the winter, spiders will be attracted to the warmth of your home.

Water

Some spiders do require water to survive, and will therefore make a bee line for sinks and baths.

Privacy

Do you value your privacy? Spiders do too! which is why they aren’t usually in easy – to – see spots.

Second Hand Furniture

It might not attract them, but it could bring them into the home!

Domestic Waste

Domestic waste is likely to draw spiders into your home if not disposed of properly. If you want to minimise the chance of spiders coming into your home, you should manage garbage properly.

Fruit

Last of all, but by no means least, fruit may attract spiders into your home. Whether that’s purchasing it, or leaving it out in the fruit bowl. Always have a look before taking a bite!

 Thanks for reading!

FAQ

Are giant house spiders harmful?

No. Despite the large, menacing appearance, giant house spiders can’t hurt you. Spiders are carnivorous beings, but they feed on other animals, so they just need your home to build a web.

They’ll bite you only in self-defence, and even then, they can’t do you harm since they’re not venomous. Spiders could even be useful if you have a garden, serving as free pest control.

Should I be worried if my pet dog or cat eats a house spider?

Since house spiders aren’t venomous, you shouldn’t be too worried about your pet eating one. Cats and dogs are quite resilient, and the only real issue can arise if the spider bites your pet inside their mouth.

However, keep an eye on them for the next few days – they might suffer from an upset stomach and need more care than usual.

Can spiders crawl into your ear while you’re sleeping?

Emergency rooms see some horror cases of people with bugs in their ears once in a while, but it’s generally a rarity.

It’s even less common with spiders, as the most likely bugs to crawl into such tight spaces are cockroaches and smaller house flies. You shouldn’t worry too much about spiders in your ears.