Spiders are generally not interested in human food, such as sugar, produce, or crumbs. Spiders are almost entirely carnivorous predators that hunt and consume live prey. They lack the biological mechanisms to eat solid food like a scavenger would. Their presence indoors is instead a direct result of the availability of other living organisms.
Spiders Are Predators, Not Scavengers
The diet of nearly all known spider species consists of live insects and other arthropods. Spiders are highly specialized hunters, relying on methods from spinning intricate webs to actively stalking their meals. These arachnids are equipped with a unique feeding apparatus that prevents them from consuming solid matter.
A spider’s digestive system is designed for external digestion. Once they capture prey, they inject it with venom to paralyze it, followed by digestive enzymes. These enzymes liquefy the prey’s internal tissues, turning the insect’s insides into a consumable “soup” that the spider then sucks into its narrow gut.
Their mouthparts do not allow for chewing or biting off pieces of solid food. Therefore, dropped bread, spilled sugar, or forgotten produce holds no nutritional value for a spider in its solid form. Even the few species that occasionally consume plant matter, such as nectar or pollen, still require a mostly carnivorous diet to survive and must dissolve these substances before ingestion.
What Really Attracts Spiders to Kitchens
While spiders ignore human food, they are highly attracted to areas where their food sources are abundant. The presence of spiders in a kitchen is a reliable indicator of an underlying insect population. Kitchens, pantries, and food storage areas frequently draw pests like ants, fruit flies, moths, and cockroaches, which are the true targets of the spider.
Crumbs left on the counter, unsealed dry goods, or sticky residue serve as primary attractants for smaller insect pests. Stored product pests, such as grain beetles and pantry moths, are often found near open flour bags or cereal boxes. The spider is simply following its food chain, setting up webs or hunting routes where the insect traffic is heaviest.
Moisture and high humidity levels in kitchens, often near sinks or leaky pipes, also attract small insects and, subsequently, spiders. Flying insects, like gnats and flies, are drawn to kitchen odors and light sources, creating a perfect hunting ground for web-building spiders. The spider is attracted to this insect population, which is indirectly created by the presence of human food or moisture.
Controlling Spiders By Eliminating Prey Sources
Since spiders are predators that follow their prey, the most effective method for controlling their presence is to eliminate the secondary insect population. This strategy involves a comprehensive approach focused on sanitation and exclusion. Thoroughly cleaning up food spills, crumbs, and grease residue immediately removes the initial attractant for nuisance insects.
Proper food storage is necessary to cut off the insects’ food supply. All dry goods, like flour, sugar, pasta, and pet food, should be kept in sealed, airtight containers. Reducing moisture by fixing leaky faucets and using dehumidifiers in damp areas will also discourage humidity-loving insects and the spiders that hunt them.
Physical exclusion prevents both insects and spiders from entering the home. Inspect and seal any cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, and openings where utility lines enter the house using caulk or weatherstripping. By consistently eliminating the insect food source and sealing entry points, the home becomes a less viable habitat for spiders.