The thought of a spider crawling on one’s body at night is a common concern, stemming from general unease about spiders and the bedroom. Many wonder if these eight-legged creatures truly venture onto sleeping individuals.
The Truth About Spiders and Sleep
The notion of spiders intentionally seeking out sleeping humans is largely unfounded. Spiders are not predatory on large, warm-blooded creatures; their primary interest lies in capturing insects for food. They perceive humans as a threat and avoid close contact whenever possible.
A spider’s natural inclination is to find quiet, secluded areas where they can build webs and hunt undisturbed. Human beds, with their frequent movement, warmth, and the regular exhalation of carbon dioxide, do not offer an attractive or stable environment for a spider. The vibrations from breathing and shifting during sleep further deter spiders from approaching.
While a spider might accidentally wander onto a bed, perhaps by falling or being dislodged, such an event is exceedingly rare. Spiders lack any compelling reason to venture onto a sleeping person, as they do not seek human warmth, moisture, or any resource a human body provides. Their behavior is driven by instinctual needs for shelter and prey, neither of which involves human interaction.
Why Spiders Enter Homes
Spiders enter homes for specific environmental reasons, not to interact with occupants. One primary motivation is seeking refuge from unfavorable outdoor conditions, such as extreme cold, heat, or heavy rain. A home provides a stable microclimate more hospitable than the fluctuating external environment.
Another factor drawing spiders indoors is the availability of prey. Homes often harbor various insects, like flies, mosquitoes, and smaller spiders, which serve as a readily accessible food source. Spiders follow their food, so an abundance of indoor insects can lead to a higher spider presence. They might also enter by accident, wandering through open doors or windows, or through cracks and gaps in the foundation.
Keeping Spiders Out of Your Bed and Home
Reducing the likelihood of spiders in your living space involves several practical steps focused on exclusion and habitat modification. Sealing potential entry points is a primary defense, including caulking cracks in foundations, around windows, and door frames. Installing screens on windows and doors, and ensuring existing screens are in good repair, can prevent many insects, including spiders, from entering.
Maintaining a tidy indoor environment also discourages spider populations. Regularly vacuuming and dusting removes webs, egg sacs, and potential food sources. Reducing clutter, particularly in less-used areas like basements, attics, and closets, eliminates hiding spots. Controlling other indoor insect populations through cleanliness and prompt cleanup of food spills reduces the food supply for spiders, making your home less appealing.