Many people feel uneasy about spiders in their beds. This article provides factual information to clarify common misconceptions and offers practical advice regarding spiders in bedrooms. Understanding spider behavior and simple prevention strategies can help alleviate concerns.
Do Spiders Seek Out Beds?
Spiders do not intentionally seek out beds as habitats. Their presence in a bed is accidental, as they wander in search of food, shelter, or warmth. Beds offer temporary refuge, especially in colder periods, due to bedding insulation.
Beds are not ideal long-term environments for spiders because they lack consistent food sources or stable web-building locations. Spiders may crawl onto a bed while pursuing insects like flies or mosquitoes, attracted by crumbs or moisture. Sometimes, a spider’s appearance in a bed is simply due to exploration.
Common Spiders Found Indoors
Several spider species are commonly found inside homes, including bedrooms, and most are not considered dangerous. The American house spider, Parasteatoda tepidariorum, is a frequent indoor resident, often spin tangled webs in corners. These spiders are relatively small, typically gray or brown, and control insects like flies.
Cellar spiders, with long, thin legs and small bodies, also inhabit homes, preferring quiet, damp areas such as basements or closets. They construct loose, irregular webs and are harmless. Wolf spiders, larger and hairy, are agile hunters that do not build webs but actively pursue prey; they may enter homes, especially those with outdoor access.
Minimizing Spiders in Your Bedroom
To reduce spiders in your bedroom, implement these strategies. Seal entry points by caulking cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards. Ensure window screens are intact and door sweeps are installed. Reduce clutter, especially under the bed and in corners, to eliminate hiding spots.
Regular cleaning (vacuuming floors, dusting surfaces) removes webs, egg sacs, and spider food sources. Controlling other insect populations also decreases spiders, as they enter seeking prey. Limiting bright outdoor lights near windows deters insects spiders feed on, reducing spider attraction. Natural deterrents like peppermint oil, citrus, or vinegar can be sprayed, as spiders dislike strong scents.
Addressing Spider Concerns
While finding a spider in your bed can be startling, most common house spiders are not aggressive and rarely bite humans. Bites are typically defensive, occurring if a spider feels trapped or is pressed against skin. Most house spider venom is not potent enough to cause significant harm, often resulting in minor irritation.
If a spider is encountered in the bed, safe removal is possible. Place a cup or jar over the spider and slide paper underneath for easy capture and relocation outdoors. Spiders prefer to avoid humans, seeking to escape rather than engage.