Spider bites are rare events, usually resulting from the spider defending itself rather than actively seeking out a person to bite. Only a small fraction of the world’s approximately 50,000 spider species possess venom that can significantly harm a human, and even fewer have fangs capable of penetrating skin. In North America, only the widow spiders, such as the black widow, and the recluse spiders, like the brown recluse, are medically significant. Focusing on prevention is the most effective approach to avoid accidental contact.
Modifying Personal Behavior to Prevent Bites
Adopting simple, consistent personal habits can dramatically reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with a spider. Spiders often seek shelter in dark, undisturbed places, making items left on the floor or in storage prime hiding spots. Before putting on any clothing, shoes, or gloves that have been stored in a garage, basement, or closet, a thorough shake-out is advisable to dislodge any hiding arachnids.
Wearing protective gear is a straightforward measure when working where spiders are common. Use thick gloves to shield your hands from bites when moving firewood, handling yard debris, or cleaning a crawlspace. Spiders often hide in these materials, and a bite occurs when one is unintentionally trapped against the skin.
It is beneficial to check bedding before getting into it, especially if the bed is positioned near a wall, as spiders sometimes fall or wander onto sheets. When retrieving towels or clothing from a clothesline or laundry basket, give them a quick inspection and shake. These small actions create a consistent defense against inadvertently trapping a spider against your body.
Sealing Your Home Against Spider Entry
Implementing physical exclusion measures is the most effective long-term strategy for preventing spiders from gaining access to the interior of a structure. Spiders can enter through surprisingly small openings, sometimes needing only a crack the width of a credit card to squeeze through. A comprehensive inspection of the home’s exterior is necessary to identify these small entry points.
Use silicone caulk to seal cracks, gaps, and crevices around window frames and door casings. These areas are common points of entry and should be inspected annually, as caulk can deteriorate and crack over time. Installing door sweeps on all exterior doors closes the gap between the bottom of the door and the threshold.
Ensure that all window and attic screens are intact and properly fitted, repairing any tears or holes immediately. Check where utility lines, pipes, and cables enter the house, using caulk, expanding foam, or steel wool to seal the spaces around these penetrations. Sealing these gaps not only blocks spider entry but also prevents other pests that spiders prey upon from getting inside.
Reducing exterior lighting is another helpful step, as bright lights attract the insects that spiders feed on. Replacing standard outdoor bulbs with yellow or sodium vapor lights can lessen the attraction of prey near the home’s perimeter. Keeping vegetation, such as shrubs and vines, trimmed back and away from the exterior walls also reduces potential bridges for spiders to access the house.
Eliminating Indoor Spider Habitats
Once a spider has gained access to the home, removing its preferred habitats is the next line of defense. Spiders are attracted to dark, cluttered environments that offer ample hiding spots and a steady supply of insect prey. Reducing clutter, particularly in storage areas like basements, garages, and closets, removes many of these appealing shelters.
Store all items in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes, which spiders can easily penetrate and use as nesting sites. Cardboard also absorbs moisture, creating a more favorable environment for many pests. When storing materials, move them away from the walls and off the floor to reduce the number of undisturbed, protected spaces.
Regular and thorough cleaning of the living space is necessary to disrupt spider activity. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove webs, spiders, and egg sacs from corners, behind furniture, and along baseboards and ceilings. Promptly disposing of egg sacs is important, as they can contain dozens to hundreds of spiderlings.
A clean home reduces the food sources for spiders, as regular dusting and vacuuming remove other insects and their eggs. Spiders are less likely to stay in an environment where their primary food source is scarce. Maintaining a tidy, well-organized indoor space makes the home less hospitable.