Around the world it is spiders here, spiders there, and spiders everywhere. Spiders are so common and exist in such wide varieties that most everyone has seen them, heard about them and even been bitten by them. Spiders are the subject of much myth and folklore, some created out of fear and some borne out of respect for these adaptable creatures. Spiders are very closely related to scorpions, mites and ticks. Many people think of spider as a pest and they certainly can get out of hand but many species of spiders are beneficial to humans, making a meal out of other, less desirable insect pests. The most common way spiders attract and trap their prey is by the ingenious use of the silk webs most of us are familiar with.



Most folks do not like idea of spiders hanging around the house and some spiders can indeed pose a problem because of their bite. Few species of North American spiders are fatal to humans but some spider bites can be serious and require immediate medical attention. Never take a chance and always seek medical attention if you are unsure as to what species of spider put the bite on you.

Controlling spiders and keeping your house as spider-free as possible involves many of the same steps needed to prevent other pests from getting into your home and most of these steps can be taken by the average homeowner. Spiders very often enter the house through small gaps and cracks in the foundation. Check around the base of your house for cracks and seal them up. In most cases caulking compound or self-expanding foam products will do the job and are readily available at your local hardware or home improvement store. Check your window and door screens making sure that they are in good repair.

Now that you have sealed the exterior of your home, the next step is to make the interior of the house a less desirable place for spiders to take up residence. Spiders like to feed on other insects so keeping your home and dust free is good start. The vacuum cleaner is your friend when it comes to pest control so use it often. Regular cleaning with a vacuum cleaner will remove dust and dander, even the remains of other bugs that may act to attract spiders. The basement can be a particularly inviting spot for spiders to hang out so keeping the basement clean and dry is important.

Many species of spiders prefer a damp environment so make sure that areas under sinks and cabinets are clean and dry. Repair any leaky pipes and insulate things like cold water supply pipes which may drip condensation during humid weather conditions. Pipe insulation products are available at most any hardware or home improvement store.

The work continues outside the home. Weeds, grass and mulches can hold moisture and create a welcome place for spiders to establish themselves. Try to keep these materials away from the base of your home if at all possible. If you prefer a more landscaped look you might try replacing your mulch beds with some ornamental stone. Check the gutters and downspouts too and make sure that the rain water drains well away from the base of the house. Maintaining a clean home both inside and out can make it less likely that spiders or other pests will feel like moving in.

There are chemical pesticides available to control spiders but using these products comes with a certain amount of risk to you, your pets and your plants. Consider consulting a professional before applying any chemicals in or around your home.