As the weather cools and the days get shorter, many homeowners notice an increase in unwanted houseguests—especially spiders. Fall is a peak season for spiders to make their way indoors. You might see them in your basement, bathroom, corners of your ceiling, or hiding in dark closets. But why does this happen, and more importantly, how can you stop it?
This guide will help you understand why spiders come inside during the fall and provide easy, effective tips to keep them out. Whether you're simply scared of spiders or want a pest-free home, these spider prevention strategies will make a huge difference. And if things get out of hand, remember you can always count on professional pest control services in Los Angeles for help.
Why Do Spiders Enter Homes in the Fall?
Fall is spider season for a few reasons:
Cooler Weather: Spiders prefer warmth. As temperatures drop outside, your cozy home becomes a perfect shelter.
Mating Season: Fall is when many spiders look for mates, which increases their movement and visibility.
Searching for Food: Other bugs move indoors during fall, too, and spiders follow them in search of their next meal.
You might think your house is clean and sealed, but even the smallest gaps, cracks, or open windows can let spiders in.
How to Prevent Spiders in Your Home This Fall
Keeping spiders away from your home involves a combination of cleanliness, sealing off entry points, and using safe repellents. Here's a breakdown of the most effective prevention methods:
1. Seal Cracks and Gaps Around Your Home
Spiders can crawl through the tiniest spaces. Take a walk around your home and look for:
Cracks in the foundation
Gaps in window frames and door seals
Spaces around utility pipes and vents
Torn window screens
Use caulk to seal cracks and weatherstripping for doors and windows. This not only keeps spiders out but also improves energy efficiency.
2. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Spiders love clutter. It gives them perfect hiding spots. Follow these cleaning tips:
Vacuum regularly—especially in corners, behind furniture, and under beds
Clean out storage areas like basements, attics, and garages
Avoid piling clothes or cardboard boxes on the floor
Shake out shoes and clothes before wearing them if they’ve been sitting unused
A tidy, well-maintained home gives spiders fewer places to hide or spin webs.
3. Remove Existing Webs Immediately
If you spot a spider web inside or outside your home, remove it right away. Webs are signs that spiders have settled in and may attract more. Use a vacuum, broom, or web removal tool to get rid of them.
Pro tip: Clean out outdoor spaces, too. Webs near windows, under eaves, or in patio corners are just as important to remove.
4. Reduce Outdoor Lighting at Night
Lights attract insects. Insects attract spiders. It’s a chain reaction.
To break the cycle:
Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night
Use motion sensors or yellow bug-repellent bulbs
Close your blinds or curtains to block indoor light from escaping
This simple step can significantly reduce the number of bugs (and spiders) near your home.
5. Use Natural Spider Repellents
Many natural substances repel spiders. Consider using:
Peppermint Oil: Spiders hate the strong scent. Mix 10–15 drops with water and spray around entry points, baseboards, and corners.
Vinegar Spray: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and spray it where spiders may enter.
Citrus Peels: Rub lemon or orange peels on window sills or door frames.
These non-toxic methods are safe for kids and pets and smell great too!
6. Trim Outdoor Vegetation
Spiders often build their webs in bushes, trees, and shrubs close to the house.
To minimize this:
Trim plants away from windows and exterior walls
Keep firewood and compost bins away from your home
Avoid piling leaves or mulch too close to the foundation
Reducing the natural habitat around your home’s exterior discourages spiders from hanging around.
7. Store Food and Trash Properly
Though spiders don’t eat human food, the pests they do eat (like flies and ants) are attracted to food and garbage.
To avoid this:
Store food in airtight containers
Wipe kitchen surfaces and floors regularly
Empty trash bins frequently and seal the lids
Fewer insects mean less food for spiders, and fewer spiders inside your home.
8. Fix Leaks and Control Humidity
Spiders are often found in damp places like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.
To limit their attraction:
Repair leaky faucets and pipes
Use dehumidifiers in humid rooms
Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens
A dry environment is much less appealing to spiders.
9. Use Sticky Traps
Place sticky traps near baseboards, under furniture, and in closets. These traps can catch spiders and help you track where they are coming from.
Sticky traps are inexpensive and available at most hardware or home improvement stores.
10. Call Professional Pest Control Services
If spiders are becoming a problem despite your best efforts, it’s time to call in the pros. Professional pest control services in Los Angeles have the tools, experience, and products to handle even severe infestations.
Benefits of hiring an expert pest control:
Tailored treatment plans
Long-lasting prevention solutions
Safe and eco-friendly products
Free inspections and expert advice
A professional pest control service in Los Angeles, like Pest Control Xpertz, can give you peace of mind and a spider-free home.
Common Spiders Found in Homes During Fall
Knowing what kinds of spiders you're dealing with can help you better understand their behavior. Common fall invaders include:
House Spiders: Harmless but fast breeders.
Wolf Spiders: Large and scary-looking, but not aggressive.
Cellar Spiders: Also known as "daddy longlegs," they love damp spaces.
Brown Recluse: Rare but dangerous; seek professional help if you suspect one.
Black Widow: Found mostly in undisturbed areas like garages and sheds. Their bite can be serious.
Most spiders are not dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you want them sharing your home.
Fall Spider Prevention Checklist
Here’s a quick recap:
Seal cracks and entry points
Vacuum regularly and remove webs
Store food and trash properly
Reduce clutter and spider hiding spots
Use natural repellents like peppermint and vinegar
Keep outdoor lights off when not needed
Trim plants and remove leaf piles
Control moisture and humidity
Use sticky traps for monitoring
Call pest control in Los Angeles if needed
Why Choose Pest Control Xpertz in Los Angeles?
If you’re dealing with a spider issue you can’t manage on your own, Pest Control Xpertz offers reliable, affordable, and effective solutions. Here’s why Los Angeles homeowners trust us:
Fast and professional service
Child- and pet-safe treatments
Licensed and insured technicians
Customized spider control plans
Serving all neighborhoods in Los Angeles
Visit Pest Control Xpertz Los Angeles to schedule your free inspection today.
Conclusion
Spiders in the home are a common fall problem, but they don’t have to be a permanent one. By keeping your space clean, sealing up entry points, and using natural deterrents, you can drastically reduce the number of spiders that enter your home.
And when you need backup, expert pest control in Los Angeles is just a call away.
Don’t let fall become spider season in your home—take action today and enjoy a pest-free environment all season long.
