Spiders May Not Be The Problem, But A Symptom

Finding spiders (or their webs) in your home is a problem. We know that one spider in your home is one spider too many. But seeing an indoor spider isn't necessarily evidence of a spider infestation. These arachnids can come in and go right back out. Today, we'll explain why spiders come into your yard, how they find their way indoors, and identify what might cause them to stick around. We'll also give you some practical tips along the way. As always, we're here if you need help with any pest issues. Northwest Exterminating is a locally operated company that provides professional pest control in Phoenix, Tucson, and Southern Arizona. 

The problem of spiders begins in your yard

Before you notice a big, hairy tarantula indoors or find a black widow living in an old appliance stored in your garage, these and other spiders will travel across your property to get to your home. Why do they make this trek? The promise of food. What do spiders eat? Bugs. Here are some examples of what may bring bugs into your yard:

• Crawling insects and multi-legged bugs may enter your yard and hide under rocks, lawn ornaments, and other objects in your yard.
• Bugs may smell fruit that has fallen at the base of a tree or berries on a bush.
• Insects may smell the scent of trash in an open receptacle.
• Exterior light sources may draw insects into your yard.
• Flowering plants may provide nectar for insects.
• Low-lying vegetation might provide hiding places for lizards.

If your yard is attractive to insects, the pest population will rise. When they do, spiders will notice.

How spiders and other pests encroach

It is one thing to have pests in your yard, but another thing to have them on the exterior of your home—or flying around near an entryway. Here are a few ways pests may get into your home.

• When a trash receptacle is near an exterior door, flying pests may enter when the door opens. If the trash receptacle is dirty or uncovered, there is an even greater chance of entry.
• Moving trash receptacles and managing the scent of garbage can reduce trouble with flying (and crawling) pests that target decaying food sources.
• When insects fly around lights left on in an entryway, they can zip right in when the door is opened. Keeping lights off until needed can help to reduce this issue. You may also consider replacing white lights with yellow lights. Why? Because insects can't detect yellow light.
• Many pests get underneath plant clippings, leaves, sticks, and other organic debris. When these are near the exterior of your home, it can lead to indoor pest problems.

It is essential to consider the factors that bring pests close to your home.

How spiders and other pests find their way indoors   

Many indoor pests get in because they can. When they crawl near your home, they can't help but exploit gaps in weatherstripping, door sweeps, and seals around utility penetrations. To keep pests and the spiders that eat them out, you must apply some form of pest-proofing.

What does it mean when you see indoor spiders?

At this point, you should be able to answer this question easily. Seeing spiders inside your home is a symptom of a larger pest problem. Spiders go where pests are found.

• They come into your yard because there are bugs to eat.
• They come near your home in search of hidden pests.
• They get in through small gaps.
• They search for food indoors and stay when they find it.

Even if you see one spider in your home, it is a warning sign that you need pest control.

How can a pest control professional help?

When you contact Northwest Exterminating for home pest control services, we can help you eliminate spiders and keep them out of your home. We start in your yard.

• We inspect your property and spot treat to reduce pest populations. Fewer pests will result in fewer spiders.
• We treat key areas, such as around your trash receptacles.
• We provide insights about pest management on your property.
• We routinely apply an exterior treatment to keep pests from entering through tiny cracks and crevices.

Want to learn more about our award-winning pest protection? It is easy to get started. Reach out and speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable agents. We'll help you find the right pest control plan for your home and family.

We also offer Desert Guard, an insect and rodent exclusion service that seals up Arizona homes so that pests cannot get inside. If you’d like to make sure spiders and other pests can’t get inside, give us a call.