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October marks the beginning of peak spider season, and already I’ve seen an abundance of spiders lurking in my home.
Whether they’re roaming across my floors, hanging out in dark corners, or hiding in other common spots, these creepy crawlies seem to be everywhere—especially when we turn up the heat and offer them a warm sanctuary.
But while our natural reaction is to push, drop or reach for the bug spray, a pest expert explains why keeping spiders around can actually work to your advantage. In fact, the occasional house spider can be super helpful in getting rid of other bugs around the house. Here are two key reasons why.
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1. Spiders act as natural pest control
If you’re dealing with other insects, including moths, ants or mosquitoes, let the spider do the heavy lifting. Common spiders are mainly attracted to your home for food sources and nesting purposes. As natural predators, they love to chase and feed on unwanted insects that crawl into your home this fall.
“Spiders are nature’s own pest controllers,” says John Whiteley-Wilkson, MD, and pest expert at Acorn Environment Services. “Although they are often seen as unwanted guests, they actually help keep populations of flies, moths and other insects under control without the use of chemicals.”
In addition, spiders play a crucial role in the ecosystem and food chain by serving as a vital food source for other animals. It’s a win-win!
“Spider season is not caused by an invasion of new spiders. They usually live quietly around the house for months, but autumn is when the males leave their webs in search of a mate, which makes them much more visible.”
2. Spiders can indicate another pest problem
Another benefit of having spiders is that they can signal a wider pest problem.
In fact, if you have noticed a sudden increase in spider activity in a specific area of the house, it usually indicates an underground food source that attracts them.
“Spiders don’t move into a property for no reason,” adds Whiteley-Wilkson. “If you see more than usual, it’s often worth asking what they’re eating. An increase in spider activity can sometimes indicate another insect problem that hasn’t been noticed yet.”
Another reason to see more spiders outside your home could be your outdoor lighting – which is often not controlled. Our outdoor lights attract insects, creating undisturbed zones where food sources and comfortable shelter are plentiful.
However, if you suspect a spider infestation, it’s always best to call your local pest control to get the right guidance and deterrent.
When should you worry?
While encountering an occasional spider is completely harmless and normal, seeing a large number of them consistently can be a cause for concern. In fact, experts suggest it could be a wider pest problem that should be investigated.
“A single spider now and then is nothing to worry about,” adds Whiteley-Wilkson. “However, if you regularly see large numbers of spiders throughout the property, it is worth looking for the reason why they are there rather than simply removing them.”
“Spiders have an important place in the natural environment and can even help to reduce other pets. The key is to know the difference between occasional visitors and the signs that it could develop a larger pest problem.”
However, if you’d rather keep spiders and other pests at bay, you can try these 9 plants that repel spiders and keep them out of your home.
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