Spider Control – What You Should Know
Why they appear, what attracts them, and when to take action.
Seeing spiders at home is unsettling, but prevention and targeted treatment are possible.
Where Spiders Come From
Seasonal behavior
Late summer and fall drive spiders indoors seeking shelter; in spring, males roam looking for mates. Web-builders stay put; hunting spiders wander.
Entry points
Torn screens, gaps under doors, unsealed utility lines, soffits, attic vents, and cracks in foundations or siding.
Shared environments
Outdoor lighting that draws insects, dense vegetation touching the house, stacked firewood, and cluttered garages provide food and shelter.
What You Can Do at Home
- Repair or replace window/door screens; add door sweeps and weatherstripping.
- Switch exterior lights to warm/“bug” bulbs or motion sensors to reduce insect prey.
- Vacuum webs, egg sacs, and spiders; discard the vacuum bag/canister contents outdoors.
- Reduce clutter in basements, garages, and storage rooms; use sealed plastic bins.
- Control humidity (dehumidifier in basements), and fix leaks/condensation.
- Trim shrubs/trees away from walls; move woodpiles and leaf litter 1–2 ft from the foundation.
- Seal cracks around baseboards and utility penetrations with caulk/foam.
- Place sticky monitors in corners and along baseboards to track activity.
What Attracts Them to Homes
- Food (other insects): Lights and open windows bring prey; spiders follow.
- Shelter: Quiet, undisturbed spaces—basements, garages, storage rooms, ceiling corners.
- Moisture: Damp basements, bathrooms, and crawlspaces.
Why Spiders Are a Concern
Bites & reactions
Bites are uncommon and most local species are harmless, but stings/bites can cause irritation or anxiety. Seek medical care if a severe reaction occurs.
Nuisance webs & egg sacs
Webs collect dust and look messy; one egg sac can release many spiderlings.
Underlying pest pressure
Spiders signal a strong insect population; addressing prey reduces spiders long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dangerous spiders common in Ontario?
No. Most species here are harmless. Black widow sightings are rare; brown recluse is not established in Ontario. We identify species during inspection and tailor control accordingly.
Do sprays keep spiders away?
Residual sprays alone give limited results. The best program combines exclusion (screens/seals), sanitation (web removal), light management, and targeted treatments where spiders harbor and where prey insects are active.
How long until I see fewer spiders and webs?
You’ll notice immediate improvement after web removal and targeted treatments. Additional reduction typically occurs over 2–4 weeks as egg sacs are addressed and prey declines.
Can I prevent spiders without chemicals?
Yes—fix screens and gaps, manage lighting, reduce clutter/humidity, vacuum webs/egg sacs, and use sticky monitors. These steps are core to any program.
Do spiders mean I have other pests?
Often. Spiders set up where flies, moths, and other insects are plentiful. Controlling those pests reduces spider pressure.
What should I do before a visit?
Clear floor edges and corners, pull items 6–12″ from walls in problem rooms, note “hot spots,” and secure pets during service.