Spiders are one of the most common household pests in Rockwall, TX. While most species are harmless, some, like the black widow and brown recluse, pose serious risks. Even non-venomous spiders can be unsettling when they invade your home, leaving behind webs and making their way into living spaces.
Many homeowners assume that occasional spider sightings are normal, but an increase in spider activity often indicates an underlying pest problem. Since spiders primarily feed on other insects, their presence suggests a larger issue that needs attention. These also need attention.
This guide covers why spiders enter homes, the best prevention methods, and effective spider control solutions to keep your home spider-free year-round.
Why Do Spiders Invade Homes?
1. Food Sources (Other Insects)
Spiders don’t invade homes for warmth or shelter—they enter because there’s food inside. If your home has ants, flies, roaches, or other small insects, spiders will stay nearby to feed.
✔ If you’re seeing more spiders, check for an insect infestation as well.
✔ Professional pest control that eliminates their food source will also reduce spider populations.
2. Clutter and Hiding Spots
Spiders love dark, undisturbed areas where they can build webs and nest.
✔ Basements, attics, storage closets, and garages provide ideal hiding places.
✔ Cardboard boxes, stacks of paper, and rarely-used items attract spiders looking for shelter.
3. Cracks, Gaps, and Openings
Spiders enter homes through:
✔ Small gaps in windows, doors, and foundation cracks.
✔ Vents, crawl spaces, and chimneys that provide easy entry.
Since spiders don’t need large openings to get inside, sealing gaps is essential for prevention.
The Most Common Spiders in Texas Homes
Brown Recluse
🕷 Dangerous – Their venom causes painful skin necrosis.
🕷 Identifying Features – Light brown with a violin-shaped marking on the back.
🕷 Where They Hide – Closets, attics, basements, and under furniture.
Black Widow
🕷 Highly Venomous – Can cause severe muscle pain and breathing issues.
🕷 Identifying Features – Shiny black body with a red hourglass marking.
🕷 Where They Hide – Dark, undisturbed corners, woodpiles, and sheds.
Wolf Spider
🕷 Non-Venomous – Large and fast-moving but not dangerous.
🕷 Identifying Features – Brown and hairy with long legs.
🕷 Where They Hide – Garages, basements, and near doors.
House Spider
🕷 Harmless – The most common indoor spider.
🕷 Identifying Features – Small, brown, and often found in corners.
🕷 Where They Hide – Ceilings, walls, and window sills.
If venomous spiders like brown recluses or black widows are found in your home, professional extermination is recommended to remove them safely.
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home
1. Seal Entry Points
Blocking spider access points prevents them from getting inside.
✔ Use caulk to seal gaps in windows, doors, and walls.
✔ Install door sweeps to close gaps under doors.
✔ Cover vents and chimneys with fine mesh screens.
2. Remove Their Food Source
Since spiders eat other pests, eliminating insects will naturally reduce spider activity.
✔ Keep your home free of ants, roaches, flies, and mosquitoes.
✔ Use outdoor lighting sparingly, as bright lights attract flying insects.
✔ Store food properly to prevent pantry pests from attracting spiders.
3. Keep Your Home Clean & Clutter-Free
Reducing hiding spots discourages spiders from settling indoors.
✔ Declutter basements, attics, and storage rooms.
✔ Store items in plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.
✔ Sweep away cobwebs regularly, even in unused areas.
4. Eliminate Outdoor Spider Habitats
Many spider problems start outside before moving indoors.
✔ Trim bushes and trees away from your house.
✔ Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home.
✔ Remove piles of leaves, mulch, and other debris where spiders can hide.
5. Use Natural Spider Repellents
Certain scents and ingredients naturally deter spiders.
✔ Peppermint oil – Mix with water and spray around entry points.
✔ Citrus peels – Place near windows and doors.
✔ Vinegar solution – Wipe down surfaces where spiders frequently appear.
These methods can help, but they won’t eliminate an existing infestation—for that, professional pest control is necessary.
How to Get Rid of a Spider Infestation
If spiders have already moved in, DIY methods may not be enough. Here’s what to do:
1. Vacuum Spiders and Webs
Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove visible spiders, webs, and egg sacs.
✔ Empty the vacuum outside immediately to prevent spiders from returning.
✔ Check ceilings, corners, and behind furniture for hidden webs.
2. Use Sticky Traps
Place glue traps along walls, baseboards, and entry points to catch spiders.
✔ Change traps regularly to monitor spider activity.
✔ Avoid using bug sprays near traps, as they reduce effectiveness.
3. Apply Residual Insecticides
Professional-grade sprays create a barrier that repels spiders and kills insects they feed on.
✔ Apply insecticide along baseboards, windows, and outdoor perimeters.
✔ Use dust insecticides in attics and crawl spaces where spiders hide.
4. Call a Professional Exterminator
If spider activity persists despite DIY efforts, it’s time for professional pest control.
Spidermen Services specializes in targeted spider treatments, removing infestations at the source. Our experts:
✔ Identify high-risk areas for venomous spiders.
✔ Apply long-lasting treatments that keep spiders away.
✔ Offer ongoing pest control to prevent future infestations.
Don’t Let Spiders Take Over Your Home
Spiders may be beneficial outdoors, but inside your home, they become a serious problem. The best way to keep them away is through consistent prevention and professional pest control.
Take a look at this guide for more spider prevention strategies.
