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Where Do Spiders Live? Habitat of Common House Spiders

By: EarthKind

Most people don’t like the idea of living alongside spiders, but the only place in the world where you won’t find any eight-legged arachnids is Antarctica. Fun fact: did you know that all spiders are arachnids but not all arachnids are spiders? Arachnids have jointed legs and are invertebrates, meaning they do not have a backbone, which includes scorpions, mites, and ticks.

Spider crawling through a dark space

Anyway, before you pack your bags and start looking for an igloo, consider the fact that most spiders are harmless (though there are some dangerous types you should be aware of). They actually plan an important role in our ecosystem by eating insects like wasps, mosquitos, and other bugs that may cause more serious problems.

There are only a few types of spiders that are commonly found inside a home, and finding them isn’t always easy. These pests and their habitats can be hard to spot. They are generally unobtrusive and blend into their surroundings. Find out more about where spiders live in and around the home and what, if anything, you should do about it. 

Spider Habitat

So, where do these pests typically live? Learning about their ideal habitats can help you make sure your house is not the kind of place they want to live.

Because there are thousands of different species of spiders, their habitat varies depending on the species. Some spiders prefer to live indoors and others thrive outside. Regardless of where they live or what kind they are, their basic needs are the same: food, water, and shelter. Of course, food for them means other bugs. 

Species that live outdoors thrive in moist, wooded areas. These spots provide more hiding places and the moisture makes it easier to find other bugs.

House spiders like living in quiet, undisturbed areas where moisture and food are available. They do not need much water, but moisture often attracts other bugs, so spiders will usually choose to live nearby as well.

Spider on white wall with large leg span

They can build webs quickly and easily. Spinning a new web takes less than one day. Although behavior varies depending on the type, common house spiders will usually abandon a web that isn’t catching enough food. The abandoned web that is left behind is what you may call a cobweb. They will then stealthily crawl to another area, perhaps near a door or window, and spin another web in hopes of catching more prey.

Although they generally like quiet areas with little traffic, both indoors and outdoors, they will opt for a busier location if that is where their prey is found. If a house spider can avoid people, it will usually have a life cycle of around 1-2 years, although some species of spiders can have much longer life spans.

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Where Do Spiders Live In The House?

where do spiders live

Common house spiders usually spend their entire life indoors. They live in hidden spaces and undisturbed areas, like behind a bookshelf or underneath the basement stairs. Clutter also provides more hiding spots for them, that’s why basements, garages, and storage spaces tend to be popular among the eight-legged crowd.

They can enter your home in a few different ways. Some may stow away inside an old box you’ve brought in from the garage or in a bundle of firewood brought in from outside, which is especially true of jumping spiders since they prefer to stay outdoors. Items brought in from outside can also contain hidden spider egg sacs that can hatch a large number of spiderlings later. Others may mistakenly wander inside if a door or window is left open. They can enter through very small openings, so dryer vents or areas where cable and plumbing lines pass through the walls of your home are all possible options.

Another way they move around, and may possibly enter the home is by “ballooning.” This method is achieved by spinning a piece of silk but not attaching it to anything. The wind then catches it like a balloon and carries them away. There are no winged spiders, and they cannot fly, but this method of movement allows them to travel great distances through the air.

Spider web with grapes

Occasionally, exotic or dangerous spiders may accidentally be transported along with a shipment of fruit. Although these instances are rare, it is important to carefully wash and inspect any produce you bring into your home.

What To Do If You Find These Pests in Your Home

If the thought of these creepy crawlers makes you want to turn and run the other way, try to consider the facts. Spiders do not cause any property damage. They actually eat other pests that may cause damage like termites, carpenter ants, moths, and stink bugs. Very few are able to deliver a bite that is harmful to people, and they almost always prefer to avoid humans over attacking them. Spider bites are their last defense. Although spider-related deaths are rare, you should seek medical attention if you have reason to believe you’ve been bitten by a black widow or brown recluse.

Despite the fact that they may help control insect populations, many people have some form of arachnophobia or simply don’t want them inside their homes. The best way to get rid of spiders is by making your home less appealing; this means:

  • Sealing potential entry points like cracks and gaps along the building’s foundation.
  • Keeping doors, windows, and screens sealed well.
  • Preventing other insects from inhabiting the area by keeping a clean home.
  • Reducing clutter to limit hiding places.
  • Using a botanical repellent.

Stay Away® Spiders is a plant-based deterrent that’s made with a mix of essential oils and other botanical ingredients. The pouches work to get rid of these pests and prevent them from returning. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of our pest control products.

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