Why Spiders Love Your Home

(And What You Can Do About It) When fall arrives, crisp air and colorful leaves make Virginia and North Carolina feel like a postcard. But there’s one seasonal visitor nobody invited — spiders.

As the weather cools, spiders move indoors in search of warmth and food. And while most are harmless, few things make your heart jump faster than spotting a web across your hallway or a spider scurrying across the bathtub.

At VACO Pest Management, we know that understanding the “why” behind these creepy crawlers is the first step to keeping them out — so let’s break down what’s really going on this October.

Why Spiders Show Up in Fall

During the summer, most spiders live outdoors, quietly helping to keep mosquito, fly, and gnat populations in check. But as fall temperatures drop, their behavior changes. By October, many spider species have reached full maturity. That means it’s mating season, and males are on the move looking for partners. It’s also survival season — cooler nights drive spiders toward the warm, stable environments that homes and garages provide.

Some of their favorite entry points include:

• Gaps around door frames and windows

• Cracks in foundations or siding

• Vents, weep holes, or torn window screens

• Open garage doors or basement vents

  
  

Once inside, spiders settle in dark, quiet areas — attics, basements, closets, crawl spaces, and behind furniture. These areas mimic their natural hiding spots and often provide a steady food supply of small insects. In short: your cozy home becomes their cozy home.

Are Spiders Dangerous?

The majority of spiders you’ll see in Virginia and North Carolina are beneficial and harmless. They actually help reduce other pest populations like flies, ants, and mosquitoes. But it’s smart to know which species to look out for.

Common, Harmless Species

• Common House Spider: Builds messy webs in corners and windows. Harmless but persistent.

  
  

• Cellar Spider (aka “Daddy Longlegs”): Thin legs, loves basements and crawl spaces. Great at catching mosquitoes and flies.

  
  

• Wolf Spider: Large and hairy, often mistaken for tarantulas. Doesn’t build webs — hunts on foot. Can look intimidating, but not aggressive.

  
  

Venomous Species to Watch For

• Black Widow Spider: Shiny black with a red hourglass marking on its abdomen. Found in sheds, garages, and woodpiles. A bite can cause muscle cramps, nausea, and pain — medical attention is important.

• Brown Recluse Spider: Light brown with a violin-shaped marking on its back. Prefers undisturbed areas like boxes, closets, and attics. Rare in this region but possible; its bite can cause skin irritation or tissue damage.

  
  

If you suspect a venomous spider or can’t identify one safely, don’t handle it. Take a photo from a safe distance and call VACO Pest Management — we’ll confirm the species and handle removal properly.

How to Prevent Spiders This Season

You can’t control the weather, but you can make your home less inviting to spiders. Here’s how to reduce their hiding places and food sources:

1. Seal Up Entry Points

Inspect door frames, windows, and your home’s foundation. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal gaps, and install fine-mesh screens on vents or weep holes.

2. Reduce Clutter

Spiders love cluttered spaces because they offer protection. Keep storage areas tidy, especially in basements, attics, and garages. Use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes (which attract other pests, too).

3. Vacuum and Dust Regularly

Removing cobwebs, egg sacs, and small insects helps discourage spiders from staying. Pay attention to corners, ceilings, and behind furniture where webs often form.

4. Control Other Insects

Spiders come where the food is. Regular pest maintenance — even simple measures like keeping outdoor lights off or cleaning crumbs — reduces insect activity and, in turn, spider activity.

5. Check Decorations and Firewood

Fall means Halloween bins, porch décor, and cozy fires — all of which can hide spiders. Always inspect stored items and wood piles before bringing them indoors.

These steps go a long way, but remember: prevention is easier before you start seeing webs everywhere.

When to Call the Pros

Seeing the occasional spider is normal — they’re part of nature. But if you’re finding multiple spiders in several rooms, constant cobwebs reappearing after cleaning, or mysterious bites, it’s time for a professional inspection.

At VACO Pest Management, our spider control services include:

• Home inspection to identify nesting areas and entry points

• Targeted treatments that safely remove existing spiders

• Exterior perimeter protection to prevent new infestations

• Custom plans to keep your home pest-free year-round

  
  

Our technicians don’t just treat the problem — they look at the full picture, from humidity and lighting to potential insect attractants. That’s how we keep your home safe, clean, and web-free long-term.

Spiders may be the symbol of spooky season, but they don’t belong in your living room. Whether you’re in Richmond, VA or Davidson, NC, VACO Pest Management helps homeowners enjoy fall without eight-legged surprises.

Let’s keep your Halloween decor fake — and your home spider-free.

📍 Serving families across Virginia and North Carolina

💻 Schedule your fall pest inspection: CONTACT US