There are so many different kinds of spiders in the world; some are deadly and can harm us, some are benign and nonpoisonous, and help the environment by eating other bugs. Spiders love living in the great outdoors, but it’s nothing unusual for them to find their way indoors in search of food and/or shelter. If you know they’re not poisonous and you aren’t afraid of them like many people are, you may choose to catch it and simply put it back outside. Others, however, are terrified and want the problem solved quickly with no chance of the spider returning inside of their home. Here some tips to help you keep spiders out of your home.

1. Seal any openings in your home. If you inspect your home and notice cracks or holes, seal them immediately as this may be how the spider found its way inside. For large gaps of space in closed doors and windows, use caulk. You can also use caulk around wires, cables, faucets, and electrical components. If any windows are torn, fix or replace them. You’ll be amazed at how spiders can find their way through even the tiniest of holes. For vents and chimneys, cover with fine mesh insect screens.
2. Don’t leave your outside lights on throughout the night. Lights don’t attract spiders; however, they do attract other pests that spiders enjoy eating. As for indoor lights, block them from shining through your windows with the help of blinds or shades. Yellow sodium vapor lights are great to use, as these are less appealing to bugs – the fewer bugs around the outside lights, the less likely you’ll see a spider waiting to catch its food.
3. Keep outdoor plants out of close proximity to your home. If you’ve noticed a serious problem with spiders lately, it may be a good idea to move any shrubs, trees, ivy, and other plants further away from your home. Plants are a great hiding spot for spiders, as they hide in them to seek warmth and food. With your house close by, it’s easier for them to come indoors. It’s also a good idea to remove mulch, stones, leaves, and other debris that may be close to your home.
4. Maintain a clean home. When your home is clean, spiders don’t have as many places to hide. Don’t leave food sitting out overnight, as crumbs will attract pests. Sweep and vacuum your floors on a regular basis, and wipe down counters and tables. Don’t let your dirty dishes stack up in the sink for more than a few hours and clear out any form of clutter. For food and other household items that aren’t being used on a daily basis, store in plastic airtight containers.