The main reason spiders enter homes is food. Spiders are natural predators that feed on other insects. If your home has flies, mosquitoes, moths, ants, or cockroaches, spiders will follow.

Spiders catch prey using webs, hunting, or ambush techniques. While this makes them natural pest controllers, it also means that reducing insect activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce spider presence.

Other common factors that attract spiders include:

• Warmth – during colder seasons, spiders seek indoor shelter

• Water sources – sinks, bathtubs, and damp areas

• Privacy – corners, crevices, unused rooms, and storage spaces

• Second-hand furniture – spider egg sacs can easily be brought inside

• Domestic waste – attracts insects, which then attract spiders

Spiders may also be drawn indoors during mating periods, as some species use vibrations and sound signals that unintentionally bring more spiders into the same area.

Are Spiders Dangerous?

Despite common fears, most spiders in the UK are harmless to humans. They rarely bite, and when they do, the reaction is usually mild. In fact, spiders often benefit households by reducing populations of insects that pose a greater health risk.

That said, not everyone is comfortable sharing their space with spiders, and excessive numbers can be unsettling.

Favourite Hiding Places for Spiders

Spiders prefer dark, narrow, and quiet locations where there is little human movement. They are highly sensitive to vibrations and will avoid busy areas whenever possible.

Common spider hiding spots include:

• Basements and cellars

• Attics and lofts

• Ceiling corners

• Behind furniture and appliances

• Bathrooms and garages

• Closets and storage areas

• Inside vehicles

• Occasionally inside fruit or food packaging

Spiders don’t necessarily prefer damp conditions, but damp areas tend to attract insects, which explains their presence there.

Are Spiders Attracted to Human or Pet Food?

No. Spiders cannot digest human or pet food and have no interest in it. They are only attracted to live insects, such as flies, moths, earwigs, or cockroaches.

What Attracts Spiders to Humans?

Spiders are not attracted to humans themselves. They may respond to body warmth, or they may accidentally land on a person while moving along a web or ceiling surface.

A lesser-known fact is that spiders recycle their silk by eating it. If a web sticks to someone passing underneath, it’s usually an accident—not aggression.

How to Spider-Proof Your Home

You can significantly reduce spider activity with consistent prevention:

• Regular dusting and vacuuming, especially corners and ceilings

• Removing webs and egg sacs as soon as they appear

• Sealing cracks and small gaps around windows, doors, and walls

• Cleaning second-hand furniture before bringing it indoors

In modern homes, sealing entry points is often effective. In older buildings, it may be more challenging, which makes regular cleaning even more important.

Cleaning After a Spider Infestation

While spiders don’t heavily contaminate homes, it’s wise to thoroughly clean and disinfect after dealing with an infestation. This helps remove webs, eggs, and any bacteria introduced by insects they fed on.

If spider activity continues despite preventive measures, professional spider pest control is the safest and most effective long-term solution.