Pest Lexicon – Green Guardia

Spiders in the House: Why they come & how you can reduce them naturally

Spiders are not classic "pests" but rather beneficial hunters: They eat mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. Nevertheless, they are often unwanted in living spaces – especially if many webs are formed or animals appear regularly. Here you will learn why spiders come into the house and which measures are actually useful.

ⓘSpiders · Arachnida #Webs · Autumn · Insects in the house

Are spiders dangerous?

In Central Europe, the vast majority of spider species are harmless to humans. They avoid contact and only bite in rare, exceptional cases. In apartments, spiders are more an indication that there are enough prey insects – and that there are entry points or suitable hiding places.

Beneficial insect Insect hunter mostly harmless

Important: If you have very large spiders, unusual species, or strong fear reactions, gentle removal (and advice if necessary) is often the best way. Panic and frantic behavior usually only leads to spiders hiding even deeper.

Why do spiders come into the house?

Prey availability: Flies, mosquitoes, moths, small beetles in the apartment
Entry points: Windows, doors, ventilation slots, cracks, roller shutter boxes
Warmth & protection: quiet corners, basements, attics, storage rooms
Season: in late summer/autumn some species look for warmer places

Green Guardia Tip: If you want to reduce spiders, always start with the cause: fewer insects in the house = fewer spiders.

How to recognize "spider problems"

many webs in corners, on ceilings, in basements, or stairwells
regular spiders at windows or in corners of rooms
frequent prey insects (mosquitoes/flies/moths) in the same area
spiders behind furniture, in roller shutter boxes, or in joints

What to do about spiders? (naturally & sensibly)

1. Reduce prey insects (most important step)

Fly screens on windows/doors
Avoid light at open windows in the evening (attracts insects)
Remove crumbs and food scraps (attracts small insects)
Store supplies tightly (against moths/beetles as "spider food")

2. Seal entry points

Check door and window seals
Seal cracks and joints on trim, pipes, cable ducts
Check roller shutter boxes (often an entry path)

3. Gentle removal & regular cleaning

Remove webs regularly (duster/vacuum cleaner)
Carefully put spiders outside with a glass & paper
Vacuum more frequently under furniture and in corners

Note on "repelling spiders": Intensive fragrances or sprays are often short-term and can be annoying indoors. More sustainable is the combination of sealing, insect reduction, and regular cleaning.

Natural helpers & "beneficials" against spiders?

For spiders, there is no standard beneficial solution in the household as there is for moths or beetles. Spiders are beneficials themselves. If you want to reduce them, you can best achieve this through: fewer prey insects + fewer entry points + fewer hiding places.

Key point: Spiders follow the food. If you get mosquitoes/flies/moths under control, the number of spiders will also decrease significantly.

FAQ about spiders

Why do I have many spiders especially in autumn?

Some species look for protected, warmer areas in late summer/autumn. At the same time, there are often more prey insects around near windows.

Does airing out help against spiders?

Airing out helps indirectly if it reduces humidity and prevents mold/insects. Against the spiders themselves, sealing and insect management are more important.

What is the best prevention?

Fly screens, sealing cracks, regular removal of webs, and reduction of prey insects (light management, storing supplies tightly).

When should I get professional help?

If spiders are constantly multiplying significantly (e.g., in cavities/roller shutter boxes), or if you suspect a hidden insect source that you cannot find.