Keep Spiders Out This Winter With Easy Prevention Tips

As weather cools down across Pennsylvania, it’s not just people heading indoors for warmth. Spiders follow the same instinct. When December rolls through, it often brings spiders along with it. They look for places where they can stay warm, quiet, and hidden.

Our homes offer all three of those, which is why it's common to spot them showing up in unexpected places this time of year. Under sinks, in basement corners, behind boxes in the garage, these are all favorite hideouts. If you're looking for a way to stay ahead of the problem, a few simple changes can help over time. It also helps to understand how spider control actually works and when it's needed. In areas like Lancaster County, many homeowners notice spider activity increase in the fall and early winter as more spiders move indoors for shelter.

Common Attractants Found Inside the Home

It doesn’t always take a big mess to attract spiders. Everyday things found in homes across Pennsylvania can accidentally invite them to stay. The key is spotting which of those things may be creating the kind of environment spiders like.

Here are some common indoor conditions that can draw spiders in and make them stay:

• Damp areas, like basements, bathrooms, or under sinks, which can also attract other bugs spiders feed on
• Stacks of cardboard boxes, clothing piles, or crowded storage shelves that give spiders easy places to hide
• Bright outdoor lights near doors or windows that pull in flying insects at night, attracting spiders that follow prey

Once they’re inside, removing them can be harder than expected, especially if several of these attractants are present in the same area. That's when prevention becomes more helpful than reaction.

Natural Ways to Deter Spiders Without Harsh Chemicals

For homeowners who prefer to skip strong sprays or foggers, there are several simple ways to lessen the chance of spiders moving in. These steps won’t eliminate the risk completely, but they can lower the chances of a spider hiding out where you least expect them.

Start by keeping your indoor space consistently clean and dry. Vacuuming regularly, especially under furniture and along walls, helps remove webs, eggs, and any insects spiders may be chasing. Focus on tucked-away spots like closets, under appliances, and around baseboards.

Next, seal up access points that might let spiders sneak in. Check around window frames, exterior doors, crawl spaces, and garage doors. Patch up cracks in walls or floors where drafts come through. Spiders don't need much room to squeeze inside.

Some people find natural scents helpful, too. While not guaranteed to work long term, smells like peppermint, citrus, or vinegar have been reported to make certain areas less welcoming. A few drops of oil near window sills or along door frames can make a difference when used as part of a broader spider-reduction habit. Keystone Pest Solutions notes that some homeowners use essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, or lavender, or a simple vinegar and water spray around entry points, but these natural options do not offer the same reliable results as a targeted professional spider treatment.

When to Consider Professional Help for Spider Control

Sometimes, despite best efforts, spiders return again and again. If you’ve sealed up visible gaps, cleaned every corner, and still notice spiders day after day, it might be time to take another step.

Spotting several spiders in the same week is rarely random. It’s possible there’s a larger number hiding somewhere nearby, especially during colder weather when their outdoor options are limited. This makes it harder to control the issue without dedicated inspection and follow-up.

At this point, professional spider control might be a better route. Trained specialists know where to look for hidden entrances and often spot what others miss. They can help identify the source of the problem, whether it's coming from excess moisture, active insect issues, or gaps you didn’t know were open.

When spiders become common across multiple rooms, or when webs keep showing up after cleaning, outside help offers peace of mind and longer-term results without guesswork. Keystone Pest Solutions serves homes in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania and across Lancaster County with spider extermination as part of its pest control services. For many local homeowners, the Quarterly Pest Control Program, which includes four services per year for pests such as spiders, common household insects, mice, rats, and meadow voles, provides year-round coverage with service plans starting at $35 per month.