Pest control expert explains why spiders can actually be good for your home (and when to worry)

October heralds the beginning of spider-mating season, and already I've observed a multitude of spiders infiltrating my dwelling. Whether they traverse my floors, drape themselves in dark recesses, or lurk in other familiar locales, these arachnids appear to be omnipresent—particularly as we crank up the heat and provide them with a warm abode.

While our instinctual response is to squash, trap, or resort to insecticides, a pest specialist elucidates why allowing spiders to persist can be advantageous. In truth, a stray house spider can serve as a valuable asset in keeping other bugs at bay. Here are two pivotal reasons why.

1. Spiders function as natural pest controllers. Common spiders gravitate towards homes in pursuit of sustenance and shelter. As predatory predators, they enthusiastically subdue and consume unwanted insects such as moths, ants, or mosquitoes that invade our living spaces this autumn. John Whiteley-Wilkson, MD and pest control expert at Acorn Environment Services, affirms, "While spiders are often perceived as unwelcome intruders, they are, in fact, contributing to the regulation of fly, moth, and other insect populations, all without the reliance on chemicals."

Furthermore, spiders serve as a pivotal food source within the ecosystem and food chain, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Autumn isn't a harbinger of a new spider invasion; rather, these creatures have been covertly residing within our homes for months, but it's during this season that males embark on quests for mates, rendering them more conspicuous.

2. Spiders can serve as indicators of other pest problems. If you've noticed a surge in spider activity in a particular area of your home, it typically signals an underlying food source attracting them. Spiders do not infiltrate a property without purpose, as John Whiteley-Wilkson emphasizes. "If you're seeing more of them than usual, it's often worth inquiring about what they're feeding on.

An uptick in spider sightings might sometimes signal another insect issue that has yet to be identified." An additional explanation for encountering more spiders outside your residence could be your exterior lighting, which frequently remains unchecked. Our exterior lights inadvertently lure insects, creating undisturbed zones abundant in food sources and cozy havens.

However, if you suspect a spider infestation, it's advisable to consult your local pest control for the appropriate guidance and deterrents.

When should you be apprehensive? Although encountering an occasional spider is harmless and commonplace, witnessing a multitude of them consistently can warrant concern. In fact, experts posit that there may be a broader pest issue that warrants investigation. "A single spider from time to time is nothing to worry about," Whiteley-Wilkson asserts.

"However, if you're regularly encountering large quantities of spiders throughout the property, it's worth scrutinizing the reasons behind their presence rather than merely eliminating them." While spiders hold a vital position in the natural environment and can even aid in reducing other household pests, discerning between an occasional visitor and signs of a burgeoning pest problem is crucial.

Nevertheless, should you prefer to maintain a spider-free home, you could consider employing these nine plants that repel spiders and deter them from entering your dwelling.