As temperatures drop across Monterey County, it’s not unusual to see more spiders making their way indoors. At Target Pest Control, we regularly hear from homeowners looking for safe and effective ways to keep spiders out during the fall season. This guide will walk you through why spider activity increases in cooler months and what you can do right now to keep them from settling into your home.
Monterey County’s Fall Spider Patterns
Fall in Monterey County brings cooler nights and shorter days, which often triggers an increase in indoor spider activity. As outdoor temperatures drop, spiders begin searching for warm, dry shelter, making homes, garages, and sheds more appealing. Many species common to the area, such as house spiders, orb weavers, and cellar spiders, are more active during this time as they seek mates and build webs in quiet corners.
In most cases, these spiders are harmless and prefer to stay out of sight. However, they can quickly become a nuisance when webs appear around windows, ceilings, or storage areas. Occasionally, species like the black widow may also be encountered, especially in undisturbed outdoor areas like woodpiles or crawl spaces. Understanding these seasonal patterns can help you take timely, targeted action before spiders get comfortable indoors.
Signs of a Spider Problem
While seeing an occasional spider indoors is normal, certain signs can indicate a more established presence. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Webs in corners or ceilings: Frequent web-building in living spaces, basements, or storage areas is a common sign of active spiders.
- Egg sacs: Small, white, cotton-like sacs hidden in closets, garages, or behind furniture can hold hundreds of spider eggs.
- Regular sightings: Spiders appearing in the same areas, especially around vents, baseboards, or window frames, often point to indoor nesting.
- Increased insect activity: Spiders follow their prey. A rise in flies, moths, or other insects indoors can attract spiders looking for food.
How to Keep Spiders Out This Fall
Taking early action in the fall can help keep spiders from settling into your home for the season. These proven prevention methods focus on eliminating entry points, hiding spots, and the insects spiders feed on.
Seal Entry Points
Spiders can squeeze through tiny openings, so sealing up potential access points is one of the most effective ways to keep them out. Start by checking all window and door screens for tears and patch or replace them with fine mesh to block smaller species. Use caulk or weather stripping to close cracks around windows, doors, baseboards, and your home’s foundation.
Wondering how something so small can make a big difference? Blocking these tiny gaps cuts off the hidden paths spiders use to get indoors. Installing door sweeps at the base of exterior doors is also essential for closing gaps that are often overlooked.
Maintain Cleanliness
A clean, clutter-free home leaves spiders with fewer places to hide. Vacuum regularly, paying special attention to corners, ceiling edges, behind furniture, and under beds to remove webs and egg sacs. Garages, closets, and storage areas should be kept organized and free of clutter, as these quiet spaces are often spider favorites. Promptly removing cobwebs discourages spiders from settling in the same spots again.
Manage the Outdoor Environment
Spiders often enter homes from nearby outdoor hiding places, so keeping the area around your home tidy is key. Store firewood and outdoor clutter well away from the foundation, and clear out leaves or debris where spiders and their prey might hide. Trim shrubs and plants that touch the house to limit bridges that spiders can use to reach exterior walls. Since light attracts insects and insects attract spiders, consider turning off outdoor lights at night or switching to yellow bulbs that are less appealing to bugs.
Use Natural and Scientific Repellents
Several natural remedies can help deter spiders without using harsh chemicals. Peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and citrus oils can be mixed with water and sprayed around doorways, baseboards, and window frames to create an unpleasant environment for spiders. A solution of vinegar and water can be used similarly in crevices and corners. Citrus peels placed near entry points are also said to be effective, and some homeowners use chestnuts or walnuts in spider-prone areas as a deterrent. For longer-lasting protection, sprinkle diatomaceous earth along baseboards and into cracks where spiders may travel. It is safe for people and pets but lethal to crawling insects and spiders.
Reduce Food Sources
Spiders tend to go where the food is, so controlling other insects inside your home is key to making it less attractive. Keep all food stored in sealed containers and clean up crumbs or spills promptly. Regularly take out the trash and rinse recyclables before placing them in bins. Fix any gaps in window screens or door frames that may be letting in flies, moths, or other bugs. A home with fewer insects will naturally be less appealing to spiders looking for a food source.
Spider Control Experts in Monterey County Homes
You’ve sealed gaps, cleaned thoroughly, and reduced spider food sources—but are spiders still showing up in corners or behind furniture? When DIY methods aren’t enough, professional help can provide long-lasting peace of mind.
At Target Pest Control, we offer safe, effective spider control treatments tailored to Monterey County homes. Our licensed technicians understand local spider behavior and use targeted strategies that go beyond surface-level fixes.
Professional Treatment Options Include:
- Targeted Spot Treatments: Direct applications in problem areas such as wall voids, crawl spaces, attics, and basements where spiders are likely to hide or lay eggs.
- Perimeter Barrier Applications: Preventive treatments around windows, foundations, and entry points to block spiders and their prey from getting indoors.
- Web and Egg Sac Removal: Professional-grade removal of webs and egg sacs, reducing future spider populations before they hatch and spread.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Ups: Seasonal inspections and touch-up treatments to keep spider activity under control year-round.
Don’t Let Spiders Settle in This Season
As fall settles over Monterey County, spiders are more likely to look for shelter inside warm, quiet spaces. But that doesn’t mean you have to share your home with them. A few consistent prevention steps, like sealing entry points, cleaning hidden corners, and cutting off their food sources, can make a big difference.
And if the spiders keep coming despite your best efforts, you’re not alone. Target Pest Control has been helping Monterey County homeowners protect their spaces for over 45 years with proven, family-safe spider control solutions. Reach out today to schedule an inspection and keep your home spider-free this fall and beyond.
