What to do when the eight-legged friends take over the living room?
Suddenly a spider on the ceiling? How to get rid of spiders and cobwebs!
Spiders in the home often cause discomfort – whether in the cellar, the attic or even the bedroom. The webs seem to appear overnight, and one small spider can quickly turn into several. But what attracts spiders into the house, why are they appearing right now – and what is the best way to remove spider webs? Our guide will tell you everything you need to know to keep your home spider-free – factual, animal-friendly and tried and tested.
What can you expect in our guide?
- What are spiders anyway – and why are they so successful at surviving?
- How can you tell if spiders are settling in permanently?
- What damage and risks can spiders cause in the home?
- How does spider control work in practice – and how do you remove spider webs correctly?
- When does it make sense to call a professional?
Don’t panic – with the right information and targeted measures, you can get the spider problem under control. Fancy some facts, tips and tricks? Then read on!
Who are the spiders in the house?
Spiders belong to the arachnid class and can be found all over the world – including in every Swiss household. Typical features are eight legs, a compact body and often impressive webs. Here in Switzerland, the house spider, trembling spider and cross spider are particularly common guests. They are usually brown, grey or black and range from tiny specimens to stately eight-legged creatures with leg spans of over five centimetres.
Although many people find spiders unpleasant, they play an important role in the ecosystem: they catch flies, mosquitoes and other insects. However, hardly anyone wants to have them in their home.
From hunter to roommate: characteristics and behavior of spiders
Spiders build elaborate webs to catch prey or hide. They are mostly active at dusk or at night and move at lightning speed. Many species live in hiding and are only discovered when they look for a new place or spread their webs. Unlike insects, spiders do not have wings and never have six legs, but always eight.
House spiders are particularly adaptable: they get by with little food, survive for months without water and hide in the smallest cracks.
From dark corners to sunny windows: Where do spiders live and why do they come into the house?
Spiders love dark, damp and quiet places. Basements, attics, storerooms and behind furniture offer ideal conditions. Especially in the fall, the animals are drawn indoors – it gets cooler outside and there are plenty of insects inside for food and perfect hiding places. Light sources attract flies, which the spiders follow. They get into all rooms through open windows, doors, vents or the smallest cracks.
If you have lots of insects in the house, you automatically attract spiders – a cycle that can only be broken by targeted spider control.
Removing cobwebs: why do they keep coming back?
Spider webs develop in preferred places – in corners, behind cupboards, on window frames or in the cellar. The webs serve as prey traps and shelters. If the webs are removed, spiders often build a new one in the same place. Reason: The place is ideal for food and safety.
It is important to remove the webs regularly with a vacuum cleaner or broom and to keep possible hiding places clean. Egg sacs (small, white balls on the web) should always be removed to prevent new offspring from hatching.
Are spiders really dangerous? Damage, risks and real problems
Spiders are harmless to humans in Switzerland. Most species are harmless – their bites can hardly penetrate the skin. Only in very rare cases (e.g. exotic species from imported goods) can a bite cause discomfort.
Major problems tend to be of a psychological nature: fear, disgust and discomfort are widespread. Damage to building structures or hygiene problems caused by spiders are practically impossible. Their droppings are barely visible and harmless, but their webs can be perceived as unsightly.
Recognize spider infestation: How can you tell you have a problem?
A spider infestation is usually indicated by many spider webs, egg sacs and suddenly visible spiders – especially in dark rooms or on window frames.
If you regularly discover new webs, see a particularly large number of small young spiders or hear rustling in corners at night, you should take a closer look. If you are unsure, a comparison with photos of typical species often helps.
Spider control at home: what really helps against spiders?
Removing cobwebs made easy
The most effective measure is cleanliness: regularly vacuum or wipe down corners, window frames and dark areas. Spider webs and egg sacs should be removed completely. Move furniture slightly away from the wall to prevent nests from forming behind it.
Prevention: What can be done?
Seal cracks and joints with silicone, install fly screens and switch off or darken light sources in the evening – this keeps insects (and therefore spiders) away.
Ventilate cellar rooms and keep them dry to make the climate unattractive for spiders.
Home remedies for spiders: What really works?
Many people swear by vinegar water, lemon peel, lavender oil or peppermint oil on windows and doors. The smell can keep spiders away for a short time, but rarely solves the problem permanently. Sticky traps are suitable for individual animals, but should only be used selectively and sparingly. If possible, please catch spiders alive and release them outside – they are useful as insect hunters.
When is professional spider control worthwhile?
If spiders are particularly numerous, exotic species are suspected or fear and disgust become a burden, professional spider control is advisable. Experts recognize the type and extent of the infestation and implement targeted, environmentally friendly measures. A professional can help, especially in the case of recurring spider webs in large numbers or persistent problems.
Spider knowledge compact: facts, myths and legal information
More than 900 species of spider live in Switzerland – but only a few of them even enter houses. Most are harmless and none carry serious diseases to humans.
Myths such as “every spider is poisonous” or “spiders are a sign of poor hygiene” are not true.
Legally, native spiders are not protected, but exotic species may not simply be released.
Conclusion: When spiders become a nuisance – it’s worth getting help
If you continue to have problems with spiders and spider webs despite all the tips and measures, professional spider control by experienced specialists is recommended.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Can spiders get into the house through plants or potting soil?
Yes, spiders often hide in potting soil or on houseplants. If you bring plants indoors, you should check them in advance to avoid unwanted spider visits.
Do pets such as cats or dogs have an influence on the occurrence of spiders in the home?
Pets can influence the occurrence of spiders, as they occasionally destroy spider webs or flush out spiders. However, pets are not a reliable protection against spider infestation.
How long can spiders survive indoors without food?
Many spider species can survive for several weeks or even months without food as long as they can find enough water or the humidity is high enough. This makes them very persistent roommates.
