Living in Central Texas means getting familiar with a wide variety of arachnids.
From the brown recluse spider to the bulky tarantula, Texas is home to more than its fair share of unwelcome houseguests. And while most species are harmless, a few, like the black widow, can send you straight to seek medical attention after a bite.
This article breaks down practical, no-nonsense ways to keep your home spider-free and reduce the chances of a full-blown infestation.
Key Takeaways
- Cracks, vents, and gaps around your home give spiders easy access and should be sealed completely.
- Cluttered garages, messy yards, and bright outdoor lights attract common Central Texas spiders and their prey.
- Damp crawl spaces and ignored cobwebs inside your home help spiders build webs and lay egg sacs.
- Sticky traps and spider sightings can signal bigger issues that may need a free quote from professionals.
Seal the Cracks and Gaps They Sneak Through
Texas homes, especially in older neighborhoods across Austin and Houston, often have small crevices that go unnoticed. These entry points are perfect for species like the crab spider, huntsman spider, or the infamous Loxosceles reclusa to enter undetected.
Use weather stripping and silicone-based caulk around eaves, door frames, crawl spaces, and plumbing lines. The underside of porches and vents around attics is also a popular spot for arachnids to slip in.
Reduce Outside Lighting That Attracts Spider Prey
Spiders may not care much about your porch light, but the moths and mosquitoes it attracts are a different story. Those insects draw in predators like wolf spiders and orb weaver spiders, who follow their food right up to your door.
Studies on outdoor lighting show that artificial light at night pulls in way more crawling bugs, especially when the light is too bright or too cool in color.
Switching to yellow or warm-colored LED bulbs and dimming them when possible can help cut down on insect traffic, and with it, the spiders that come hunting.
Clear Out Clutter in Garages, Attics, and Sheds
Basements are rare in Central Texas, so attics and garages often pull double duty as storage areas. Unfortunately, cluttered environments are spider havens. Common house spiders, cellar spiders, and daddy longlegs thrive in these areas.
If you’ve got an old box of holiday decorations sitting next to your water heater, you’ve likely got some cobweb neighbors. Opt for sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard, and keep stored items off the ground to reduce hiding spots.
Tidy Up Your Yard and Woodpile
That stack of wood behind your shed?
It’s more than just fuel for your fireplace; it’s prime real estate for tarantulas, black widow spiders, and even scorpions.
Woodpiles attract all kinds of arthropods, and the moment the temperature dips, those creatures start looking for warmth indoors. Keep wood stacked at least 20 feet away from your home and raised off the ground.
You might also spot a yellow garden spider, weaving webs near tall grass, so trim regularly.
Sweep Away Webs Regularly
If you’re seeing cobwebs under furniture or near ceiling corners, you’re seeing signs of active spider zones. Orb weavers and jumping spiders often leave behind delicate webs, while brown recluse spiders favor undisturbed corners.
By sweeping away webs each week, especially near baseboards and low-light areas, you’ll prevent spiders from laying egg sacs or rebuilding webs.
Don’t forget the eaves outside your home either.
Manage Moisture and Fix Leaks
Many of the most common spiders in Central Texas don’t need water, but their prey does. Damp crawl spaces, leaking garden spigots, and even condensation around HVAC systems create environments perfect for small insects.
And when food is abundant, larger spiders, like the black widow with its signature red hourglass marking, follow.
Keep your home dry, and you’ll reduce the body length count of lurking arthropods.
Use Sticky Traps in Low-Traffic Zones
Sticky traps are an easy way to keep tabs on what types of spiders you’re dealing with. They’re especially helpful in diagnosing a possible infestation.
If you catch a dark brown spider with a leg span wider than a quarter, it might be time to consult pest control services. Track whether you’re dealing with the most common spiders or if you’re facing a venomous spider that’s better handled by a pro.
Austin Homes Deserve Spider-Free Living
If you’re waking up to spider bites or spotting orb weavers spinning between your lawn chairs, it’s time to act.
At Absolute Pest Management, we don’t just spray and leave. We identify the species of spider in your home and build a custom defense based on your layout, location, and history. Whether it’s the largest spider you’ve ever seen or just a steady stream of cobwebs in the attic, our team has the local experience to handle it.
From tarantulas hiding in garages to dangerous types sightings around outdoor grills, we’ve seen it all. And we know how to stop it.
Reach out today for a free quote, and let us help you reclaim your home from Central Texas’s eight-legged guests.
