Why Spiders Follow Gnats and Other Insects
Why do spiders suddenly appear in your home?
Many homeowners throughout Spokane, Spokane Valley, Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, and Rathdrum believe spiders themselves are the problem.
However, in many cases, spiders are actually a symptom of another pest issue.
At Spud Pest Control, we often explain that spiders are predators. If insects are available for them to eat, spiders will continue showing up.
In other words:
More bugs usually means more spiders.
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What Attracts Spiders to a Home?
Spiders are not attracted to dirty homes.
They are attracted to food.
When populations of gnats, flies, mosquitoes, ants, and other insects increase around a property, spiders naturally move in to take advantage of the food source.
Some of the insects we commonly find associated with spider activity include:
- Gnats
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
- Ants
- Earwigs
- Boxelder bugs
- Stink bugs
- Other small insects
This is why homeowners sometimes feel like spider problems “appear out of nowhere.”
In reality, another insect population often increased first.
Which Insects Attract Spiders the Most?
Based on our experience in Spokane and North Idaho, the insects that seem to attract spiders most often are:
1. Gnats
Small flying insects provide a constant food source.
2. Ants
Many spiders actively hunt ants and other crawling insects.
3. Mosquitoes
Homes near water often experience increased mosquito activity, which can also attract spiders.
Why Homes Near Water Often Have More Spiders
Almost any home can experience spider activity.
However, homes located near:
- Lakes
- Ponds
- Rivers
- Irrigated landscaping
- Wet areas
often have greater insect pressure.
More insects mean more food, and more food often means more spiders.
This is one reason homeowners near Hayden Lake, Coeur d’Alene Lake, the Spokane River, and other bodies of water may notice increased spider activity.
Where Do Spiders Usually Gather?
Throughout Spokane and North Idaho, we commonly find spiders around:
- Garages
- Crawlspaces
- Basements
- Exterior lights
- Eaves
- Outdoor corners
- Storage areas
In severe infestations, spiders may eventually spread throughout additional areas of the home.
Which Spider Species Are Most Common in Spokane and North Idaho?
Some of the spiders we encounter most often include:
Wolf Spiders
Large hunting spiders that do not build traditional webs.
Cellar Spiders
Often found in basements, garages, and crawlspaces.
Jumping Spiders
Spokane homeowners commonly notice jumping spiders around windows, siding, and exterior areas.
Most spiders found in our area are considered beneficial predators and are not dangerous. However we do come across black widows every now and again.
Why Spider Problems Increase During Summer and Fall
Spider activity usually begins increasing during early summer.
Calls often start increasing around June and typically peak during late summer and early fall.
This happens because insect populations also increase during warmer weather.
As food sources grow, spider populations naturally follow.
Spiders Are Usually Following Other Insects
At Spud Pest Control, many customers initially believe spiders are the main issue.
In reality, spiders are often responding to another insect population that homeowners may not even notice.
Owner Blake Bateman frequently explains:
“Spiders are predators. If food is available, spiders will continue showing up.”
Because of this, successful spider control usually involves reducing both spiders and the insects they feed on.
Why You May Still See Spiders After Treatment
Many homeowners are surprised when they still notice spider activity after their first service.
Brock often explains:
“The first treatment usually acts as a flushing agent. Over the next couple weeks, the spiders being flushed out will eventually die off.”
For many homes, it can take multiple treatments before spider activity reaches very low levels.
Are Spiders Beneficial?
Yes.
Spiders help reduce populations of flies and other insects.
However, homeowners should not rely on spiders to control pests around the home.
Large spider populations usually indicate that enough insects are available to support them.
Reducing those underlying food sources is typically the most effective long-term solution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I suddenly have spiders in my house?
Spider activity often increases when insect populations increase. Spiders usually follow their food source.
Do spiders mean I have another pest problem?
Sometimes. Increased spider activity can indicate the presence of gnats, flies, ants, mosquitoes, or other insects.
What attracts spiders the most?
Food availability is usually the biggest factor.
Why do homes near water have more spiders?
Water supports larger insect populations, which provides more food for spiders.
When are spiders most active in Spokane and North Idaho?
Spider activity typically begins increasing in early summer and peaks during late summer and early fall.
Why am I still seeing spiders after treatment?
Initial treatments often flush spiders from hiding places. It may take several weeks and multiple services to achieve long-term control.