August is a time for more than just summer holidays and heatwaves, with this gloriously sunny month also comes something a little less than cheerful: the start of spider season. While we should all be aware by now that spiders are harmless – and far more scared of us than we are of them – that doesn’t change how scary they look.
So, if you’re like me, and pretty much everyone else in the Good Housekeeping UK office, you’ll want to know how best to keep them firmly out of your home. Many of us have been spotting more and more spiders appearing in our homes earlier than usual this month, and there is a very good reason for it.
Here’s the everyday item attracting spiders into your home this August, and what to do about it.
The item attracting spiders
If you’re finding you’re spotting spiders much more frequently at the moment, you’re not alone, but it could be your own doing. August is peak spider season in the UK, as young spiders have matured and are actively searching for food and places to settle. At the same time, warm weather also means more small insects are around – and that’s where your houseplants come in.
‘All invertebrate animals like insects and arachnids are reliant on mean temperatures of above 13 degrees Fahrenheit for successful breeding, feeding and general survival,’ says Natalie Bungay, head of membership and technical at British Pest Control Association. ‘For spiders, their prey of small insects will only be available to them in these warmer months of the year as cold weather brings less food and a harsher environment for an invertebrate to survive.’
Overwatered, damp soil and decaying leaves attract flies. Specifically, fungus gnats, a favourite snack of, you guessed it – spiders. ‘The common house spider won’t be attracted by houseplants themselves, but they may be attracted by small aphids or flies seen near the plants,’ says Natalie.
Dense foliage also provides sheltered hiding spots, making houseplants an ideal hunting ground. During periods of hot weather, the issue can become even worse, as warm, humid conditions help small insects thrive around overwatered houseplants, giving spiders even more reason to move in, meanwhile, we all tend to water our plants even more, out of fear the hot weather will make them wilt. A vicious, spidery cycle – or rather – web.
Signs your plants are attracting insects
To make sure your houseplants aren’t a secret buffet for spiders, there are a few signs to look out for. Naturally, of course, the first being flies. If you can see tiny black flies hovering around your plant pots or crawling across the surface of the compost, these are often fungus gnats, which thrive in consistently damp soil and are a favourite food source for spiders.
You may also notice fine webs woven between stems or leaves. While these could belong to spiders that have already moved in, they can also indicate that your plants are providing the kind of sheltered environment insects and their predators like to inhabit. Soil that never seems to dry out between waterings is another red flag, as constantly damp compost creates ideal breeding conditions for gnats.
Finally, don’t ignore dead leaves sitting on top of the soil. As they break down, they provide food for fungi and microorganisms that attract even more tiny insects. Regularly removing fallen foliage and allowing the compost to dry out where appropriate can go a long way towards making your houseplants less appealing to pests – and, in turn, the spiders that feed on them.
How to stop them
- Let compost dry between waterings: Stop overwatering your plants, the spider solution really could be as simple as that. Many houseplants are happier when the top couple of centimetres of compost are allowed to dry out before watering again anyways, so always check the soil first rather than watering to a strict schedule.
- Remove dead leaves: This organic material can break down when left to rot on top of the soil, creating an ideal environment for fungi and the insects that feed on them.
- Empty saucers beneath pots: Remember, the more damp your plants remain – the more bugs it will attract. Standing water keeps the compost damp for longer than necessary and creates the moist conditions fungus gnats thrive in. Tip away any excess water after around 30 minutes, once the plant has had a chance to absorb what it needs.
- Sticky paper: ‘If spiders are causing significant problems indoors, such as fear and nuisance, then sticky blunder traps for insects are an option,’ suggests Natalie. ‘These should be used with care around the home and placed in dark and hidden areas, such as under sofas and cabinets.’
- Check plants before bringing new ones home: Before adding a new houseplant to your collection, inspect the leaves and compost for signs of insects, webs or mould. If possible, keep new plants separate from your existing ones for a week or two. It’s a simple precaution that can prevent unwanted pests from spreading throughout your home.
- Catch and release: When trying to directly get the spiders out, Natalie suggests the oldest tricks are usually the best: ‘If you don’t want spiders in your home, then you can catch them using a container and a piece of paper or card, then release them outside, away from the property.
