How Do Huntsman Spiders Get in Your House?

Are you afraid of spiders? If so, then you’re definitely not alone. The thought of sharing your home with an eight-legged creature the size of a dinner plate might be enough to make you move out.

But how do they become an unexpected member of your house? It’s terrifying!

This informative article will teach you everything you need to know about how these giant-legged creatures infiltrate your living space and what you can do to prevent it. So, let’s begin!

What Are Huntsman Spiders?

Huntsman spiders are a group of large, hairy arachnids that are found throughout the world. These spiders get their name from their ability to quickly move and hunt for prey, using powerful legs and sharp fangs.

Huntsman spiders are also known by other names – giant crab spiders, rain spiders, wood spiders, or cave spiders. They can be found in warm regions worldwide, usually inhabiting trees or other structures.

Huntsman spiders have long legs and powerful fangs that they use to capture prey, such as insects, small rodents, and reptiles.

Despite their intimidating appearance, these spiders are relatively harmless to humans; they will only bite if provoked or threatened.

These spiders primarily feed on insects and other small arthropods, some even being known to prey upon small vertebrates such as mice.

7 Reasons Why Huntsman Spiders Invade Your Home

The Huntsmans spiders aren’t usually found inside our homes – at least not on purpose! By understanding how these spiders enter our homes, you can take steps to prevent them from getting inside in the first place.

Here are the top reasons why you may encounter a Huntsman spider indoors:

1. For Food

One of the primary reasons Huntsman spiders enter our homes is to follow food sources like insects. They will also move into human homes and attack cockroaches, crickets, and moths when they show up inside.

2. Through Openings

Huntsman spiders sometimes wander through open windows, doors, or cracks around pipes and ceilings.

If you’ve got any gaps in your structure where pests can access, a Huntsman spider will likely find its way in eventually.

3. With Plants

Another way that Huntsman spiders can enter your home is through potted plants or bouquets.

These spiders like to hide out in the soil or among the leaves and stems, so it’s important to inspect any new plants before bringing them indoors.

4. Hide Out In Luggage

If you are traveling, you should be aware that Huntsman spiders can quickly get into suitcases and other travel bags while you are away.

It’s best to keep your luggage off the ground and shake it out when returning home from a trip to make sure all 8-legged visitors have left.

5. Hitchhike On Moving Objects

Huntsman spiders are adept climbers who can easily hitch a ride on furniture or boxes being moved from one home to another.

If you’ve recently relocated, it’s possible that a Huntsman spider could be hiding out in some of your belongings.

6. Mating

One more reason for their presence is mating. During the warmer months, male huntsman spiders search for a female to mate with and can enter your home looking for a potential partner.

7. Weather

Weather is another factor that drives huntsman spider activity indoors – particularly during wet weather.

When it’s raining heavily outside, these spiders will seek shelter from the elements by coming into your home, where they’re more likely to find food and shelter.

6 Tips For Keeping Huntsman Spiders Out Of Your Home

You want to eliminate spiders in your house or yard as fast and effectively as possible. Here are our best recommendations for fast spider removal:

1. Seal Up Cracks And Gaps In Your Home

Making sure your home is adequately sealed up is one of the most effective ways to keep spiders, including Huntsman, out.

Check windows, doors, and other entry points for gaps, and fill the cracks and holes with a sealant such as silicone or caulk.

Additionally, use weather stripping and door sweeps on exterior doors to help reduce the number of spiders entering your home from the outside.

2. Remove Debris From Around Your Home

Another way to limit spider entry into your house is by removing debris around your home’s perimeter. Spiders commonly hide in piles of leaves and other debris, so keeping these areas clean and cleared out is essential.

3. Install Screens Over Openings

One way to exclude spiders from entering your home is by installing screens over all openings that lead outside.

Make sure there are no holes or tears in the screen material, as this could allow tiny spiders to pass unnoticed.

4. Reduce Exterior Lighting

Exterior lighting can act as an attractant for many insects and a food source for spiders, thus increasing the likelihood of spider presence near your house.

You should reduce exterior lighting around your home or switch from bright white bulbs to yellow bulbs.

5. Declutter Your Home

Cluttered areas in your home can provide a perfect hiding spot for spiders, so keeping these areas clean and clear of clutter is essential.

It includes closets, basements, attics, or any other place that could be used as a spider hideout.

6. Vacuum Regularly

Finally, vacuuming regularly can help reduce the number of spiders present in your home by removing both adult spiders and their eggs from carpets and furniture.

Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag promptly after use to ensure no live spiders are released back into your home.

Methods To Make DIY Spider Repellent Spray

Making a DIY spider repellent spray at home is a great way to protect your family, pets, and belongings from spiders without using expensive or harsh chemicals.

Using these basic materials, you can quickly create sprays that prevent various-sized spiders:

1. Vinegar Spray

You can make this simple spray by mixing one cup of water with one cup of white vinegar and one tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle.

This mixture can be applied directly onto spiders or used around windows and doors as a preventative measure.

2. Garlic Spray

Another great option is garlic extract, which has been found to have natural properties that deter spiders.

Simply mix garlic powder, or you can crush some cloves of garlic, mix it with water in a spray bottle, and apply it around windows, door frames, and other areas where spiders may enter your home.

3. Peppermint Oil Spray

You can also make a peppermint oil spider repellent easily. To make this add 5-10 drops of peppermint oil in a cup of water and a tablespoon of dish soap.

After mixing properly, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it in the corner of your home or windows. The pungent smell of peppermint will effectively repel spiders from your home.

Which Plants Keep Spiders Away?

Huntsman spiders can cause fear and anxiety, as large arachnids often enter homes. Fortunately, several plants have been shown naturally to repel huntsman spiders from your home or garden.

1. Marigold

Marigolds are popular annual flowers often grown for their bright colors and pleasant scent. Marigolds have also been used for ages as natural insect repellents due to the pungent smell released when their leaves or flowers are crushed.

Most insects, including huntsman spiders, dislike this odor, making them perfect for keeping your home or garden spider-free.

2. Lavender

Lavender is another popular choice for repelling insects due to its strong scent, including huntsman spiders.

Lavender plants are drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making them a great option to keep around your house to repel spiders naturally.

3. Mint

Mint plants can be grown easily indoors or outdoors, depending on the type of mint you choose.

It has a strong odor that most insects will stay away from, including spiders like the Huntsman. Growing mint around doorways or windows should help keep these pests away from your home.

4. Rosemary

It is an evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and a strong, pungent smell.

The aroma of this plant has been used as a natural insect repellent for centuries, and it can help keep huntsman spiders away from your home or garden.

5. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree native to Australia but can now be found in many parts of the world.

Its powerful scent is known to repel insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, and flies—and it also works against huntsman spiders.

Planting eucalyptus around your windows or doors should help keep these pests out.

6. Citronella Grass

This grass is a species of lemongrass known for its ability to repel various insects, including spiders. The pungent aroma of the grass can make huntsman spiders stay away from your home or garden naturally.

7. Chrysanthemums

It has been used for centuries as a natural pest repellent due to its chemical components, Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid, which give off a strong smell that many insects dislike.

Chrysanthemum plants have also been particularly effective against spiders such as Huntsman Spiders when grown near windows and doors.

8. Basil

Basil is another plant with insect-repellent solid properties. The basil’s active compound, Eugenol, gives off a strong scent that spiders and other insects find unpleasant.

Basil can be added to window sills or planted around your garden to deter unwanted spider visitors.

9. Thyme

Another herb with active compounds can deter spiders. The compound Thymol present within this plant is an effective natural pest deterrent, creating an unpleasant smell that spiders don’t like.

10. Sage

Sage is a popular herb with spider-deterring properties due to its active compounds, such as camphor and thujone.

When burnt or crumbled into powder form, sage creates a strong smell which helps to keep insects and spiders away.

Summary

In most cases, huntsman spiders hitch a ride on something already coming into your house, like firewood or a grocery bag. They can also sneak in through cracks and crevices in walls or floors.

These spiders are beneficial, as they help control other insect populations. So the next time you see a spider in your home, relax and appreciate that nature has found its way inside.