Common habits that attract spider into the home 

When you clean your home, there are likely a few goals you have in mind: making the place look and smell a bit better, reducing mess and clutter, and keeping pests at bay. But pest control experts say that how you keep things clean and tidy—or don’t—could make your home look like a welcoming environment for insects, and spiders in particular. Before you find yourself battling a seemingly endless array of arachnids, discover what you should and shouldn’t do while cleaning up to avoid a spider infestation.

Don’t wait to wash your fruit

Even if you’re not planning to eat it immediately, you might want to give the fruit in your house a good rinse when you bring it home.

“In addition to attracting flies, fruit also attracts spiders,” says Jordan Foster, a pest expert with Fantastic Pest Control. “Insects find grapes particularly fascinating, so spiders are more likely to weave a web between and around them. Give your fruit a good clean after you buy them from the supermarket to be on the safe side.”

Don’t leave pet food out.

person putting hand into bag of dog food. Leaving your pet’s food on the floor makes it an attractive spot for bugs to hide out—and where there are bugs, spiders will soon follow.

“If you have a pet, ensure you clean their food bowl regularly. Moreover, store pet food in airtight containers,” says Foster.

Don’t use lidless trash cans

kitchen trash can, second uses for cleaning products. That open trash can in your kitchen could be the reason you’re suddenly noticing spiders in your home. “Spiders enjoy eating insects that feed on leftovers and waste,” explains entomologist and pest control expert Ryan Smith, owner of Ant and Garden Organic Pest Control. “Dispose of your house waste properly and you’ll not only prevent roaches, flies, and ants from coming, but spiders too!”

Don’t forget to wipe your counters after preparing food

If you’re not in the habit of wiping down your counters or cleaning debris off your stove after cooking, you might want to start.

“Spiders don’t eat human food, but they sure feast on insects that feed on food left in your kitchen,” says Smith. He recommends cleaning up immediately after meals to keep spiders and their prey from calling your kitchen home.

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Don’t leave laundry on the floor