Spider control: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What spider control is

Spider control identifies spiders, removes webs and egg sacs, and applies targeted treatments to entry points and harborage areas, along with reducing the insects that attract them. People call when they see webs piling up in corners, egg sacs in the garage or basement, or spiders in numbers that make the home uncomfortable.

Signs you need it

  • Webs collect in corners, window frames, the garage ceiling or behind furniture faster than you can remove them
  • Egg sacs are attached to walls, ceilings, boxes or the underside of shelves
  • Spiders are found in closets, shoes, bedding or the bathroom, especially near the tub or sink
  • You see many spiders near lights, doors or outdoor vents at night, drawn by the insects there
  • A spider bite happened and you want the area inspected to find out what is living there

What the pro does

  • The technician identifies the spider species, since some are harmless and some need careful handling and medical attention if they bite
  • Webs, egg sacs and nests are removed from the walls, ceilings, corners and window frames
  • Entry points, such as door sweeps, window gaps and foundation cracks, are inspected and sealed where needed
  • Harborage areas, such as wall voids, garages, storage and crawl spaces, are treated with products labeled for spiders
  • Outdoor lights, doors and vents are checked for insect activity, and the technician explains how to reduce the food that draws spiders in

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of rooms and the size of the home, garage and outdoor perimeter
  • Species and the number of spiders, since some need more thorough treatment
  • Number of webs and egg sacs to remove, and how high they are
  • Access to attics, crawl spaces, wall voids and storage areas
  • Sealing work for door sweeps, windows and cracks, if it is included
  • Outdoor perimeter treatment and the amount of foliage that must be treated
  • Number of follow-up visits needed to confirm the spiders are reduced

What a written quote should spell out

  • The species identified, with a note on any spider that needs a medical opinion if it bites
  • The areas where webs and egg sacs will be removed
  • The treatment products by name and the locations each one is applied
  • The entry points that will be sealed and the materials used
  • The outdoor perimeter work included, and the areas it covers
  • The follow-up schedule and what happens if spiders return

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What spider species is it, and are any of them dangerous to people or pets?
  • Where do you apply the products, and are they safe for kids and pets?
  • Will you remove the egg sacs, or only spray them?
  • What do you do about the insects that draw spiders to the house?
  • Do you seal the entry points, and with what material?
  • How many follow-up visits do you plan?
  • What should I do if I find a spider I cannot identify?

Red flags

  • They spray the walls and ceilings heavily without removing the webs or egg sacs
  • They say every spider in the house is dangerous and need to be sprayed right away
  • They do not identify the species or explain what they are treating
  • They promise the spiders will never come back
  • They ignore the insects outside that attract spiders in the first place

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can remove webs and egg sacs with a broom, a vacuum or a damp cloth, reduce clutter and seal small gaps with caulk; use a product labeled for spiders as the label directs, and keep it away from children and pets. Call a licensed pest control operator for large infestations, for any spider you think may be dangerous, and for any treatment inside walls or attics. If you are bitten and have symptoms, seek medical care right away.

Licenses and permits

Spider control with pesticides for pay is commonly licensed in many areas, and the operator or technician may need a specific license. Check with your state or local licensing agency before you hire, and ask to see the license that covers the work.

Spider control questions

Are the spiders in my house dangerous?

Many spiders found in homes are harmless to people, but some species can cause serious bites. A licensed operator can identify the species, and a medical provider should see a bite that causes symptoms. Keep any spider you want identified in a container.

Why do I keep seeing so many spiders?

Spiders follow insects, so the real cause is often the insects around the house, the webs in corners and the entry points. Ask the operator to address the food source and the gaps, not just the spiders you see.

Is it safe to remove webs and egg sacs myself?

Yes, with care. Wear gloves, a mask and eye protection, and be ready for spiders to drop from the web. Bag the egg sacs and webs, and avoid crushing them in your hands.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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