If you hate going into your basement because you walk through a spider web every time you go down there, it might be time to consider why that’s the case. Basements often attract spiders due to their darkness, high humidity, clutter, and the presence of prey insects, making them an ideal environment for web-building and hunting. Basements, particularly those with undisturbed areas, are a favorite spot of spiders, and knowing why can help ensure your Midwest basement stays spider-free. In today’s blog post, we’ll look briefly at arachnids that infest homes in our region, reasons why eight legged visitors love basements, and how to keep them out!

Common home invading spiders in the Midwest

Common basement spiders in the Midwest include house spiders, cellar spiders, wolf spiders, and brown recluse spiders. Recognizing these common basement spiders can help you identify and manage them effectively.

House spiders are the most common spiders that get into homes in the Midwest. When you see a spider in your house, there’s a good chance it’s a house spider. These spiders are less than half an inch long, not including their legs. They tend to have tan or light brown bodies with darker brown markings.

Cellar spiders are also frequently found in basements. They are easily recognized by their long, thin legs and small bodies, giving them a delicate, slender appearance.

The Midwest is also home to a couple of venomous spider species. brown recluse and black widow spiders also lurk in and around homes in our region. Brown recluse spiders grow to about half an inch in length, not including their legs. They have light brown bodies with a darker brown violin-shaped marking just behind their head.

Black widow spiders are about half an inch long, not including their legs. They have bulbous bodies that are shiny and black. Black widow spiders are best known for the red hourglass shape that is on the underside of their abdomens.

When considering if basement spiders are dangerous, it’s important to note that most basement spiders are harmless and rarely bite humans. However, some species like the brown recluse and black widow can pose health risks due to their venom.

Why spiders get into Midwest homes

Spiders enter homes for various reasons. Many times, they simply get inside by mistake. They find a gap under a door or a crack in the foundation and decide to see where it leads.

Other times, spiders get inside for a specific reason. They may be looking for food. Spiders primarily eat insects. If they find them in your house, they’ll stick around.

They may also enter your home in search of water. Spiders are drawn to moist areas such as basements with high humidity. Basements often provide a damp environment ideal for spiders, offering the moisture and shelter they seek. Spiders sometimes get inside to avoid unpleasant elements outside. They’ll seek an escape if the weather becomes too hot or cold. They’ll look inside for relief if food or water supplies dry up. If it rains too much, they’ll get inside to avoid being drowned or having their web washed away.

When seeking shelter, spiders are solitary creatures that prefer undisturbed, quiet spaces. Basements, with their dark corners and minimal disturbance, are perfect for spiders to hide, hunt, and lay eggs.

This is why homeowners often find spiders in my basement—because these spaces offer the darkness, moisture, and solitude that spiders need.

Reasons spiders love basements

Once you understand why spiders enter homes, it makes sense why they end up inside, particularly in basements. Let’s explore these reasons.

FoodSpiders leave your house if they can’t find food inside. You often find insect infestations in the basement, which explains why spiders gather there. When many insects invade your basement, spiders follow. Spiders catch prey such as insects and other small bugs in the basement, making it an ideal hunting ground.

WaterSpiders like areas with plenty of moisture. Basements tend to be darker with damp areas, the perfect environment for spiders to thrive. Damp basements with high humidity and moisture are especially attractive to spiders, as these conditions also attract insects that serve as their prey.

ShelterAlmost all spiders are reclusive pests that prefer secluded areas where they can live without interference. The basement is the perfect place to make this a reality. Most basements are used as storage areas, providing many cluttered areas where spiders can hide in out-of-the-way locations. Spiders take advantage of these spaces by weaving webs in cluttered, undisturbed areas. Furthermore, if your basement is unfinished, your family probably doesn’t spend much time there, precisely the type of environment that spiders like.

Crawl spaces connected to basements also provide ideal habitats for spiders, offering additional dark and undisturbed areas for them to thrive.

When these favorable conditions exist, you may notice more spiders being found in the basement, which can also indicate underlying pest or moisture issues.

Food sources and spider infestations in basements

If you’ve ever wondered why there are so many spiders in your basement, the answer often comes down to food. Basement spiders, including cellar spiders and house spiders, thrive in spaces where they have easy access to other insects. These spiders feed on flying insects like mosquitoes and flies, as well as ants, beetles, and even other pests that might be hiding in your basement. Wolf spiders, known for their hunting skills, will chase down crickets, cockroaches, and other small arthropods, making your basement a prime hunting ground if insect populations are high.

When there’s a steady food source, spider populations can quickly multiply. Female spiders can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, and those egg sacs tucked away in dark corners or behind stored items can hatch into dozens of new creepy crawlies. This is why you might suddenly notice so many spiders and messy webs appearing seemingly overnight. Most basement spiders tend to be harmless, but some, like brown recluse spiders, can pose a risk with their potentially dangerous spider bites. Spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas, so cluttered spaces, cardboard boxes, and wall voids become perfect hiding spots for them to build webs and lay eggs.

To prevent spiders from taking over your basement, it’s important to address the root causes that attract them. Start by sealing entry points—tiny cracks in foundation walls or around windows and doors can provide easy access for both insects and spiders. Removing clutter and stored items, especially cardboard boxes, will reduce hiding spots and make your basement less inviting. Opt for plastic bins instead of cardboard, and keep them off the floor to further discourage spiders. Managing moisture levels is also key, as spiders prefer damp environments; use a dehumidifier if needed and fix any leaks promptly.

Reducing the food source is just as important as removing hiding spots. Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and removing webs can help keep insect populations down. Natural repellents like peppermint oil can deter spiders, and diatomaceous earth is a safe way to reduce insect activity. However, if you’re dealing with a persistent spider infestation or notice signs of brown recluse spiders, professional pest control is your best bet. Pest control experts can identify entry points, eliminate food sources, and provide targeted treatments to get rid of spiders and prevent future infestations.

By taking these proactive steps—sealing cracks, removing clutter, managing moisture, and reducing insect populations—you can keep spiders out of your basement and avoid unwanted surprises. And if you need help with basement spider problems, Miller Pest Solutions is here to provide expert spider control and keep your living space safe and spider-free.

How to prevent spiders

To keep spiders out of your basement, you need to eliminate, or at least reduce, the things that attract them. Try these prevention tips to stop spiders from getting into your house:

  • Seal cracks and entry points into your house.

  • Reduce clutter in your house, especially in the basement.

  • Fix leaking pipes, dripping faucets, and other water problems inside and outside.

  • Reduce humidity in your house.

  • Address other pest problems in and around your house.

  • Cut back branches, shrubs, and other foliage so they don’t touch your house.

  • Remove spiders and remove webs regularly through cleaning and vacuuming.

  • Sweep down spider webs when you see them.

While the tips mentioned above will certainly help, routine pest treatments from Miller Pest Solutions are the most effective way to avoid a spider problem. You can also use a spray bottle filled with water and essential oils like peppermint or citrus to naturally deter spiders and make your basement less inviting.

Contact Miller Pest Solutions about spiders in your basement

Serving Des Moines, Kansas City, Omaha, and communities throughout our multi-state service area, Miller Pest Solutions eliminates and prevents spider and pest problems with one convenient plan, Miller HomePro 365. Not only does our home pest control service include spiders, but also many of the pests that attract them, including ants, silverfish, flies, and other insects. What’s more, our ongoing treatments provide year-round protection from the Midwest’s most common pests. To keep your home spider-free, contact us today.

Don't forget to nominate a family for a pest-free holiday! 

This holiday season, Miller the Killer is on a mission to bring more than just jolly vibes—we want to help families in need “Put Those PESTS to REST” and make their homes a true sanctuary by offering free pest control services! 

Do you know a family that could use a little extra holiday cheer? Click here to nominate them today!