Why You Should Stop Killing Spiders In Your Home

Daniel Mitchell in Home & Design

9/26/25

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Spiders have a bad reputation. They’re quick, unpredictable, and often misunderstood, but before reaching for a shoe or spray, it’s worth taking a moment to rethink how we deal with them. The truth is, most spiders you find inside your home aren’t dangerous, and killing them might do more harm than good. Instead, learning to live with them, or at least handle them more mindfully, can benefit your home, your health, and the environment.

Spiders Help Keep Other Pests in Check

Spiders are natural pest control. They eat flies, mosquitoes, moths, and even roaches. By letting them stick around, you’re reducing the likelihood of a pest infestation. This not only keeps your home cleaner but also cuts down on disease-carrying bugs that might otherwise go unchecked.

Most House Spiders Are Harmless

The vast majority of spiders found in homes aren’t venomous or aggressive. Many don’t even have fangs strong enough to pierce human skin. Their goal isn’t to bite you at all, it’s to avoid you entirely. When you see one, it’s probably just looking for a quiet corner to build a web. If you really don’t want it there, just move it outside. There’s rarely a need to kill it.

They Rarely Leave Their Webs

Once a spider settles into a spot in your home, it usually stays put. It doesn’t wander around looking to invade your space. Most species create a web and wait just for food to come to them. If you’ve noticed the same spider in a corner for weeks, that’s normal. It’s not a threat, it’s just minding its business, helping keep your space bug-free.

You’re More Likely to See Them in Late Summer

Many people notice more spiders indoors as the weather cools. This isn’t because they’re invading your home. Often, they’ve been inside all along, just less visible. In late summer and early fall, they become more active or noticeable because they’re reaching maturity. So if it feels like they’re suddenly everywhere, it’s just a seasonal pattern, not an infestation. No need to panic, just observe and relocate if needed.

There Are Better Ways to Handle Them

If you really can’t tolerate a spider in your home, killing it isn’t the only option. Use the classic jar and piece of paper to trap and release it outside, or seal gaps and cracks to prevent new ones from coming in. Being mindful and calm around them makes a big difference. Try to avoid the use of chemicals or aggressive traps to deal with them. There are safer, more respectful ways to manage the situation.

Spiders might not be your favorite roommates, but they’re far from enemies. Learning to see their purpose can change how you react when you spot one. Instead of acting out of fear, try understanding their role in the home. By sparing them, you’re supporting a healthier, more balanced space. It’s a small shift in thinking, but one that can make your home calmer—and maybe a little cleaner too.