Seeking Shelter:
* Openings: They enter through gaps under doors, cracks in foundations, holes in screens, or even through open windows.
* Entrances: They may come in with firewood, boxes, or other objects brought inside.
* Pipes and Drains: They can crawl through pipes and drains, especially those that aren't sealed properly.
Looking for Food:
* Insects: Black widows are attracted to areas where there are other insects for them to eat, like near lights, around garbage, or in basements and attics.
Other Factors:
* Weather: They may seek shelter indoors during colder months or when it's raining heavily.
* Habitat: If you have a lot of wood piles, stone walls, or overgrown vegetation around your home, it can be more attractive to black widows.
Preventing Black Widows from Entering Your Home:
* Seal up cracks and holes: Inspect the exterior of your home, including around windows, doors, pipes, and vents, and seal any gaps or cracks with caulk or weather stripping.
* Keep firewood away from the house: Store firewood away from the house and off the ground to prevent spiders from crawling in.
* Keep your yard clean: Remove clutter, overgrown vegetation, and other potential hiding places for spiders.
* Use screens on windows and doors: Make sure screens are intact and fit tightly to prevent spiders from getting inside.
* Control insects: Black widows are attracted to insects, so controlling insect populations in and around your home can help reduce the chances of attracting black widows.
If you find a black widow spider in your home, it's best to contact a pest control professional for removal.