The Truth About Spiders in Pee Dee Homes (And How to Keep Them Out)

​You’ve probably noticed spiders around your Pee Dee home, crawling along baseboards, hiding in corners, or popping up in the garage. Although most are harmless, they can be a real nuisance. It helps to understand which poses a threat and how to keep them out of your home, no matter the season.

At Harris Pest Control, we’ve helped neighbors across the Pee Dee resolve spider problems since 1973. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common myths about spiders and share practical tips for keeping your home comfortable and pest-free.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Common Pee Dee spiders - Which species are harmless, and which ones you should watch for
• Why spiders come inside - Including what they’re looking for and why homes fit the bill
• Seasonal spider activity - A season-by-season guide
• Common spider myths - Separating fact from fiction about spider behavior and risks
• Prevention tips for your home and yard - Practical steps to reduce spider activity inside and outside
• Local solutions with Harris Pest Control - How our year-round plans keep Pee Dee homes comfortable and spider-free

Common Pee Dee Spiders: Friend or Foe?

Most spiders you see inside are harmless. Here’s a quick look at what’s most common in Pee Dee homes:

Harmless (but annoying) household spiders

• Common house spiders: Build messy webs in corners or closets. Mostly a nuisance.
• Jumping spiders: Tiny, energetic hunters that rarely bite humans.
• Wolf spiders: Large and fast, but not dangerous. Often wander in from yards.

Venomous spiders (rare, but good to know)

• Black widows: Recognizable by the red hourglass on their bellies, although not all have them. Found in dark, undisturbed areas like sheds or crawl spaces.
• Brown recluses: Rare in Pee Dee, but bites can be serious. Look for a violin-shaped marking on the back.

While finding venomous spiders in your home is unsettling, bites are uncommon. Most Pee Dee spiders are more interested in the insects flying or crawling around your home than you.

Why Spiders Come Inside

Spiders don’t come indoors to scare you; they’re just looking for food, shelter, and the right conditions to survive. In the Pee Dee, homes provide plenty of opportunities for all three. Spiders often follow the insects they hunt, like flies, ants, or cockroaches. Spiders will likely notice if your home has a steady insect population.

Garages, attics, basements, and storage areas give spiders dark, quiet spaces to hide, spin webs, and wait for prey. Even well-maintained homes aren’t immune; gaps around windows, doors, vents, or siding can be an entry point. Spiders are small and flexible, able to squeeze through cracks you might not even notice.

Seasonal changes also play a role. Weather shifts like rain, humidity, or drought can also push them toward the safety of your home. Understanding these patterns helps explain why spiders seem more common at certain times of year—and why taking preventative steps early can make a big difference.

Seasonal Spider Activity in the Pee Dee

Spider activity in the Pee Dee fluctuates; here’s a breakdown of spider activity by season:

• Spring: Warmer temperatures bring out young spiders and increase insect prey outdoors. Expect more activity near windows, doors, and poorly sealed areas.
• Summer: High insect populations mean spiders may stay outside hunting, but homes with abundant insects can still attract them.
• Fall: Cooler weather pushes spiders indoors to find shelter and food. This is the peak “moving inside” season for many species.
• Winter: Spiders become less active, but those already inside can continue to hunt insects in warm basements, attics, or crawl spaces.

Understanding these patterns helps homeowners take proactive steps before spiders become noticeable problems.

We should also note that late summer and early fall are prime breeding months for many spiders. Males search for mates, and females lay egg sacs that can stay hidden indoors over winter. This helps explain why spiders seem more abundant during certain seasons and why early prevention can be so effective.

Debunking Spider Myths

Myth 1: All spiders are dangerous

The truth? Most Pee Dee spiders are harmless. Knowing which species live in your area can help you stay calm and avoid unnecessary panic.

Myth 2: Spiders love dirty, cluttered homes

Some believe mess and clutter attract spiders. Actually, they’re looking for food and shelter. Storage closets, garages, attics, and other areas where belongings pile up attract insects that spiders prey on, AND they may seem safer since there’s less foot traffic.

Keeping those areas and other parts of your home tidy will reduce potential hiding spots for insects and the spiders that eat them.

Myth 3: Squashing spiders is the best spider control

Killing spiders on sight is satisfying, but doesn’t solve the problem. The key is controlling the insects they feed on, which a local pest control company can help with.

Myth 4: Spiders can’t survive in clean, modern homes

Some homeowners assume new or well-maintained homes are spider-proof. In reality, spiders will take up residence wherever there’s food and shelter, even in brand-new houses.

Spider Prevention Tips for Pee Dee Homes

Here are practical steps to keep your home spider-free:

• Seal entry points: Check windows, doors, and the foundation, as well as other parts of your home, for cracks and gaps.
• Manage clutter: Keep storage areas, garages, and attics tidy.
• Control lighting: Outdoor lights attract insects, which attract spiders. Consider yellow “bug” bulbs.
• Maintain your yard: Trim shrubs, remove debris, and keep grass short to reduce outdoor pest populations.
• Partner with professionals: Harris Pest Control’s year-round home pest control plans (starting at $33/month) help keep Pee Dee homes spider-free, regardless of the style or age.

Ready to Stop Spiders for Good?

Spiders aren’t always the enemy; they can even help keep other pests in check. But when they show up in your home, wanting a solution is understandable. For homeowners in Florence, Darlington, Kingstree, and Hartsville, taking action now can prevent a small spider problem from becoming bigger.

Here’s what you can do today:

• Schedule your free inspection with Harris Pest Control
• Ask us about our affordable residential pest control plans
• Relax and let our team of local exterminators eliminate existing pest problems and prevent new activity

At Harris Pest Control, we’re proud to be the local expert for Pee Dee homeowners. From small towns to larger communities across the region (and Myrtle Beach, too!), we help neighbors take control of their homes and enjoy peace of mind all year long.

Don’t wait; let us help you protect your home today.