By Infant Tales Team
Finding baby spiders crawling around your home can be unsettling, especially if you have a curious little one exploring the nursery or baby play area. While most spiderlings are harmless, they can multiply quickly if not addressed. Plus, for many parents, the idea of house spiders anywhere near their baby’s space is enough to prompt immediate action.
The good news? You can get rid of baby spiders effectively and safely without creating hazards for your family. In this guide, we’ll cover how spider egg sacs get into homes, why they appear, safe removal methods, and baby-safe pest control tips to keep them from coming back.
Why Baby Spiders Appear in Homes
Knowing why baby spiders appear is the first step to getting rid of them.
- Hatching egg sacs: A single female spider can lay hundreds of eggs. When they hatch indoors, the tiny spiderlings scatter quickly in search of food.
- Easy entry Points: Small gaps in doors, windows, or walls give spiders a clear path inside.
- Plenty to eat: If your home has other common household pests like flies, ants, or mosquitoes, spiders will naturally move in to hunt.
- Perfect hiding spots: Clutter, closet storage boxes, and dark corners make ideal places for wolf spiders or cellar spiders to hide and nest.
For more insight into spider habits and prevention, check out the University of California Integrated Pest Management guide. is a great resource.
How to Identify Baby Spiders
Baby spiders, also known as spiderlings, are much smaller and more delicate than adult spiders. Here’s what to look for:
- Very small size – Often smaller than a grain of rice, making them easy to overlook at first.
- Color changes – Typically light or translucent when they first hatch, gradually darkening as they grow.
- Fast movers – Even at this tiny stage, they can scurry quickly across surfaces.
- Clustered presence – You may find them grouped together near their hatching spot, often close to a spider egg sac or in the remains of a web.
Identifying them early is important because once spiderlings disperse, it’s much harder to track and remove them all.
Safe Ways to Get Rid of Baby Spiders in the House
The safest approach, especially for homes with babies, is a combination of non-toxic pest control, cleaning, and prevention. Experts from the University of Kentucky Entomology Department emphasize removing spider egg sacs promptly and sealing entry points as the most effective long-term prevention methods.
1. Locate and Remove Egg Sacs
Spider Egg sacs look like small, round silk balls. You might find them:
- In ceiling corners
- Under furniture
- Inside closets
- Along baseboards
Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove them, then empty the vacuum outside immediately.
2. Vacuum and Clean Thoroughly
Regular cleaning can break the spider life cycle. Focus on:
- Corners of rooms and ceilings
- Under furniture and appliances
- Window sills and door frames
- Behind curtains
Tip: Vacuuming weekly is one of the most effective organic pest prevention methods for spider control indoors.
3. Seal Entry Points
Prevent more house spiders from coming in by:
- Sealing cracks in walls and floors
- Adding weatherstripping to doors and windows
- Repairing damaged window screens
4. Reduce Their Food Source
No food = no spiders. Keep insect populations down by:
- Cleaning up crumbs promptly
- Storing food in sealed containers
- Fixing leaks to reduce moisture (which attracts bugs)
- Emptying trash regularly
5. Use Natural Repellents (Safe for Homes with Babies)
Avoid harsh chemical sprays in areas where your baby plays. Instead, try:
- Peppermint oil spray: Mix a few drops with water and spray along baseboards (keep away from baby’s hands and mouth).
- Vinegar and water solution: Spray in corners to deter spiders.
- Cedarwood chips or sachets: Place in closet storage or under furniture.
6. Control Humidity
Spiders prefer moist environments. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or bathrooms.
7. Call a Professional (If Needed)
If you notice:
- Multiple spider egg sacs across rooms
- Large numbers of spiderlings daily
- Potentially dangerous species (like brown recluse or black widow)
…contact a licensed pest control company. Ask specifically for baby-safe, low-toxicity methods.
Preventing Baby Spiders from Returning
- Declutter: Spiders love hiding in piles of boxes, unused baby gear, and stacks of laundry.
- Vacuum weekly: Especially in less-used rooms.
- Outdoor maintenance: Trim shrubs and plants away from the house and remove wood piles.
- Light control: Keep outdoor lighting minimal at night; lights attract common household pests, which attract spiders.
Are Baby Spiders Dangerous?
Most spiderlings are harmless and can’t bite through human skin. However, a few species, like black widow or brown recluse spiders, are venomous from birth. If you’re unsure:
- Capture one safely – Use a clear jar or container with a secure lid, and slide a piece of stiff paper underneath to avoid direct contact.
- Seek expert identification – Contact a licensed pest control service, local cooperative extension office, or university entomology department. They can confirm the species and advise whether treatment or removal is necessary.
Signs You May Have More Than Just a Few Baby Spiders
A few baby spiders can appear by chance, but if you notice the following, you may be dealing with a more widespread problem:
- Frequent sightings: Spotting spiderlings every day in multiple areas of the home.
- Multiple egg sacs: Discovering more than one egg sac (silk-covered, round, and often hidden in corners, closets, or under furniture) is a sign of ongoing breeding.
- Rise in other insects: Spiders follow their food source. If you notice more flies, ants, or small bugs, more spiders are likely to follow and reproduce.
If these signs are present, it’s best to act quickly, remove egg sacs, deep clean, and seal entry points to stop the cycle before it worsens.
FAQs – Baby Spiders in the House
Q1: Can baby spiders survive without their mother?
Yes. Once they hatch, spiderlings are independent and hunt on their own.
Q2: Do baby spiders bite?
Most can’t bite humans, but some species can. Always take precautions, especially if unsure about the type.
Q3: Will killing one spider prevent an infestation?
Not necessarily, if spider egg sacs are still present, more spiderlings can hatch.
Q4: What’s the safest way to get rid of baby spiders with a baby in the house?
Use natural pest control like peppermint oil spray, vinegar spray, and regular vacuuming instead of chemical sprays.
Final Thoughts
Baby spiders in the house can be a nuisance, but with quick action and prevention, you can keep your home spider-free. Focus on removing spider egg sacs, sealing entry points, keeping your home clean, and reducing common household pests.
And remember, safety comes first. Always choose childproofing-friendly pest control methods that keep your nursery and baby play area safe.
🐞 Parent Tip: The earlier you address spider activity, the easier it is to stop them from multiplying.
💡 Want more baby-safe pest prevention tips? Get practical, family-friendly home care advice every other day from Infant Tales, because a safe, happy home starts with informed parents.
