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Even if you're not currently dealing with a spider infestation in your home, you likely shiver with fear when you think of them. How can you stop them from getting in, and what is attracting them? The answers to those questions may surprise you. The Color Green Did you know that spiders have a favorite color ? Due to a biological feature certain species use to attract mates, some are naturally attracted to the color green. While humans have what's called "trichromatic" vision (we can detect three types of light - red, green, and blue), spiders have "dichromatic" vision (seeing only green and UV light). So green became a visual mating call, similar to how peacocks attract mates. If green is the main component in your interior decorating, you may unknowingly attract them. Light If changing your entire interior decorating scheme doesn't seem realistic, there are other, less significant ways to stop your home from being as attractive to your eight-legged foes. Outdoor lights are also incredibly attractive to them. However, it's probably not for the reason you think. They are not like moths, pulled to light inherently. Instead, they are attracted simply because it attracts various other bugs that they enjoy feeding on. Keeping outdoor lights off as much as possible at night will discourage other bugs from crowding around and discourage spiders from taking up camp on your porch. Fewer spiders around your outdoor spaces mean fewer ones that can eventually find their way inside. Overgrown Outdoor Landscaping In addition to being unsightly, overgrown landscaping can also be very attractive to them. Brush, debris, bushes, and low-hanging trees make them want to visit. When they take up residence in the landscaping, they will be far more likely to sneak into available cracks in the foundation, open doors and windows, or grab a free ride on you. Plenty of bugs live in the landscaping, making it an attractive home and a delicious dining destination. The Dark Spiders in the dark sounds like a nightmare, right? Ok, this one might not be that surprising; they are attracted to the dark. They are naturally nocturnal and hunt in the dark, so the prowl begins as the sun sets. They are also very sensitive to movement, so they prefer to live in smaller, enclosed spaces where they won't be disturbed regularly. It gives them a place to make their webs and store their egg sacs safely. Wolf Spiders are especially fond of the dark as they have specialized night vision and are found in California. At almost an inch and a half and able to run at two feet per second, this is not a critter you want to bump into in the middle of the night. But keeping the lights on won't save you from an infestation. They'll live happily in your home even with the lights on. From Beyond According to some, if you find yourself being the main attraction to spiders, the universe may be telling you something. The 8-legged fiend is considered an animal guide, and their repetitive presence can have multiple meanings. This spirit animal may convey patience and creativity or tell you to trust your instincts. It may even be a sign for you to look deep into yourself and examine your dark side, imagine that. So, What Can You Do? It seems there is an attraction at every turn for these arachnids. Reducing the risk of an infestation isn't just about making your home less attractive. It is about learning how to keep them out of your house too. Protect your home by cutting back overgrown landscaping and keeping outdoor lights off as much as possible. Patch up holes or cracks in the foundation, replace broken screens, and remove enticements that may attract other pests. The truth is, though, even the most well-protected home is still subject to the wrath of the spider without professional help. Contact Alpha Charlie Exterminators today if you've noticed an infestation, and we'd be happy to help. We are the area's most trusted pest control company. We take great care in eliminating the problem while protecting the natural environment and offer multiple pest control options.