How do I keep spiders off my car?

Why do spiders like cars?

Spiders are attracted to cars for a few reasons:

• Warm engines – Spiders like warm places, and car engines retain heat for a while after you drive. This warmth attracts spiders.
• Undisturbed spaces – The underside of your car and wheel wells provide sheltered, undisturbed areas for spiders to build webs and lay eggs.
• Insects – Insects are drawn to the warmth of car engines and headlights at night. Spiders follow insects to these areas to feed.

So the combination of warmth, seclusion, and food sources make cars an appealing habitat for spiders.

What kinds of spiders live on cars?

Many common spider species may take up residence on or in cars, including:

• Grass spiders
• Funnel weavers
• Wolf spiders
• Jumping spiders
• Orb weavers

These spiders are generally not dangerous to humans, although some may bite if threatened. Their small size allows them to crawl into tiny crevices on cars.

Where on my car might I find spiders?

Spiders can settle in numerous spots on and around your vehicle:

• Under the chassis
• Inside wheel wells
• Behind bumpers
• Under hood insulation
• Around headlights and taillights
• Inside air intakes
• Behind side mirrors
• On gas caps

So check all the hidden nooks and crannies if you want to remove spider residents.

How can I discourage spiders from living on my car?

Here are some tips to make your car less spider-friendly:

• Wash your car frequently – This removes webs and egg sacs.
• Turn on headlights at night – Light deters insects that attract spiders.
• Use spider repellents – Apply natural repellents like peppermint oil, vinegar, citrus spray or garlic water.
• Seal entry points – Close off access to air intakes, cracks, and openings.
• Remove food sources – Clean up dead insects, tree sap, and debris that attract insects.
• Park in sunlight – Spiders avoid extremely hot surfaces in direct sun.
• Move car frequently – Don’t let it sit idle for too long, so spiders don’t settle in.

Consistency and diligence with these tactics can make your car less welcoming to spiders over time.

How do I safely remove spiders from my car?

If spiders have already moved in, here’s how to gently remove them:

• Use an extendable duster to sweep away webs and egg sacs from a distance.
• Vacuum the interior thoroughly, focusing on cracks and crevices.
• Seal spiders into a container to relocate them outside, or apply spider repellent spray into openings to encourage them to leave.
• Wear gloves and protective clothing in case spiders try to bite in self-defense.
• Be very careful around black widows if you live in an area with them.
• Hire a professional exterminator if infestations are severe.

With some patience and gentle encouragement, you can coax spider stowaways to vacate your vehicle safely.

Can car spiders harm humans?

Most spiders found on cars pose little threat to people. Some benefits spiders provide:

• Many species prey on insect pests like mosquitoes and flies.
• Spiderwebs can trap debris and prevent damage to car parts.
• Venom strengths vary, so bites cause mild to moderate reactions.
• They help control insect populations and maintain an ecosystem balance.

A few precautions regarding spiders around cars:

• Wear gloves and long sleeves when reaching into dark areas under the car.
• Check for black widows if living in warm southern regions.
• Watch for signs of infestation like numerous webs or egg sacs.
• Get medical attention for any bites or unusual reactions.

But in most cases, spiders found on cars are harmless hitchhikers looking for shelter. With proper precautions, there’s no need to fear our helpful eight-legged friends.

Conclusion

Spiders crawl onto cars seeking warmth, shelter, and insect prey. While surprising to find spiders on your vehicle, they generally pose minimal risk to people. With regular washing, sealing entry points, natural repellents, and relocating webs and spiders, you can maintain an arachnid-free car. A few bites may occur during removal, so use protective clothing when cleaning your car of spider residents. But otherwise, rest assured that parking lot spiders are typically harmless, and even beneficial in controlling pest populations. With vigilance and gentle eviction methods, you can coexist with minimal interference from spiders intent on hitching a ride.