Why do I keep getting spiders in my car?

Finding spiders in your car can be a creepy and concerning experience. While not necessarily dangerous, having spiders take up residence in your vehicle is definitely something you’ll want to address. In this article, we’ll look at some of the common reasons spiders might end up in your car and provide tips for keeping them out.

Why Are There Spiders in My Car?

There are a few main reasons spiders may find their way into your car:

• Looking for food – Spiders don’t intentionally try to get into vehicles, but if they’re hungry and sense prey inside, they may crawl in through small gaps seeking insects and other things to eat.
• Seeking shelter – Spiders may crawl into cars looking for a warm, dry place to build webs and take refuge.
• Accidental entry – Spiders that are on exterior surfaces of the car can accidentally get inside when doors are opened, through AC vents, etc.
• Existing infestations – If you park your car near a garage, shed, or other area with a spider infestation, they are more likely to spread to your vehicle.
• Rides from nature – Spiders living in trees, plants and woodpiles near where you park may hitch accidental rides into your car on items you place inside.

Certain types of spiders such as wolf spiders and grass spiders are more prone to end up in cars because they don’t build webs and instead hunt for food. Ultimately, any spider looking for a warm environment with prey to eat could find its way into a vehicle.

How Do Spiders Get in My Car?

Spiders enter cars through small access points and cracks they can squeeze through. Some common spider entry points include:

• Door and window seals
• AC vents
• Under the hood through gaps in the firewall insulation
• Trunk and hatchback seals
• Sunroof and convertible top seals
• Around damaged seals and weatherstripping
• Through floorboard cracks and holes

Wolf spiders and grass spiders may run quickly into cars when doors are opened. Web-building spiders are more likely to drop down from ceiling surfaces or ride along in items placed in the car. No matter how they get in, spiders won’t stay long in vehicles unless they find suitable hiding spots and food sources.

Where Do Spiders Hide in Cars?

Once inside your car, spiders will look for warm, humid, dark places to hide during the daytime. Common spider hiding spots include:

• Under seats
• In or behind trim panels and upholstery
• Inside ductwork and vents
• In corners of the headliner
• Behind sun visors and mirrors
• Inside spare tire wheel wells
• Under floor mats
• In engine compartments and housings

Spiders may build webs in undisturbed areas to catch prey and lay eggs. At night they emerge to hunt for food sources such as moths, crickets, flies and mosquitoes that also take refuge inside cars.

How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Car

To deter spiders from entering and living in your car, try these tips:

• Park in sunny areas – Spiders avoid direct sunlight and are less likely to go inside hot vehicles.
• Clean the interior – Vacuum and wash the interior regularly to remove food sources and hiding spots.
• Seal entry points – Inspect seals and make repairs to limit access.
• Use essential oils – Apply mint, eucalyptus or cinnamon oil on cotton balls and place in car entry points.
• Remove clutter – Avoid leaving food, bags and other items spiders could hide behind.
• Inspect before driving – Look under seats and floor mats for spiders before getting in.
• Use a spider repellent – Apply a natural repellent inside the car and around doors monthly.
• Hire a professional – For severe infestations, enlist a pest control professional to treat your car.

Natural Spider Repellents

You can make DIY spider repellents to use inside your car:

• Essential oils – Dilute cinnamon, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus or citrus oils in water in a spray bottle.
• Vinegar – Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for a natural spider deterrent spray.
• Rubbing alcohol – Wipe down interior surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Cedar blocks – Place small cedar blocks in the corners under seats to repel spiders.
• Diatomaceous earth – Apply food-grade diatomaceous earth in crevices spiders could crawl through.

Be sure to test cleaners on small interior sections first to check for discoloration or damage. Reapply natural spider repellents monthly.

Chemical Spider Repellents

For stubborn spider problems, you can also use chemical aerosol repellents designed to kill and prevent spider infestations:

• Pyrethrin-based sprays
• Indoxacarb-based sprays
• Gamma-Cyhalothrin-based sprays

Read product labels carefully and use chemical sprays with caution in confined vehicle spaces. They can be effective when applied correctly around entry points and spider hiding areas.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a qualified auto detailer or pest control company if:

• You find egg sacs or large webs indicating a major infestation.
• Spiders continue appearing after thorough cleaning and preventive measures.
• You need help sealing hidden entry points.
• Chemical treatments don’t get rid of the spiders.

Professionals have commercial-grade products, tools and expertise to locate and eliminate spider nests and prevent recurring populations. This provides peace of mind your car is spider-free.

How Much Does Professional Spider Removal Cost?

Professional automobile spider removal costs $80 to $250 on average depending on the severity of the infestation and type of vehicle. Expect to pay approximately:

Service	Average Cost
Minor treatment (no nests found)	$80 – $150
Major treatment (spider nests present)	$150 – $250

Extra fees may apply for emergency same-day service, chemical fogging treatments or follow-up visits. Be sure to get an exact estimate upfront.

Can Spiders Damage My Car?

For the most part, spiders pose little risk of damage to your vehicle’s mechanical functioning. However, over time spider infestations can create some problems:

• Blocked air vents from webbing
• Shorted electrical systems if webs contact wiring
• Clogged drains or gas lines
• Corroded surfaces from spider excretions
• Staining or odors from dead spiders and egg sacs

The best way to avoid damage is to eliminate spiders and their webs as soon as you notice them. Watch for crumbled spider remains, silky web strands and egg sacs. The sooner you clean them out, the less mess they can make.

Are Car Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

Most spiders found in cars are nuisance spiders, not medically significant. Some spiders you may encounter include:

• Grass spiders
• Cellar spiders
• Cobweb spiders
• Jumping spiders
• Wolf spiders
• Orb weaver spiders

While spider bites are rare, these species can bite if crushed or handled:

• Brown recluse spider
• Black widow spider

Their venom can cause mild to moderate reactions, but severe complications are unlikely. Simply cleaning out the car thoroughly can remove the spiders without the need for close contact.

Conclusion

Finding spiders inside your car can certainly be an unpleasant surprise. With a few simple prevention and exclusion tactics, you can keep these unwanted pests from hitching a ride and taking up residence in your vehicle again. Pay attention to potential entry points, clean interiors thoroughly and use natural or chemical repellents to discourage spiders from returning. Call on a professional if the population persists despite your best efforts.