by Derrick |
Last Updated: November 5, 2022 Have you ever wondered why you keep finding spiders in your bathtub? Could it be the water? The heat? The soap?
The reason you keep finding spiders in your bathtub is because they are attracted to water, heat, and the insects they prey on, all of which are often abundantly available in bathroom environments in general and bathtubs in particular.
Let’s take a closer look at why this is the case and consider what you can do about it.
Why Spiders Are Attracted to Bathtubs
Often, bathrooms make up the hottest, most humid corners of a home. For these and other reasons, they can also be home to other insects that spiders like to prey on. Inevitably, spiders gravitate to them and find bathtubs particularly attractive.
1. Spiders Are Looking for Water
If a spider has ventured into your bathroom, it’s likely because they’re searching for a water source. This is especially true if your bathroom is located on the ground floor of your home (spiders are good climbers, so they can get to higher floors if they need to).
Since water often accumulates in a bathtub, spiders like them. Moreover, once a spider finds a water source, it’ll often stay put for a while.
If you have a lot of potted plants in your bathroom, the moisture in their soil or foliage will also attract spiders for the same reason.
2. Spiders Are Looking for Food
Just like any other creature, spiders need to eat to survive. And what do they like to eat? Insects! So, if your bathroom is home to a few flies or other small insects, that can definitely be a draw for spiders.
These insects are often attracted to your tub for the same reasons spiders are – they’re looking for water. So, if you want to keep spiders (and other insects) out of your bathroom, keeping the space clean and dry is essential.
Plants and uncleared waste will also attract insects. Here again, regular cleaning will help solve the problem.
3. Spiders Are Looking for a Place To Build Their Webs
Web-weaving is an essential behavioral trait of most spider species, as they use them to catch their prey. Bathrooms offer a variety of ideal spaces to build webs, such as in the corners of ceilings, behind toilets, under sinks, and in an infrequently used bathtub. Spiders also prefer warm and humid areas to build their nests.
If you want to discourage spiders from setting up shop in your tub, keep your bathroom clean and clutter-free. This will make it harder for spiders to find a good place to build their web.
4. Spiders Are Looking for Shelter
Bathrooms and bathtubs offer spiders excellent security. Bathrooms are often humid and warm, making them ideal places for spiders to take shelter if it’s cold outside or a storm. Also, as with corners and crevices, an infrequently used tub can provide protection from both predators and the environment.
5. Spiders Are Looking for a Place To Mate
Finally, spiders might be attracted to your bathroom because they’re looking for a mate. Male spiders often venture into homes (including bathrooms), searching for a female spider to mate with.
So, there you have it – five potential reasons why spiders are attracted to bathrooms. If you’re finding spiders in your tub, it’s likely because one or more of these factors is at play.
Spiders May Benefit the Ecology of Your Bathroom
So, now that you know some of the reasons why spiders might be interested in your bathroom let’s consider what you should do about it. The easiest solution would be to eliminate or remove spiders from your home.
However, most spiders do not pose a significant threat to humans. Unless they are highly venomous, which is extremely rare, spiders are not a threat to you or your family.
Also, consider that spiders may be beneficial for the ecology of your bathroom and your home. Here’s how:
1. Spiders Eat Other Insects
As I’ve already mentioned, spiders are predators, and their primary food source is other insects. So, if you have a spider or two in your bathroom, they’re likely helping to keep the insect population under control. This can be especially beneficial if your bathroom is prone to fly or mosquito infestations.
2. Spiders Help To Pollinate Plants
While most people think of bees when they think of pollination, spiders can also play a role in this process.
Spiders often build their webs near flowers or other plants. As they move around their web, they can inadvertently help to transfer pollen from one plant to another. So, if you have a lot of houseplants in your bathroom, having a spider or two around might be beneficial for them.
If you still want to get rid of them, read on.
How To Prevent Spiders From Setting Up Camp in Your Bathtub
If you really can’t stand the spiders in your bathtub, there are a few things you can do to keep them out.
1. Keep Your Home Clean
If you have a spider or two in your bathtub, it’s likely because you have a lot of dirt and grime built up in there. So, if you want to eliminate the spiders in your tub, start by cleaning your bathroom!
Your first step is to clean your bathroom regularly. This means keeping floors, walls, and the inside of your bathtub as clean as possible. To prevent the problem from recurring, you will not only need to clean your bathroom and tub, but you will also need to ensure it stays clean by maintaining a regular cleaning routine.
2. Use Vinegar To Kill Spider Eggs
If spiders reappear despite regular cleaning, it may be because they are reproducing in your bathroom. In this case, you will need to locate the spider’s nest and destroy its eggs using vinegar.
As I’ve mentioned earlier in this article, spiders like to build their webs around plants and flowers and in corners and crevices. So, start looking there first.
3. Use Ziploc Bags To Catch Spiders
If you have a spider infestation, you can also use Ziploc bags to catch spiders as you come across them and dispose of them elsewhere. While tedious, this will at least reduce the spider population in your home and might be your only option if other solutions do not work.
You’ll want to place the Ziploc bags within easy reach inside your bathroom so that you don’t need to hunt for them whenever you spot a spider.
4. Use Insecticides To Kill Spiders
If none of these solutions work, you can use insecticides to kill the spiders in your home. You’ll want to use a spray or dust that is non-toxic. You can spray or dust the product around areas where you’ve seen spiders, like in corners and crevices, or call a professional service if unsure how to proceed.
Using insecticide is the most effective long-term solution to your spider problem. It will help to kill all the spiders in your home and prevent spider infestations in the future. However, you need to take care in choosing a safe product or service to ensure you do not risk the health and safety of your family in going after a few spiders.
Final Thoughts
Spiders are attracted to bathtubs for their heat, humidity, and the presence of insects they like to eat. Since spiders pose a limited threat to humans in most cases, you may choose not to exterminate them.
Alternatively, you can use insecticide or hire a professional to kill the spiders in your home. You will also need to keep it clean and dry to ensure the spiders do not return.
