October marks the start of peak spider-mating season, and already I’ve spotted an abundance of spiders lurking in my home.

Whether they're roaming across my floors, hanging in dark corners, or hiding in other common spots, these creepy crawlies seem to be everywhere — especially once we crank up the heat and offer them a warm sanctuary.

But while our natural reaction is to squish, trap, or reach for the bug spray, a pest expert explains why keeping spiders around can actually work to your advantage. In fact, the occasional house spider can be super helpful in getting rid of other bugs around the home. Here are two key reasons why.

If you’re dealing with other insects, including moths, ants, or mosquitoes, let spiders do the heavy lifting. Common spiders are mainly attracted to your home for food sources and nesting purposes. As natural predators, they gladly hunt down and feed on unwanted insects creeping into your home this fall.

"Spiders are nature's own pest controllers,” states John Whiteley-Wilkson, MD, and pest control expert at Acorn Environment Services. “While they're often seen as unwanted guests, they're actually helping to keep populations of flies, moths, and other insects under control without the use of chemicals."

Additionally, spiders play a crucial role in the ecosystem and food chain by serving as a vital food source for other wildlife. It’s a win-win!

"Spider season isn't caused by an invasion of new spiders.

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