Think Twice Before Killing That Spider—You Might Be Making Things Worse
Before reaching for your shoe or insect spray the next time you see a spider crawling across your wall, take a moment to reconsider. What if eliminating that spider actually contributes to a bigger pest issue inside your home?
It may sound surprising, but learning the truth about these misunderstood creatures could change how you handle them—and help you avoid a worse infestation in the future.
For many, the knee-jerk reaction to seeing a spider is to squash it immediately. Their appearance, unpredictable movements, and association with venom often trigger fear or discomfort. But acting on that fear may do more harm than good.
In places like the UK, most spider species are not dangerous to people. Although spider bites do occur, data from sources such as AnimalWised show that only a small number—just 12 out of more than 650 species—carry venom strong enough to seriously affect humans.
Spiders generally avoid contact with humans and prefer to stay hidden. They’re typically shy and non-confrontational, biting only when they feel directly threatened, such as when they’re trapped or handled roughly.
Why Killing Spiders Is Counterproductive
Ending a spider’s life doesn’t just eliminate one creature—it also removes a highly effective predator from your living space.
Although killing a spider might bring a brief sense of relief, experts caution that it could actually lead to a rise in other household pests. Spiders play an important role in keeping the indoor insect population under control. They hunt and consume bugs like mosquitoes, moths, flies, and cockroaches—pests that can spread germs, bite, or damage your belongings.
Without spiders acting as pest control, these unwanted insects are free to multiply. And ironically, once your home is free of resident spiders, new ones may arrive to fill the ecological gap—especially since many spiders also feed on other spiders.
It’s also worth noting that while nearly all spiders have some form of venom, very few are a danger to people. Many can’t pierce human skin at all due to the size or weakness of their fangs. The vast majority of spider bites result in no serious symptoms.
Humane Ways to Remove Spiders
If the sight of a spider gives you the chills but you’d rather not kill it, there are simple and safe ways to guide it back outside.
One popular and humane method is to gently trap the spider using a glass or cup and slide a stiff piece of paper underneath. You can then carry it outside and release it without harm.
Final Thoughts: Respecting the Role of Spiders
While it’s natural to feel uneasy around spiders, learning more about their habits and the role they play in your home can shift your perspective. These creatures are mostly harmless, steer clear of humans, and only bite when they feel cornered. More importantly, they serve as a frontline defense against other pests that might otherwise infest your space.
Eliminating them might create a temporary sense of cleanliness or control, but often leads to more insects—or even more spiders—appearing soon after. Instead of smashing or spraying, consider gently relocating them outdoors.
Doing so maintains a natural balance, protects your household from more harmful pests, and spares a living creature that’s just trying to survive—often in ways that benefit you.