Spiders and Your Waterfront Balcony: Why So BIG?

Living by Toronto’s waterfront is an urban dream come true. Amazing views, fresh breezes until summer arrives and suddenly, your condo balcony seems to have been claimed by giant spiders. In fact, we once had a customer remind our crew to keep the balcony door closed at all times while cleaning. It was only once the team stepped out onto the balcony that they realized, they’d entered spider world. So why do these oversized critters love waterfront balconies so much, and what can you do to keep them out?

Why are the waterfront spiders so large?

It’s not your imagination — spiders by the water really do tend to be larger. Common spiders on Toronto balconies include orb-weaving spiders and dock spiders. These types thrive in areas with high insect populations and humidity, which make waterfront locations ideal for their webs and their food supply.

Food Supply — Near the water, the air is buzzing with insects like mosquitos, flies, and gnats, which are drawn to the humidity and light reflections off the water. Spiders grow larger when food is abundant, and near the waterfront, they have more than enough to eat. These spiders settle on balconies to take advantage of this all-you-can-eat bug buffet!

Humidity — Spiders love moist environments, and the waterfront is full of natural humidity. This moisture also keeps their webs intact, making it easier for them to create and maintain large webs without them drying out.

Lighting — Condo balcony lights attract insects in the evening, creating the perfect hunting ground for spiders. They know that where there are lights, there are bugs, which makes balconies a perfect “dining area” for our eight-legged friends.

How do they reach such high floors?

If you’re on the 20th floor and wondering how these massive spiders managed to climb so high, you’re not alone. Spiders have a fascinating technique called ballooning, where they release fine silk threads that catch the wind, lifting them to new locations, even as high as your balcony. Once there, they make themselves at home, often setting up webs in the same spot each season if the conditions are right.

How to keep them off your balcony (without hurting them)

While spiders can look a bit scary, they do bring good luck according to tradition, and they’re great at keeping other insect populations down. If you’d like to keep them at bay, here are some humane ways to make your balcony a little less inviting to these visitors:

Peppermint Oil Spray — Spiders dislike strong scents, especially peppermint. Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle, and spray it along the edges of your balcony, around door frames, and other spots where spiders build webs. It’s a natural, eco-friendly deterrent that won’t harm them.

Switch to Bug-Repellent Lighting — Regular outdoor lights attract insects, making your balcony a prime spider destination. Try using yellow-hued “bug lights” designed to repel insects, which will reduce the number of bugs (and therefore, the number of spiders) on your balcony.

Use a Residual Insecticide Spray — There are sprays specifically designed to deter spiders from settling on surfaces. Choose a safe outdoor insecticide and apply it along balcony edges. Be cautious to select a product that won’t harm plants or pets.

Regular Web Removal — Using a broom or vacuum to regularly remove webs makes the area less appealing. If spiders find their webs consistently destroyed, they’re more likely to move elsewhere. This method won’t completely eliminate them, but it will reduce their presence.

Minimize Clutter — Spiders love hiding spots, so keep your balcony tidy. Avoid leaving cardboard boxes, piles of cushions, or any items that could offer shelter.

Seal Gaps and Cracks — Check for small openings around doors and windows, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. This helps prevent spiders from entering your indoor space and limits their entry points.

Final Thoughts

Toronto’s waterfront spiders may be big, but with a few preventive measures, you can enjoy your balcony without too many unwelcome guests. From peppermint oil to keeping lights low, there are plenty of safe, effective ways to manage spiders and reclaim your outdoor space, just in time for summer.

Thanks for reading!