A Reddit User Was Shocked To See Baby Spiders In Computer; What Are The Consequences?

Imagine the worst thing happening to your computer or laptop. Getting wet, or catching fire? What if opening your computer and seeing superfluous baby spiders come crawling out of it? Those tiny spiders in your computer are more horrifying than disgusting. Unfortunately, the incident affected a Reddit user who shared his shocking experience. 

On 24th September 2024, this Reddit user showed an image of tiny spiders crawling out of his computer case. Stunned by what was going on, he kept wondering how they got in, Can he still be able to use his PC, and How to clean them as soon as possible.

What Causes the Unexpected Infestation?

Are you wondering how these invaders get in? According to the user, the reason behind discovering that many spiders crawling out of the computer case is that spiders have laid eggs into the PC with over 1000 eggs in an egg sack. The situation became alarming, requiring an immediate cleaning and removal of the spiderlings or any other remaining sack. 

Can Spiders Potentially Damage Your Computer?

Sadly, yes, these are the culprits behind the multiple physical damages to your device. The presence of spiders in your computer is alarming, leading to several issues. The extent of potential damage is related to the type of device, size of the spider, its duration of getting tucked in. However, that simply doesnt happen today with modern computers as they are less susceptible to insect-related damage than older computers.

Back in the day, ‘computer bug’ was the phrase that originated when any insect crawled inside the computer and nose into its electrical contacts. Spiders and their webs can obstruct airflow, leading to overheating. They are more likely to die from overheating or get cut up into slices by the fans. Yet, there are chances that the spider falling into a PC or laptop could potentially damage it in a few ways.

The major damage includes contamination that happens when spiders release web material, shed skin, and other debris that interferes with the computer’s internal working, causing malfunctions.

These investors when come in contact with sensitive areas including connectors or circuit boards trigger unexpected shutdowns, short circuits, or electrical shortages. A spider when stuck or trapped inside, its body parts come into contact with sensitive electronic components, potentially causing short circuits. 

These tiny creatures are attracted to warmth and if they urinate or defecate inside the computer the moisture could corrode components. In some cases, their debris can interfere with a computer’s internal workings, causing malfunctions. Even if that’s not enough, their presence attracts other insects, worsening the circumstances. 

Similar Incidents Like That

Some of you might not know, but this is not the first time insects have invaded any electronic device. In a similar incident,  a man using his laptop notices ants coming out of his keyboard. The man told his audience that months later, his laptop stopped working. When the technicians opened it, they found a colony of ants who built up a nest inside his laptop screen and destroyed the USB ports.

Another Reddit user recounted a similar incident, in which the narrator found an old Dell Inspiron 530s covered with cobwebs. To his surprise, upon opening this device he saw 20 little white balls (spider eggs)  residing in the power supply and inside the PC. 

The infestation by ants, spiders, or any other insects inside the laptop is even worse as they do not have detachable keyboards. Once they begin to live inside the keyboard you might not get them out again. Especially when they lay their eggs, there’s no stopping them. 

Identify the Signs of Spider Infestation

Check for the sheds of skin fragments, webs in ports, and egg sacs. If yes, then spiders have taken up residence inside your device. 

Spider Webs

The presence of spider webs in ports acts as insulators and impedes the airflow. They not only obstruct the port and affect connectivity but also impact data transfer, disrupting signals, causing erratic performance, and data loss, and posing a threat to the hardware.

Shed Skin Fragments

Spiders can squeeze into tight spaces. Since they are the arthropods and molt their exoskeleton in their hiding spots, they shed periodically to accommodate their growth. If spiders are inhabiting your device then skin fragments may accumulate in the ports. Examine the ports for shed skin remnants to prevent further infestation. 

Presence of Egg Sacs 

Now that’s another clear indicator of potential spider infestation. Specifically, the warm and dark places of your computer device are ideal for them to lay eggs. These egg sacs block ports, leading to overheating and damage to internal components. 

Why They Choose Your Device?

The spiders in the PC, laptop, or any other device get in there because it's warm and dark. They see it as a source of food and shelter, crawling in to reproduce. They lay their eggs, and wait till they hatch. 

What to do If You Are the one facing It

If you notice signs of spider activity, such as webs or egg sacs, it’s best to address the issue quickly. Some species carry egg sacs attached to their body, while others lay egg sacs in diverse locations.

Start with analyzing. If there is a tiny egg sac, white to creamy in color and round oblong in shape, then there is spider infestation. The texture of these sacs varies from silky smooth to ones with spikes and bumps. If the sac is empty then spiderlings have hatched, spreading out into your PC. 

Professional help is recommended to deal with the infestation to prevent any further damage to your computer. However, in most cases, using a vacuum cleaner,  duster, and compressed air is the best line of defense against spiders and their egg sacs.

Cleaning Out Spider Nests of Your Computer

For effective cleaning, carefully dismantle the components that are susceptible to the nest. Unplug the power source and ground yourself to prevent static discharge. With the help of a screwdriver, remove the screw and hold the PC casing together. Look closely at the motherboard, fan vents, and wirings. 

If there are signs of spider webs, egg sacs, or spiderlings, blow them out using compressed air. Then with the help of a cotton swab reach out and clean tight spaces. Once you cleaned it thoroughly, implement pest control measures to prevent re-infestation. Be very cautious as you may damage the delicate components. Seal the entry points with tapes.

These were the measures to tackle a general situation. In case of severe spider infestation in the computer, seek assistance from professional pest control services. The professional exterminators follow crucial steps to ensure the safety and functionality of your computer. Pest control professionals have the knowledge, experience, tools, and expertise to identify and eliminate spider infestation. 

Prevention Tips

To avoid future infestations, keep your workspace clean and free from any mess or litter that could attract insects. Regularly inspect and clean your computer's exterior and ensure it is stored in a well-ventilated, dry place.

Seal all the gaps and cracks from where spiders could enter. Setting up some routine cleaning will do a great deal to help avoid infestation. Begin by powering down and unplugging the computer, before dusting it off with a microfiber cloth to remove any grime. The best step is to use a compressed air can and clean it from dust, for instance, fans or vents. Spider repellents can also be applied in and around your computer.

Natural and Electrical Spider Deterrents

Peppermint oil, vinegar, and citrus peels could all work as natural repellents and can be applied around your computer to keep spiders away. Also, electronic ultrasonic pest repellents make use of sound waves to deter spiders and other pests from your area.

FAQs

Are Spiders attracted to computers and other electronic devices?

Yes, spiders are attracted to computers and other electronic devices due to their warm and dark environment. 

What do spiders and other insects do inside a computer?

If a spider or any other insect gets inside your computer device, they will get out on their own. However, if they find a suitable habitat to reproduce, they will lay eggs and cause potential damage to your device. Their shed fragments, body parts, and egg sacs lead to serious consequences for your computer. 

What do spiders hate the most?

Spider hates the strong smell of peppermint, tea tree, lavender, citrus, or cinnamon. These strong scents are helpful to keep them out.

What kills a spider instantly?

Vinegar and water solution is used to kill them instantly. Vinegar comprises acetic acid that burns them. Creating a solution of vinegar and water and spraying it with the help of a spray is helpful to get rid of spiders.