Why Spiders Appear Indoors in Cooler Weather
There are a few reasons why spider activity seems to surge in the fall. The first is that the weather conditions lead to more spider movement as they seek warm shelter. As the temperature begins to drop in autumn, spiders can’t survive as well outside. This causes them to move inside where it is consistently warm.
Along with the temperature change comes a drop in food supplies. Insects are spiders' primary food source, and they begin to die off in the fall, making it more difficult for spiders to find an adequate food supply. Since some insects survive year-round by finding shelter indoors, spiders often follow them inside.
The fall is also spider mating season for many species. Male spiders are much more active at this time of year as they travel around in search of female spiders.
Sometimes spiders simply get inside by accident. Small gaps and cracks, vent openings, and unscreened windows and doors offer spiders easy access as they hunt for food, mates, or warmer accommodations.
The increased spider activity inside your house in the fall doesn’t necessarily mean more spiders than usual. It simply means that they are more active in the fall than at other times of year, which makes them more visible, and they’re also more likely to find their way to indoor locations, including your home.
Recognizing the Signs of a Spider Surge
What are the signs of a spider surge in your house? You are likely to notice several things when spider activity increases:
- Live spiders: You’ll see spiders in your basement, garage, closets, attic, and other areas of your house, like the corners of ceilings.
- Webs: An increase in the number of spiders in your house also means an increase in the number of webs. You’ll often find them in corners, on the ceiling, under the eaves of your home, and throughout your basement.
- Egg sacs: Small egg sacs may appear in out-of-the-way areas of your house. Although less obvious than live spiders and webs, they indicate spider activity.
Practical Spider Prevention Tips
Can you do anything to avoid a spider surge in your home this fall? Yes! Try these practical strategies to prevent sharing your space with arachnids:
Seal Entry Points
- Inspect and caulk cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and your foundation
- Repair or replace broken screens, vents, and gable vents
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping
- Close gaps around pipe penetrations and utility cables
Manage Lighting and Insect Attractions
- Turn off outdoor lights that attract insects
- Use yellow “bug lights” or motion-activated lights
- Keep light fixtures and entryways clean so they don’t accumulate webs or insects
Declutter, Clean, and Reduce Hiding Spots
- Clear away clutter in garages, basements, attics, and storage rooms
- Vacuum regularly to remove webs, egg sacs, and insects that feed spiders
- Store items in sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes
- Remove or relocate items leaning against exterior walls, such as lumber, leaf piles, and garden debris
Control Moisture and Indoor Conditions
- Use dehumidifiers in basements, crawl spaces, and other moisture-rich environments
- Fix leaks in sinks and pipes
- Ensure good ventilation throughout your house
- Seal gaps around plumbing and HVAC penetrations
- Repair or replace water-damaged wood and other items
How to Handle Spiders That Make It Inside
Even with your best efforts to prevent spiders from getting inside, some may end up in your house. When you find spiders inside, you can do a few things.
First, don’t panic. Most spiders are completely harmless. If you can capture the spider alive, relocate it outdoors. Vacuuming spiders up is less messy than squishing them if you aren’t interested in touching them, much less relocating them. You can also use a vacuum to remove webs and egg sacs. Just be sure to change the bag when you’re done.
When to Call Four Seasons Pest Control
We understand if you’re on the fence about hiring a pest control company to take care of your spider problem. Here are a few reasons why contacting Four Seasons Pest Control is the wise choice:
- Your DIY spider prevention isn’t getting results
- You see a large number of spiders in your house
- You have reason to believe that venomous spiders are in or around your house
- There is spider activity in areas of your house that you can’t reach
- Other pests are active in your house that are attracting spiders
- You want peace of mind knowing your home and family are protected
Contact Four Seasons for Ongoing Pest Control
Although it’s entirely normal for spider activity to surge in the fall, you still don’t want to deal with a spider infestation in your house. With smart prevention and routine pest control, you can be certain that your home is fully protected from spiders and the pests that attract them.
Serving Danville, Reidsville, and communities throughout Virginia and North Carolina, Four Seasons Pest Control offers three home pest control plans to meet your needs. Our Basic Pest, Basic Pest with Termite Monitoring, and Signature Service all provide the effective pest control and prevention you want. Get in touch with us today to discuss which option is right for you.
