Key Insights:
- It may feel like spiders are everywhere during autumn, but their populations actually shrink as temperatures drop and the insects they feed on disappear.
- Despite fewer spiders overall, sightings increase because they begin moving indoors for warmth.
- People tend to spend more time inside this time of year, making encounters more likely.
- Even small cracks and openings around doors, windows, or siding can serve as easy entry points.
If you’re seeing more spiders in your home once fall arrives, you’re not alone, and there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation. As the seasons shift, cooler weather and shorter days bring major changes for spiders. Many species die off once their food sources vanish, while others start searching for ushelter indoors.
This seasonal transition forces spiders to change their behavior, relocate, and rebuild webs, making them much more noticeable during this time of year.
Are Spiders More Active When Temperatures Drop?
Not really. Their activity level doesn’t necessarily increase, but they’re easier to spot in the fall. Here’s why:
- During spring, young spiders are small and go unnoticed even when active.
- In summer, when their prey is in high numbers, spiders remain outdoors and don’t travel far.
- Once autumn hits, they begin exploring indoors for warmth and stable shelter.
- Larger, mature spiders survive longer into the cold seasons, which makes them more visible.
- With fewer flying insects available, web-builders often construct larger webs, which are hard to miss when they’re inside or around your home.
What Happens to Spiders When They’re Cold?
As temperatures drop, spiders face the same challenge as their prey: survival. Many won’t make it through the first wave of cold weather, but some are built to adapt.
Certain species can perform cold hardening, a natural process that helps them adjust to lower temperatures. These spiders seek refuge in sheltered areas such as leaf piles, tree bark, wood stacks, or under eaves. Naturally, the warmth and security of your home make it an attractive alternative.
Most behavior varies between species. Some lay eggs before winter begins, while others wait until spring. Even though eggs could freeze, many egg sacs provide insulation strong enough to protect the spiders inside until the weather warms up again.
Common Species Seen in the Fall
- Giant House Spider
- Hobo Spider
- Common House Spider
- Cellar Spider
- Yellow Sac Spider
- Orb-Weaver Spiders
Tips to Keep Spiders from Coming Indoors
Spiders are persistent and enter through even the smallest spaces. To help prevent them from moving inside, try the following:
- Seal gaps, cracks, and openings along windows, doors, and your home’s foundation.
- Check and repair torn window or door screens.
- Install weatherstripping or door sweeps to close spaces beneath entry doors.
- Reduce indoor and outdoor clutter to eliminate hiding spots.
- Keep bushes, plants, and vegetation trimmed away from your house.
- Regularly vacuum corners, ceilings, and less-used areas to remove webs and egg sacs.
- Partner with a professional pest control company for ongoing spider prevention and long-term protection.
Are Spiders More Dangerous in Fall and Winter?
No, spiders don’t become more venomous or aggressive in cooler weather. They just tend to be closer to where people are. Inside, they usually hide in dark corners, basements, or areas near water sources.
Most spiders will not bite unless they’re trapped or startled. Outdoors, they slow down significantly in the winter, occasionally emerging on warmer days before retreating again.
Get Professional Spider Control from Twin Forks Pest Control® in Southold and Southampton
Spiders are beneficial for controlling insects outdoors, but when they invade your home or business, it’s time to call in the professionals. Twin Forks Pest Control® offers expert spider control services in Southold and Southampton, designed to remove infestations and keep them from returning.Contact Twin Forks Pest Control® today to schedule your spider inspection and treatment service.
