Important Insights:
- It might seem like there are more spiders in autumn, but their population actually declines as temperatures drop and food becomes scarce.
- You’re more likely to see them because they begin moving indoors in search of warmth and protection.
- Because people spend more time inside during this season, spider sightings also happen to increase.
- Spiders can squeeze through small cracks and openings around your home’s foundation, windows, and doors.
If you’ve noticed more spiders hanging around during the fall months, you’re not alone, and it’s not just your imagination. As the weather cools and days get shorter, spiders face major shifts in their environment. Many will die off as their prey becomes harder to find, while others head indoors to escape the chill.
These seasonal changes alter spider habits dramatically, leading them to move, rebuild webs, and relocate their hunting areas, all of which make them far more visible to you.
Do Spiders Become More Active in the Fall?
Not exactly. Their overall behavior stays about the same, but they’re more noticeable during this time of year. Here’s why:
- In spring, spiders are smaller and harder to spot, even though they’re active.
- During summer, when insects are plentiful, spiders stay outdoors and don’t need to move around much to find food.
- Once fall arrives, many wander indoors to find safe places to live and hunt.
- Larger spiders tend to survive longer, which makes them easier to notice in the fall.
- Web-building species often spin larger webs when insects are scarce, making their webs stand out more around your home.
What Happens to Spiders When It Gets Cold?
When the air cools, spiders face the same challenge as the insects they eat, survival. While many don’t make it through the first frost, some are equipped to handle it.
Some spider species go through a process called cold hardening, allowing them to adjust to lower temperatures. They seek shelter in places like woodpiles, tree bark, leaf litter, or even tucked beneath your roofline. Still, your warm, dry home offers far better protection, which is why they move inside.
Spider activity also depends on the species. Some lay eggs in the fall, while others reproduce in spring. Even though spider eggs can freeze, egg sacs provide enough insulation for many young spiders to survive until spring.
Common Spiders Seen in Fall
- Giant House Spider
- Wolf Spider
- Common House Spider
- Cellar Spider
- Yellow Sac Spider
- Orb-Weaver Spiders
Keeping Spiders Out of Your Home
Spiders can slip through incredibly small spaces, so prevention is the best way to stay ahead of them. Take these steps to reduce the risk of an infestation:
- Seal any cracks, holes, or openings around windows, doors, and foundations.
- Repair damaged screens and make sure doors fit tightly.
- Install weatherstripping or door sweeps to close gaps at entry points.
- Reduce clutter indoors and outside to eliminate hiding spots.
- Trim plants, bushes, and tree branches that touch your home.
- Regularly vacuum corners, ceilings, and less-used areas to remove webs and egg sacs.
- Schedule professional pest control services for long-term spider prevention and peace of mind.
Do Spiders Become More Dangerous in Fall and Winter?
No, spiders don’t become more aggressive or venomous when the temperature drops. They’re just more likely to be nearby. Inside your home, they typically hide in dark, quiet areas such as corners, storage boxes, or near water sources.
Spiders rarely bite unless they feel threatened or cornered. Outdoors, they slow down considerably during the cold months, only emerging on warm days before returning to their shelters.
Trust Cooper Pest Solutions for Expert Spider Control
Spiders are an important part of nature’s ecosystem, but they don’t belong inside your home or workplace. If spiders have overstayed their welcome, turn to Cooper Pest Solutions for dependable, professional spider control that keeps your property protected.
Reach out to Cooper Pest Solutions today to schedule your spider inspection and removal service in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.